Madhavaram Chelli amman temple
Compiled by
P.R.Ramachander
Devi Mahathmyam tells that the Goddess Parvathi took seven forms to kill the asuras. These Goddesses were adopted as Village Goddesses to protect them from natural epidemics and natural calamities. One of the most important is Pidari Chelli amman.
During the time of Pallava king Nandivarman II The Kailsasnadhar temple and Karivaradaraja Perumal temple were built in Madavaram.. People believe that Chelli amman was also consecrated then. It seems the king consecrated her facing east but next day morning the temple was facing north.. Again and agasin the king tried and same thing happened. It seems initially the idol was consecrated below a neem tree. In 1941 she was shifted to the present temple . Goddesses Mariamma and Lakshmi Amma who have temples in Madhavaram are considered to be her sisters and the Manjapakkam Ellaiamman is considered as her mother..
Opposite the Goddess there is a Bali peeda and a soola . Near to her the statues of seven maidens and Nagar(serpents) are also there. Wednesday is considered as the most auspicious day for Chelliamman and on that day she wears a green sari. The villagers of most of the surrounding villages to the temple consider her as their clan god. And before starting any important thing in their house, they come to the temple, offer Pongal to the Goddess and then only take any important decisions. Similarly if festivals are to be celebrated in Mariamman and Lakshmi amman temples, unless Chelli Amman gives permission, they do not celebrate.
In the month of Avani a one day festival is celebrated in the temple.. On that day she is decorated with care and there are special worships. Around 9 Am, from Her mother’s (Manjapakkam Ellaimaan) temple special gifts(cheer) of the house of birth are brought to her temple accompanied by drums and music.. Then the Koozh varthal(Giving of gruel) ceremony takes place . Aroung 6 Pm the festival comes to a close with a feast to her devotees. Then from next day Chelliamman goes to all the villages who are her devotees and returns only after one month.
