Located in the heart of Putlur-Ramapuram village in Thiruvallur district, the Poongavanathamman Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Angalaparameswari Amman, accompanied by Lord Vinayaka and Thandavarayan. The temple is approximately 38 km from Chennai and about 35 km from Koyambedu Bus Terminus, making it accessible for both pilgrims and visitors from nearby towns.
History and Significance
The principal deity, Poongavanathamman, has a rich and fascinating history. The neem tree is considered the symbolic tree of this sacred temple, believed to be 500 to 1000 years old.
The village of Ramapuram was once a lush agricultural land. Legend has it that a devotee, along with his pregnant wife, traveled through a rough path to visit the temple. Overcome by thirst, the wife rested under a tree while the husband went in search of water. When he returned with water, a miracle occurred—the dried river Kusasthalai began to flood unexpectedly. Upon returning to his wife, he was astonished to find that she had taken the form of an anthill.
Years later, a farmer ploughing the land witnessed blood sprouting from the same spot. When the villagers investigated, an elderly woman was possessed by the Goddess, who declared:
"I am the Melmalaiyanur Angalaparameswari. I have been lying here in the form of an anthill! Build a temple for me, pray to me, and I will protect you, drive out evil, and bless you with health and prosperity."
Moved by this divine manifestation, the villagers constructed a temple around the anthill. Because the area was fertile and full of flowers, the Goddess came to be known as Poongavanathamman, while retaining her original name, Angalaparameswari.
Devotional Practices
The temple is especially popular among devotees seeking marriage or children. The prescribed ritual involves:
Taking a holy bath in the temple pond with wet clothes
Circumambulating the sanctum 11 times while praying
Continuing this ritual every week for 9 weeks to fulfill one’s vow to the Goddess
Temple Timings
Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Other days: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Accommodation Near the Temple
For devotees traveling from afar, the following guest houses are available:
MSK Guest House: +91-44-2766 5773, 98946 22805
K P Guest House: +91-2766 1119, 99945 32289