About 300 KM south of the state capital, Chennai, on the National Highway-45, is the town of Samayapuram. The town is well-known for its historic ArulmiguSamayapurathal or Mariamman temple, which is devoted to the supreme goddess Durga, Shakthi, or Kali in many incarnations.
A huge amount of religious fervour permeates this temple as thousands of followers pour in. They firmly believe that the deity is revered as having the capacity to heal all illnesses.In order to ask for divine help in healing, people actually purchase tiny metallic copies of problematic human body parts and donate them to the temple.One of Tamil Nadu's richest temples, Samayapuram Temple generates significant revenue for the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Trust, a government agency.
The Chithirai Ther Thiruvizha, which is yearly held for a period of 13 days commencing on the first Tuesday of the Tamil month Chithirai, is one of the main festivals of this temple. On the tenth day, a Ther (Chariot) procession is held, in which thousands of worshippers pull a chariot carrying the Goddess. Over 3 lakh people are expected to attend the festival this year, according to sources.
To control the crowds and traffic during the Chariot Festival, a large police presence is stationed in Samayapuram and the surrounding area. Devotees may only access the temple on foot as vehicles are barred from entering the town and are stopped a km from the shrine.
Even while the government makes great efforts to maintain the massive influx of pilgrims, it is not always simple. Strict adherence to traffic-movement regulations greatly facilitates smooth movement and prevents any problems brought on by large crowds.
The Samayapuram Temple is located about a kilometre from the "Special Bus Stand," which is often set up by the local government. The pilgrims must walk to the temple when all buses and other vehicles have stopped at this place. The National Highway-45's 4-lane construction has significantly reduced traffic congestion. While people travelling to Samayapuram for Darshan can use the Service Lane, which goes to the Temple, oncoming traffic can use the flyover.
During the Chithirai Chariot Festival and other major events, there are 24-hour bus services to surrounding cities including Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Thuraiyur, and Thanjavur as well as to all nearby small villages. Additionally, a continuous Town Bus service is offered to connect the Samayapuram Tollgate (the intersection of the Salem-Trichy main route), Chatram Bus Stand and Central Bus Stand. In Samayapuram town, including the Temple grounds, it is normal to witness Tamil Nadu Police, NCC, Scouts and Guides (school and college students) managing large crowds on festival days.
Theppam Festival follows the conclusion of the Chithirai Festival in the final week of April.
Activities:
10-04-2023 to 22-04-2023 Chithirai Car Festival
19-04-2023 - Chithirai Car Festival
22-04-2023 - Float Festival
Organized By:
H.R.& C.E. Department
Joint Commissioner, A/m. Mariamman Temple, Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli.
Joint Commissioner, A/m. Mariamman Temple,Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli.
0431-2670907
http://www.samayapurammariamman.hrce.tn.gov.in
How to reach:
The nearest airport is Trichyrappalli International Airport, which is 21 KMs away.
The nearest convenient railway station is Tiruchirappalli Railway Junction, which is 21 KMs away.
The nearest major city is Chathiram Bus Stand, which is 12KMs away.
Event Details:
Venue Address: A/m.Mariamman Temple
Date and Time: 10 Apr 2023 - 22 Apr 2023
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Ticket Infomation: Free
