Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple
Introduction '''Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple''' is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess ''Punithavathi''. It is located on Bharathiar Street, in the center of Karaikal, India. Ammaiyar, or Goddess Punithavathi, is a renowned goddess in Karaikal.
History The temple was constructed by Malaiperumal Pillai in 1929.The main goddess is ''Punithavati'', also known as ''Karaikkal Ammaiyar''. There is also a sanctum for Vinayaka inside this temple. Karaikal Ammaiyar is one of the 63 Nayanmars. Karaikal Ammaiyar (also known as Punithavathi)  was born to Dhanathathanar, from a merchant community knows as Nattukottai Nagarathar (also Known as '''Nattukottai Chettiar''')
Festival The Mangani Tirunal festival (the festival of the mango fruit) is observed in the Tamil month of Aani on the full moon day. The belief is that Karaikal Ammaiyar gave Annam (food) to Bhikshatanar during his tour around the world begging alms. Since she gave him with curd rice and mangoes, those items are distributed on the festival day, in a big hall adjacent to the temple.
Nearby Places # Karaikal Kailasanathar Temple# Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple# Chandra Theertham tank# Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple(in Thirunallar)
See also * Karaikal district
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