KarmaVaani
Shakta tradition
मारियम्मनMariamman
Mari · Muthumari · Samayapuram Amman
The Tamil mother of rain, who cools fevers and guards villages; worshipped above all at Samayapuram.
- Abode
- Samayapuram, near Tiruchirappalli
- Colour
- Red-brown
- Arms
- 4
Mariamman, from the Tamil mari (rain) and amman (mother), is the great village goddess of Tamil Nadu and the south, who sends the rain and heals the fevers and poxes of the hot season. Her festivals in the month of Aadi bring fire-walking, pots of pongal cooked in the street, and neem leaves hung at every door. Her best-known shrine is at Samayapuram near Tiruchirappalli, and in one tradition she is identified with Renuka, the mother of Parashurama.
How Mariamman is shown
A goddess seated with one leg folded, a crown with a hood of flames, a red sari and fierce yet kind eyes.
- Trident
- Protection of the village from harm.
- Damaru drum
- The rhythm of life and of the rains.
- Pot of water
- Rain and cooling relief.
- Neem leaves
- Healing of fever and pox.
Stories
Renuka
Renuka, wife of the sage Jamadagni, was so pure she could carry water in an unbaked pot. When her mind wandered for a moment the pot dissolved, and her angry husband ordered their son Parashurama to behead her. He obeyed, then asked as his reward that she be restored. In the Tamil telling, her head was set on another woman's body, and she became Mariamman, mother of the village.
Related forms
पार्वती
Parvati
परशुराम
Parashurama