Arulmigu Mariyamman Temple

Temple information

Darshan timings

06:00 – 21:00

Established

16

Best time to visit

Early morning hours on mid-week non-festival days to experience a peaceful darshan atmosphere

Deity

Deity form

Ancient seated stone vigraha of Goddess Mariamman holding Trishula, sword, Damaru, and kapala, adorned with dazzling gold and diamond armor

Religious tradition

Agamic Shakta Tradition & Kongu Folk-Classical Festival Heritage

Sanskrit name

श्री मरियम्मा देवी मन्दिरम्

Also known as

Karur Mariamman Temple, Amaravathi Mariamman Temple, Karur Mother Goddess Temple

Darshan hours

Daily

06:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 09:00 PM

Break timings

12:30 PM - 04:30 PM (Monday to Thursday)

Special days

Vaikasi Perunthiruvizha (22 Days), Navaratri, Aadi Fridays: 04:00 AM - 11:30 PM (Continuous Darshan)

Festival timings

Open continuously till 11:30 PM during Vaikasi festival days

Aarti & rituals

Morning aarti

06:30 AM

Midday aarti

12:00 PM

Evening aarti

06:00 PM

Night aarti

08:30 PM

Special aarti days

Every Friday, Tuesday, Vaikasi festival days, Aadi Fridays, New Moon days

Ritual schedule

Nitya Chatukkala Puja, Sahasra Kumkumarchana, Agnichatti procession, Kambam planting and immersion in Amaravathi, Golden Chariot procession

Pooja timings

06:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 08:30 PM

Abhishek timings

06:30 AM - 08:30 AM (Special Abhishekam to Ambal on Fridays and Tuesdays)

Special poojas

Available

Online pooja booking

No

History & heritage

Historical period

Ancient

Built by

Madurai Nayakas; expanded by Karur merchant guilds and Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department

Architect / builder

Traditional Tamil stone sthapathis

Construction materials

Solid dressed granite stone base, brick-lime soaring Rajagopuram, gold-plated kalashas, silver chariot

Historical events

Consecrated along the Amaravathi river to safeguard the ancient textile and trading capital of Karur against epidemics and famine

Renovations

Extensively modernized with a grand new five-tiered Rajagopuram, air-conditioned queue mandapams, and gold vimanam

Archaeological importance

Crucial cultural monument representing the urban folk-classical religious identity of Karur city

Legends

The sacred Kambam (neem log) planted in front of the temple during the annual festival is believed to represent the cosmic presence of the Goddess; its immersion in the Amaravathi River marks the grand conclusion

Inscriptions

Commemorative stone inscriptions recording donations by local textile merchant guilds and civic elders of Karur

Architecture

Architectural style

Dravidian

Architectural period

16th Century foundations with 20th Century modern expansions

Structure

Dense urban walled temple complex with five-tiered entrance Rajagopuram, pillared navaranga, inner sanctum, Kambam courtyard, and chariot shelter

Floors

1

Gopuram

Soaring five-tiered 75-foot entrance Rajagopuram embellished with colorful stucco sculptures depicting Shakta legends and Durga triumphs

Mandapa

Spacious Mukhamandapa supported by polished granite columns depicting Shakti devatas and guardian warriors

Sculptural features

Ancient stone murti of Goddess Karur Mariamman; golden chariot (Thanga Ratham); silver Kavacham; shrines of Vinayaka and Murugan

Artistic elements

Intricate ceiling floral patterns, embossed silver sanctum frames, gold-plated kalashas, and brass oil lamps

Construction technique

Interlocking monolithic granite block masonry adapted for heavy urban pilgrim footfall

Unique features

The famous 22-day Vaikasi festival where over 300,000 devotees carry sacred fire-pots (Agnichatti) and the sacred Kambam is immersed in the Amaravathi River

Festivals & events

Festival calendar

Vaikasi month (May/June Festival), Ashwayuja Navaratri

Special celebration days

Every Friday, Tuesday, New Moon day (Amavasya)

Cultural events

Folk dance, Nadaswaram, Carnatic classical concerts, and dramatic re-enactments during the annual festival

Annual events

The monumental Vaikasi festival featuring Agnichatti and Kambam immersion drawing over 300,000 devotees

Peak crowd season

May to June (Vaikasi festival) and July to August (Aadi month)

Visitor information

• ✓ Parking
• ✓ Restrooms
• ✓ Drinking water
• ✓ Shoe keeping
• ✓ Prasadam counter

Dress code

Traditional

Best time to visit

Early morning hours on mid-week non-festival days to experience a peaceful darshan atmosphere

Parking capacity

50+ vehicles

Parking fees

Approx. 20-50 INR

Donation counters

Yes

Donation methods

Cash, UPI, Bank Transfer

Prasadam

Vibhuti/Kumkum.