Introduction
Goddess Mariamman (also worshipped as Muthumariamman, Pechi Amman, Theepachi Amman and other local forms) is one of Tamil Nadu’s most beloved village and city goddesses — protector of health, fertility and the rains. Hundreds of shrines across the state celebrate her in seasonal festivals, healing rituals, and colourful folk traditions. Below is a compact introduction followed by a curated list of prominent Mariamman temples in Tamil Nadu with short, ready-to-use details for each.
Why Mariamman matters in Tamil life
Mariamman is traditionally associated with curing diseases (especially smallpox and other fevers), bringing timely rains, and protecting local agriculture and families. Her worship blends Vedic/Shakta elements with intense local folk practices — vigils, milk and pongal offerings, fire-walking, and large annual festivals (often in Aadi/Panguni). The Aadi month (July–August) and temple teppam (float) or Panguni processions are some of the most important occasions in many Mariamman shrines.
How Mariamman is worshipped
- Daily pujas: Devotees often first pray to Ganapati and then to the Amman.
- Offerings: Pongal, neem leaves, turmeric, mangalsutras (by women), and vows made for health and healing.
- Festivals: Panguni, Aadi special pujas, teppam (float) festivals in temple tanks, and local car (ther) processions. Rituals vary widely from place to place.
Prominent Mariamman temples of Tamil Nadu
1. Arulmigu Mariamman Temple — Samayapuram (near Tiruchirappalli / Trichy)
One of the best-known Mariamman shrines in Tamil Nadu, Samayapuram Mariamman draws huge crowds especially on Tuesdays, Fridays and during festival seasons. The temple is famous for the strong faith in the goddess’s healing powers and large offerings of mangal sutras by women devotees. It is an important revenue-earning and pilgrimage centre in the state.
2. Arulmigu Sri Bannari Mariamman Temple — Bannari, Sathyamangalam (Erode district)
Situated at the foothills near Sathyamangalam, Bannari Mariamman is a powerful folk Shakti shrine frequented by devotees from both Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Karnataka. The temple is noted for its hill-fringe setting and the Panguni Kundam festival.
3. Vandiyur / Theppakulam Mariamman — Madurai (Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam)
Vandiyur Mariamman is linked with Madurai’s rich temple landscape; the large Teppakulam (temple tank) and the float festival (teppam) are highlights. The Mariamman shrine near the tank is deeply embedded in Meenakshi–Sundareswarar festival circuits. Visitors often combine this with a trip to Madurai’s main Meenakshi temple.
4. Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple — Thayamangalam (Sivaganga district)
A powerful local shrine (Muthumariamman) close to Madurai, Thayamangalam’s temple is famous for its Panguni celebrations, milk-pot processions and special abhishekams in Aadi and Thai months. The temple draws devotees seeking marriage boons and family welfare.
5. Theepachi / Theppachi Amman Temple — Tirunelveli
Theepachi Amman in Tirunelveli is a popular Amman shrine in the region, drawing devotees who seek blessings for marriage, fertility and wellbeing. The local calendar features Navaratri and Aadi observances and community festivals.
6. Muthumariamman / Mariamman shrines of Madurai region
Madurai district hosts several village Mariamman deities and the city-linked Vandiyur Mariamman tank — Mariamman is traditionally the guardian goddess of Madurai, and many city rituals begin with an offering to Her.
7. Mariamman temples of rural Kongu and Kongu–Coimbatore belt
Across Erode, Coimbatore and Salem districts you’ll find many powerful Mariamman shrines (village ammans and larger temples like Bannari). In this agro-region her role as rain-giver and protector of crops is especially emphasised.
8. Mariamman shrines near Chennai & North Chennai suburbs
Although many Amman shrines in Chennai are dedicated to different local forms (Vadivudai Amman, Kamakshi, etc.), Mariamman forms and Pechi Amman traditions are found across the city’s older settlements and coastal towns. Thiruvottiyur and other northern suburbs maintain long folk traditions.
9. Temple tanks and teppam sites associated with Mariamman worship
Large tanks (teppakuls) such as Vandiyur are central to float festivals where Mariamman’s image is taken on a decorated float — these events are social as well as religious highlights.
10. Many local Muthumariamman and Mariamman shrines across Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Sivaganga, Erode, Coimbatore, Salem and Villupuram
Because Mariamman is a ubiquitous village goddess, every district has notable shrines — some small and ancient, others enlarged and administered by the state HR&CE boards.
Festivals & seasonal notes
- Aadi (mid-July to mid-August): Many Mariamman shrines conduct special abhishekams, 108 milk pots, and healing rituals.
- Panguni (March–April): Car festivals and community fairs at several temples.
- Teppam (float festival): In tanks like Vandiyur, the float festival is visually spectacular and linked to the larger temple calendar.
Practical tips for visitors
- Tuesdays and Fridays are traditionally busy days for Amman temples — plan accordingly.
- Many temples have separate free/paid darshan lines; the larger pilgrimage centres (Samayapuram, Bannari) receive heavy traffic during festival weeks.
- Respect local customs: photography rules vary, and some inner sanctums may restrict cameras. Offer simple items (pongal, turmeric, neem) unless the temple prescribes specific offerings.