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| Badrakali amman temple, Sivakasi,Tamil Nadu. . dreamstime.com |
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| Badrakali amman temple, Sivakasi,Tamil Nadu. TripAdvisor |
Bhadrakali (commonly called "Kali"), a Hindu goddess popular in Southern India is one of the fierce forms of the Great Goddess (Devi) mentioned in the Devi Mahatmyam. In Kerala and in West Bengal Kali worship is common among the Hindus than other parts of India Also known as Sri Bhadrakali and Kariam Kali Murti Devi in Kerala is said to be the protector of the good.
This goddess is portrayed as fierce-looking with three eyes, and four, twelve, or eighteen hands each carrying carries a weapon, with flames flowing from her head, and a small tusk protruding from her mouth. In many places, in particular in Kerala, her worship is also closely associated with the Tantric tradition being followed by the Matrikas - people who practice witchcraft and also by Namboothiris. Kali worship represents the tradition of the ten Mahavidyas that fall under the broader spectrum of Shaktism. In the case of West Bengal such Tantric worship is not prevalent. About her incarnation, there are more than 3 versions seen in some Puranas. Among them, the popular one is her divine birth as the daughter of Shiva fto liberate the world from demon Daruka.
Lord Shiva created Kali to slay the demon Daruka who got a boon of invincibility and immortality from the gods and misused it. The mystic power he received was no body could kill him. Intoxicated with this unique power, he committed all kinds of atrocities on the common people, sages and sadhus that tested the patience of the celestial and demigods who could not brook his misuse of boon at his whim. A situation arose in which there was a direct confrontation between the demon and Kali. Not knowing Kali's valor demon Daruka was resolved to kill her. In the ensuing battle, the demon was killed by Kali to save the people. In Kerala, it is believed goddess Kali killed the Assura Dharika to liberate the universe from his hold near Mandyi in Kannur District...........
In the wake of her victory over the demon goddess Kali - Devi was in an uncontrollable rage. In order to calm her down God Shiva, a well-known dancer, began dancing before the furious Devi and offering her worship. Then, she became subdued.
It is believed in Kerala, worship of Bhadrakali is associated with the practitioners of Kalarippayattu, a traditional martial arts form and the belief has been that she protects them when facing danger.
Built during the 18th century Badrakali Amman Temple in Sivakasi of Virudhunagar district saw further expansion during the 19th and 20th centuries. The tall temple has a 5 tiered entry gopuram 110 feet in height and width 66 feet ; which is quite visible in the vicinity; the temple i and various shrines are with in the granite wall enclosures all around.
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| Badrakali amman temple, Sivakasi.en.wikipedia.org |
Built during the 18th century Badrakali Amman Temple in Sivakasi of Virudhunagar district saw further expansion during the 19th and 20th centuries. The tall temple has a 5 tiered entry gopuram 110 feet in height and width 66 feet ; which is quite visible in the vicinity; the temple i and various shrines are with in the granite wall enclosures all around.
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| Bhadrkali Amman inspiredpencil.com |
Above image: Bhadrakali, a Hindu goddess with many arms adorned with weapons is considered to be the auspicious form of Adi Shakti who protects the good, known as Bhadra from evil forces. In Shaivism, she accompanies Virabhadra, a form of Shiva, as manifestations of Shiva's wrat. In Vaishnavism, Bhadrakali is among the many epithets of Yogamaya, the internal potency of illusion of the preserver deity, God. Vishnu. In states like Kerala she is seen to protect the honour of women and to bestow all spiritual knowledge.
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| Badrakali amman Wikipedia |
The roof of the shrine is gold-plated. Axial to the sanctum are built the temple tank and a bell tower. There is a shrine for a fierce-looking form of Vinayanaga called Heramba Vinayaka, with five heads. Here, his mount is bandicoot! The normal vahana /mount, a lion is missing.
Yet another feature of interest is the presence of eight forms of Parvati with shrines all around the temple. Adjacent to the temple, there are smaller shrines of other deities like Ayyappa, Murugan and Agora Murthy located adjacent to the temple tank.
As for puja rituals, the same tradition is being followed here, as in other places. The major annual festivals are Panguni Pongal-April and Chithirai Pongal- May celebrated for the deities Mariamman and Badrakali Amman. It is a ten-day engagement.
Normally in numerous temples, the deity of Badrkali, with a relaxed standing posture as a whole is a personification of humane nature and sympathy and it can not be mistaken for her weakness. She is equally deadly and fearful, when dealing with the evil-minded people, demons, etc. Instantly, her composed face full of grace can turn red with rage, and action will be taken forth with. Hence, she is the goddess of annihilation of the evil forces.
That she is wearing the crown of Fire and holding the trident downward suggests two things. The trident she is wearing destroys evil and the fire prevents the reoccurrence of evil and reduces them to ashes.
As for puja rituals, the same tradition is being followed here, as in other places. The major annual festivals are Panguni Pongal-April and Chithirai Pongal- May celebrated for the deities Mariamman and Badrakali Amman. It is a ten-day engagement.
Normally in numerous temples, the deity of Badrkali, with a relaxed standing posture as a whole is a personification of humane nature and sympathy and it can not be mistaken for her weakness. She is equally deadly and fearful, when dealing with the evil-minded people, demons, etc. Instantly, her composed face full of grace can turn red with rage, and action will be taken forth with. Hence, she is the goddess of annihilation of the evil forces.
That she is wearing the crown of Fire and holding the trident downward suggests two things. The trident she is wearing destroys evil and the fire prevents the reoccurrence of evil and reduces them to ashes.
Unfortunately on November 21, 2022 a fire mishap took place on Sunday at this temple. Two fire brigade vehicles responded andput out the fire. There was no news of damage to the upper part of the temple tower in the incident. At present, the Tamil Nadu Police department registered a case and started investigation
Based on 2016 old post:
