Kottai Mariamman Temple, Dharapuram travel guide

Deity

Mariamman (Koteeswari)

District

Tiruppur

Timings

6–11 am, 5–8 pm

Nearest railway station

Tiruppur

Nearest airport

Coimbatore

The goddess and shrines

The goddess, also called Koteeswari Mariamman, is worshipped along with Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi, all believed to have appeared on their own rather than being carved. One image of Mariamman shows a demon's face on her body, a reminder of her victory over evil. Like many Mariamman shrines, she is prayed to for relief from measles, pox and summer fevers. Visitors often come with neem leaves, turmeric water or salt as offerings, following the old customs of Amman worship.

The flower omen

Before starting a business, a marriage or some other new venture, devotees place flowers before the goddess and wait for a child or the priest to pick one. The colour chosen is read as the goddess's yes or no. Couples also come here to pray for harmony in married life, and when prayers are answered, families often hold a feast at the temple and share the meal with other visitors.

Festivals

Something is happening in most months, and festival days see long queues, so arrive early. Fridays in Aadi bring extra poojas and crowds, as they do at Amman temples across Tamil Nadu. During the big festivals the streets around the temple fill with stalls selling flowers, bangles and sweets.

• Purattasi Navaratri (September–October)
• Chithirai Pournami (April–May)
• Vasantha Utsavam (May–June)
• Aani Thirumanjanam (June–July)
• Thirukarthigai (November–December)
• Aadi Fridays (July–August)

Timings and how to reach

Morning darshan runs 6–11 am and evening darshan 5–8 pm. Tiruppur is the nearest large railway station, and Coimbatore has the nearest airport. Buses connect Dharapuram with Tiruppur, Palani, Erode and Coimbatore. Modest dress is expected. We can add Dharapuram to a Kongu-region temple trip that includes Palani.

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