Sri Periyachi Amman Poojai | Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple Singapore held on 11 Aug 2023 2nd Part

Periyachi is considered a “kaval deivam” or guardian spirit. Periyachi, along with Jada-Muneeswaran, an aspect of Muneeswaran, are said to come on earth as a pair to ward off evil spirits and guard the earth. She is also regarded as a protector of children and her fierce appearance is said to ward off evil spirits. There was once a Pandya king named Vallalarajan Rajah who evilly tormented his subjects. It was said that if his child touched the earth then this act would bring an end to the earth.

When the queen went into labour, the king could not find a mid-wife. He had to choose a woman named Periyachi. This stern woman successfully completed the delivery of the child and held it up so that it did not touch the earth. Periyachi asked for payment, but the King treated her badly and refused to pay. The king did not know that Periyachi was devi Parvati, so he was surprised when she took on her true form. Using her multiple arms she trampled the King underfoot.

Then, she killed the king using her weapons. At the same time, the evil child was held in her hands, not allowing it to touch the ground, thus saving the earth from destruction Periyachi is recognized by her eight arms and fearsome appearance. She is usually shown holding weapons and a child.

She may hold a Trishula (trident), a noose, a damaru drum with a snake, a sword and a vessel filled with blood. She is often depicted as standing or seated with her feet on a disembowelled king.

In the most fearsome illustration of her, she is shown with her two front hands ripping open the abdomen and womb of a queen, who lies on her lap, and is chewing the queen’s intestines as blood trickles from her mouth.

Two of her hands hold the intestines and the king’s evil child is held aloft in another hand. The festival called Periyachi Puja is held in the Tamil month of Aadi {also known as Aati} to honour the goddess. She is also worshipped in the Tamil month Thai. As part of her worship, an padaiyal offering, consisting of meat of the sacrificed animal as well as vegetarian dishes are presented to her and then given to devotees as prasad. Eating this prasad is believed to bring good luck and good health. During the seventh month, the Simantonnyana (“bangle ceremony”) is performed along with prayers to the goddess to ease labour pains and protect the mother and child during delivery.

After the childbirth, on the 30th, puja at home is performed and a black sari, non-vegetarian dishes and auspicious things are offered to the goddess Periyachi Amman. Women pray to her to avoid misfortune to a newborn baby and mothers are expected to pray to the goddess after a safe child birth.

On the first temple visit after childbirth, the parents dedicate their one-month-old babies to the goddess, placing the baby in front of the goddess on the ground or at her feet. The child’s head has to be shaved and covered by yellow cloth.

The most famous temples of Devi Periyachi Amman is Amman Kovil Temple Kelavannipet in Tamil Nadu.