Description
The VeerapandiGowmariamman Devi Temple based in Veerapandi, Theni in the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the reason for several thousand pilgrims to flock to the otherwise quiet town. The history of the temple dates back well over to the 14th century and was constructed by the then Pandya King Veerapandi. The mighty king Veerapandi has been credited to restore his eyesight by being whole heartedly devoted to the gods Gowmariyamman and Kanneeswaramudaiyar. The beautiful and ever flowing river Mullai River runs its course nearby to the temple. The VeerapandiGowmariamman Devi Temple is located at a distance of nearly 8 kilometers from the Theni bus stand.The festivals and celebrations carried out as traditionsin the temples of the Theni district are the cause of thousands of pilgrims flocking to it every year.The Theni district is renowned for thenumber of temples it possesses. To name a few would be the KalatheeswararGnanamman Temple,Kamatchipuram Sri PathiraKaliyamman Temple,ChinnamanurSivagamiamman Temple, SuruliVellapar Temple,VeerapandiGowmariamman Temple and MallingarSwamy Temple.
History
The VeerapandiGowmariamman Temple is of great historic significance. It was constructed by the then Pandiya King called Veerapandian, during the 14th century.During his reign over Madurai, the king underunfortunatecircumstances lost his eyesight. The inscriptions of the temple, according to historians, depict that the king Veerapandiya worshipped the Goddess Gowmariammanand Lord Kanneeswaramudayar by performing penance and meditation. The devotion poured by the king for the gods resulted in him regaining his eyesight
Importance/Significance
It is said that the Goddess Gowmarilistens to the prayers of every one of her devotees. She fulfillstheir desires and assists the devotees in healing from any diseases that they mightbefacing. It is said that devotes have infact, been cured after receiving her blessings and mercy.
Facts/Mythology
The inscriptions and whatever little documentation that could be obtained regarding the roots of the temple indicates the story of King Veerapandiya. The King was said to perform penance for having the God bless him. He prayed day and night to the gods to help him regain the eyesight. As he religiously prayed away, the great lord mysteriously appeared in his dreamsand asked the King to visit the bank of the river Vaigai. The river flowed trough a forest called NimbaAranyam. The goddess declared that the king can worshipand pray to her, thereby restoring his lost eyesight. Praying to Goddess Gowmari, the king regained his vision ononeeye.Upon praying further to God ArulmiguKanneeswaramudaiyar, the King's vision was restored completely.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The annual festival of the temple is celebrated during the Tamilmonth of Chittrai. After the first day, important poojasare conducted for 21 long days. By the fourth day, the temple vahana that carries the Goddess Gowmari paraded for an approximate duration of four days. It is especially during the festive-days that thousands of bhakts gather together to worship and conduct rituals to seek the blessings of the great goddess. A prominent feature of the festival can be said to be the offering of firepots.
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