Draft:Pandarikulam Amman Kovil

The Pandarikulam Sri Muththumari Amman Thirukkovil also known as Pandarikulam Amman Kovil, is a Hindu temple in Pandarikulam, Vavuniya, Sri Lanka dating back to the 16th century. Known as the first Directional Temple among the quartet of temples established in the region, it holds a sacred duty of invoking rain and protecting the settlements of Vavuniya from all four cardinal directions. It the largest Hindu temple in Vavuniya.

Initially overseen by pujaris who conducted rituals without chanting mantras but with offerings, including sacrificial tributes to the revered deity Muthumari Amman, the temple later saw a significant change in its religious practices after 1977, with Brahmins assuming the responsibility of conducting worship ceremonies and offering pujas. It has remained a pilgrimage site of immense importance.

The annual festival held in honour of Muththumari Amman is a grand affair, attracting throngs of devotees from across Vavuniya.

Location
Pandarikulam Amman Kovil is located 1.3 km from the Vavuniya Railway Station and 400 m from the B52 road. Its strategic location near these transport arteries facilitates easy access for devotees and visitors alike. Surrounded by verdant fields, the temple serves as a beacon of communal harmony and spiritual devotion for the Vairavarpuliyankulam and Pandarikulam suburbs. Despite the limited public transportation options in the area, its close proximity to these key landmarks ensures a steady flow of pilgrims and tourists, enriching the vibrant fabric of the local community.

History
The Muththumari Amman temple in Vavuniya, alongside the Kandaswamy temple and the Kudiyiruppu Pillaiyar temple, is believed to date back to ancient times. Evidence of its antiquity is apparent in the presence of a statue of Muththumari Amman within the Kandaswamy temple's courtyard and the construction of a dedicated temple for Muththumari Amman at the entrance of the Kudiyiruppu Pillaiyar temple.

Tracing its origins to the 16th century, the Temple of Muththumari Amman began as a modest shrine nestled atop a neem tree. Over time, it flourished into a revered institution, largely due to the unwavering support of the local Pandarams and Wannaans communities. The reign of the esteemed monarch Pandara Vanniyan saw the temple's prominence reach new heights, with the ruler himself renaming the village after his visit to honor the deity. Formerly known as Karunkali Thottam Village, it was rechristened Pandarikulam, honoring Pandara Vanniyan's reverence for the goddess. The temple's historical association with towering ebony trees also led to its erstwhile moniker as the Karunkali Amman Temple in ancient folklore.

For more than four centuries, the temple remained relatively modest as newer Hindu temples emerged in Vavuniya. However, significant changes occurred in 1977, with the replacement of Pujaris and animal sacrifices by Agamas and Brahmins. Despite the challenges posed by the Sri Lankan conflict, the temple gradually evolved, culminating in its complete demolition and subsequent reconstruction in 2010, transforming it into the largest Hindu temple in Vavuniya. After twelve years of consecration, a grand re-consecration ceremony took place on March 25, 2024. This event featured the unveiling of a magnificent five-tiered gopuram adorned with intricate designs, alongside an elaborate nine-kundalini grand kumbhabhishekam.

Festivals
The temple festival kicks off fifteen days prior to the full moon day in the Tamil month of Aadi with the flag hoisting ceremony, initiating a series of celebrations that span the following fortnight. This festival stands as one of the most extended and anticipated events in the city of Vavuniya.

During the Navaratri festival, which extends over a period of 10 days, the temple hosts cultural performances and rituals.

During occasions such as Saptharosha and Iratharosha, numerous devotees gather to contribute towards the temple's financial needs. The Poongavanam festival also witnesses a plethora of artistic and cultural events, attracting participation from people of various ethnic backgrounds. Throughout the 17-day celebration, each day is marked with unique rituals and festivities, including the Kailasha Utshavam on the 5th day, the Vettai Thiruvizha on the 13th day, the Sappara Utshavam on the 14th day, the Ther Utshavam on the 15th day, the Theertham on the 16th day, and concluding with the Poongavanam on the 17th day.