Ancient shrine sports a new look

Sri Ashtaadasabhuja Mahalakshmi Durgadevi Saraswathi Temple, Nanjai Pugalur, is located at Nanjai Pugalur Agraharam, near the Thavuttupalayam bus stop on the Velur-Karur route. The temple has many unique features, the main being the presiding deity, who is worshipped as an incarnation of Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswathi.

Seen with 18 arms, Sri Ashtaadasabhuja Mahalakshmi Durgadevi Saraswathi Amman is seen holding the trident on one hand and seated on a lion; and having the Japamalai on the other while seated on a Lotus.

Goddess Durga, in a sitting posture, faces East, opposite to which is the sthala vruksham, the Neem tree. Here the deity is seen as an incarnation of Lakshmi (seated on the Lotus), Saraswathi (as holding the japamalai) and Kali (seated on the lion), which is a unique feature. It is believed that by offering sincere prayers to this deity one will be blessed with knowledge, valour and prosperity.

Special rituals

The shrine is also special as one can worship five kinds of Vinayakar here — Arasamarathadi Athiyamma Vinayakar, Kalyana Vinayakar, Karpaga Vinayakar, Kottai Vinayakar and Durga Vinayakar. The Navagrahas have a separate enclosure. Special abishekam and pujas are performed for Gurubhagawan on Thursdays and for Saniswaran on Saturdays. The Panchanagar idols, under the Banyan tree, are worshipped to nullify doshas.

Special pujas and rituals are conducted on every full moon day, for Sankatahara Chaturthi and Sashti. Ragukala pujas are performed on Tuesdays (3- 4.30 p.m.); Fridays (10.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.) and Sundays (4.30.-6 p.m.)

Temple time: 6.30 a.m. - 8.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The kumbabishekam of this ancient temple depends on the availability of funds, which are solicited by the Committee in charge. Details for direct bank remittance: ‘Sri Yajnavalkya Jayanthi Mahothsava Sabha,’ SB a/c number: 1644 1550 0007 5294; IFSC code: KVBL0001644; The Karur Vysya Bank Ltd., Paramathi Velur. For details call +9194438 82054.

How to reach: Nanjai Pugazhur village is situated near the Thavuttupalayam Bust Stop, on the Velur-Karur route.