Kulasekarapattinam Mutharamman Temple
The Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekara Pattinam or Kulasai is a highly revered and renowned Hindu temple located in the coastal town of Kulasekara Pattinam in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mutharamman, a form of the Divine Mother, and is particularly famous for its annual Dasara Festival.
Image Attribution: @Kulasai Sri Mutharamman Temple from facebook
Deity of Kulasekarapattinam:
The primary deity of the temple is Goddess Mutharamman. She is believed to be a powerful and benevolent goddess, and devotees seek her blessings for protection, well-being, and the fulfillment of their wishes.
Dasara Festival in Mutharamman Temple:
The Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekarapattinam is particularly famous for the annual Dasara Festival celebrated in honor of the goddess. This festival is a grand and vibrant event that typically occurs during the Navaratri period, which usually falls in September or October.
The festival lasts for several days and draws thousands of devotees from different parts of Tamil Nadu and beyond. The temple is beautifully decorated, and a variety of rituals, cultural events, and processions take place during this time.
Decorations and Processions:
The temple is adorned with colorful decorations, lights, and floral arrangements during the Dasara Festival. Elaborate processions featuring idols of the goddess, traditional music, dance performances, and cultural programs are organized, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere.
The ‘Dussehra Set’ that Promotes Unity
The ‘Dussehra Set’ in Kulasekara pattinam is a significant tradition that fosters unity and team spirit among the town’s youth. Devout devotees participate not only as individuals but also in groups, collectively known as a ‘Dussehra Set.’ During this period, multiple Dussehra sets are formed in various towns. Those aspiring to please Goddess Kali are expected to adhere to rigorous fasting practices for a continuous period of 40 days. These fasting practices closely resemble celibacy, and they involve consuming only a single meal of pacharisi (a type of rice) each day.
This fast gives the devotees the power to tame the mind and body. So in each set, the one who wears the role of Kali is considered to be the leader. As it is a festival for Ambigai, Kali has a lot of importance there. Long braided hair, trident in hand, red paint on face, black paint if black, Kapala garland on neck, special clothes for it, korappal on mouth, patience is very necessary to wear Kali Vedam every day.
Mutharamman Temple Visiting Hours :
The Kulasai Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekaranpattinam welcomes visitors from 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the morning and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening.
How to reach Kulasai Mutharamman Temple:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Thoothukudi Airport (TCR), which is approximately 40 kilometers away from Kulasekarapattinam. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other transportation options to reach the town.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Thoothukudi Railway Station, which is well-connected to various cities and towns in Tamil Nadu. From Thoothukudi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kulasekarapattinam, which is about 35 kilometers away.
By Road: Kulasekarapattinam is well-connected by road, and you can reach the town by bus or taxi. It’s located along the Tamil Nadu State Highway 176, making it accessible by road from nearby cities and towns.
If you are traveling from Chennai, you can take a road trip to Kulasekarapattinam. The distance from Chennai to Kulasekarapattinam is approximately 650 kilometers, and the journey usually takes around 10-12 hours by road.