History:

This temple is a tribute to Kannagi, the icon of chastity in Tamil Nadu. This temple is located in the place where Kannagi stayed during her visit to Madurai. This temple also has Parvathi Shrine, and the Amman is called Chenbagathu Amman. More than Kannagi, Chellatha Amman became famous, and her power attracts devotees from all over India.

Distinctiveness:

The Amman graces a pedestal in a sitting form with a Shoolam in one hand and a Kondrai flower in the other. Kannagi Shrine is found in the outer pavilion and is seen holding an anklet in one hand. Devotees pray to Kannagi with garlands and lime fruits for family harmony. Pechiamman Shrine is just opposite Chellathamman. There are also statues of Nagaraja. People suffering from serpent sin offer turmeric anointment to the goddess Naga Devi and offer flowers.

During the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar marriage, the first silk saree is offered to Chellatha Amman as an invitation to participate in the procession. The very next day, Chellatha Amman appears in the procession wearing the silk saree gifted to her.

Other than the shrines of Kannagi and Chellatha Amman, there are shrines for Mother Durga, Lord Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Aiyanar, and Lord Kala Bhairava in the outer premises. Vinayaka in this temple is known as Lord Anugnai Vinayaka.

Legend:

The temple was built by the Pandians as a tribute to Kannagi. But after the erection of this temple, continuous fire accidents took place in that area. People believed that, even after paying tribute to Kannagi, her anger was still in a high state. They performed many poojas to calm her down, but nothing worked. Some days after Lord Shiva appeared in King’s dream and asked him to install a statue of Parvathi, if done so, the temper of Kannagi would be reduced. As per the words of the Lord, a Parvathi statue was installed in the inner premise of the temple, and the goddess was named Shenbagathu Amman, which later became Chellatha Amman. And in the meantime, Chellatha Amman became very famous among the locals, and all the first poojas were performed by Amman, later carried to Kannagi.