Arulmigu Kottai Mariamman Temple, Salem

Arulmigu Kottai Mariamman Temple, located in Salem district of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most important shrines of the Shakti tradition. The temple is regarded as the guardian deity of Salem city. The Goddess, also known as Periya Mariamman (Great Mariamman), is revered as the presiding deity of the Navagrahas (nine planets).

History of Salem Kottai Mariamman Temple

Around 500 years ago, when the minor rulers of the Chera country built a fort and ruled Salem, they constructed this temple along with a Perumal temple. The fort soldiers worshipped Mariamman as their guardian deity. Over time, the fort area transformed into a residential locality, and today only a place called “Kottaimedu” remains as a reminder of the old fort.

In 1876, Parvathiyammal and Muthukumara Pillai, associated with the old fort administration, built a charitable choultry (Dharmasathram). In 1881, the temple was renovated.

Among the eight Mariamman temples in Salem city:

Kottai Mariamman, Ammapet Mariamman, Sevvaipettai Mariamman, Sanjeevirayanpettai Mariamman, Chinnakadai Veethi Chinna Mariamman, Gugai Mariamman, Annadhanapatti Mariamman, and Ponnamma Pettai Mariamman—this temple is considered the foremost.

Special Features of the Temple

• This temple is known for having one of the smallest sanctum sanctorums (garbhagriha) among Amman temples in Tamil Nadu.
• Regardless of status or position, everyone must bow down and kneel to worship the Goddess, symbolizing humility.
• Naivedyam (food offering) is not formally offered; instead, it is directly fed to the Goddess.
• Worship here is believed to grant marriage blessings and the blessing of children.
• It is a powerful remedial shrine for curing illnesses (especially eye-related diseases), removing marriage obstacles, and resolving family problems.
• The Goddess is the guardian deity of Salem and is regarded as the Mother who rules over the eight localities (pettai) of the city.

“Flower Oracle” Ritual (Pooppottu Paarthal)

White and red flowers are tied into bundles and placed at the Goddess’ feet. Devotees pick one bundle, believing their wish will be fulfilled accordingly.

Even during eclipses, the temple doors are not closed, and special poojas are performed.

Salem Kottai Mariamman Temple Structure

• 81-foot-tall Rajagopuram (main tower) facing east
• Sanctum (Garbhagriha)
• Front hall (Mukha Mandapam)
• Bali Peedam (altar)
• Outer prakaram hall
• Parrot Mandapam (Kili Mandapam)
• Vasantha Mandapam

Idol Description

The Goddess has four hands:

• Upper right hand: Snake noose (Nagapasa) and Udukkai (drum)
• Lower right hand: Trident (Trishul)
• Upper left hand: Ankusha (goad) and nectar symbol
• Lower left hand: Kapala (skull bowl)

She sits in a yogic posture, folding her left leg, facing the northeast direction with a blissful expression. On her head is a Jwala (flame) crown with a serpent motif.

Worship Practices and Benefits

• Flower Oracle: For resolving family issues, marriage delays, illness, and employment problems.
• Eye Offering (Kannadakkam Saathuthal): Devotees offer gold or silver plates as fulfillment of vows for curing eye diseases.
• Clay Idol Offering: After recovering from pox or illness, devotees carry clay dolls in gratitude.
• Body-Part Replica Offering: Offering dolls representing the affected body part for healing.
• Measuring the Temple Circumambulation (Adiyalandhu Koduthal): Walking around the temple step-by-step to fulfill vows.
• Salt and Pepper Offering: Offering turmeric-mixed salt at the bali peedam to remove obstacles.

Believed Benefits

Marriage, childbirth, relief from illness, family happiness, and prosperity.

Festivals at Salem Kottai Mariamman Temple

Aadi Grand Festival (15–22 days): Includes flower procession to seven Mariamman temples in Salem, flag hoisting, invocation of Shakti, Shakti Karagam, rolling penance (Uruludhandam), Pongal offering, Maha Abhishekam, body piercing rituals (Alagu Kuthuthal), Fire Karagam, Maavilakku ritual. On Aadi 18, special flood-related celebrations (Aadi Perukku).

• Vinayagar Chaturthi
• Navaratri
• Deepavali
• Thirukarthigai
• Thai Pongal
• Maha Shivaratri
• Tamil New Year
• Aadi Perukku Festival

Salem Kottai Mariamman Temple Timings

Arulmigu Kottai Mariamman Temple is open:

• Morning: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM (sometimes until 2:00 PM on certain days)
• Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

How to Reach Salem Kottai Mariamman Temple?

• 6 km from Salem Junction Railway Station
• 1 km from Salem Town Railway Station
• Located adjacent to the New Double-Decker Bus Stand
• Near the Old Bus Stand in Salem city, on the banks of the Thirumanimutharu River
• Easily accessible by bus and auto-rickshaw

Salem Kottai Mariamman Temple Address

Arulmigu Kottai Mariamman Temple,
Town Bus Stand,
Salem – 636001,
Salem District.

Phone: +91 427 226 7845

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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