Mallikarjunar Temple, Dharmapuri

Mother Kamakshi occupies a prominent place in the temple's spiritual life. Devotees make a particular commitment to perform puja at the eighteen steps leading to her shrine, which are decorated with flowers during worship. The temple is notable for its depiction of Mother Sulini (Ambica) in a form rarely seen elsewhere in Tamil Nadu—she is shown subduing the buffalo demon Mahishasura, pressing the demon beneath her while grasping his horn with her left hand and placing her right foot upon his neck. This image faces east within the sanctum sanctorum.

On the third Tuesday of the Aadi month (July-August), Mother Sulini receives special adornment with complete sandal paste, an observance held only once yearly. The temple also maintains a shrine to Lord Kalabhairava, to whom prayers are offered on Sunday evenings. According to local tradition, historical kings of the region, including Thagadur Adhiyaman Neduman Anji, worshipped at this shrine.

Daily Worship and Ritual Practices

The temple opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 11:00 a.m. in the morning session, then reopens from 4:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the evening. On Sundays, special pujas to Lord Kalabhairava are conducted from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., following the regular evening worship.

Devotees engage in various forms of worship according to their intentions. Abhisheka—ritual bathing of the deity—is performed with multiple substances including oil, milk, curd, honey, fruit juices, coconut water, sacred ash, sandalwood paste, and rosewater. Turmeric and kumkum are offered mixed with cosmetic powders. Those making vows to Mother Kamakshi typically offer a sari along with nivedhanas (food offerings) of three kinds of fruit. Many devotees also arrange annadhana, the feeding of others as an act of devotion. Devotees seek blessings for health, marriage, children, family welfare, and relief from financial hardship.

Festivals and Observances

The temple celebrates several major festivals throughout the year. The Aadi Pooram festival occurs in July-August and features the Aadi bangle festival alongside Friday sandal anointments and flower offerings. In January-February, a two-day Chandi Homa is performed. The Vaikasi Car Festival takes place in May-June, while Navarathri is observed in September-October. December and January bring Margazhi special pujas and the Vaikunda Ekadasi festival.

Beyond these major observances, the temple draws crowds on monthly Pradosha days (typically falling twice monthly according to the lunar calendar), as well as on Tamil and English New Year celebrations. These regular occasions provide frequent opportunities for worship throughout the year.

Visiting the Temple: Practical Information

The temple is located at Sri Mallikarjuneswarar Temple, Thagattur, Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu, at coordinates 12.14292, 78.16642. The contact number is +91-4342-268640. Visitors should plan to arrive during the morning hours (6:00–11:00 a.m.) or evening hours (4:00–8:30 p.m.). The Aadi month (July-August) and the Navarathri season (September-October) are particularly significant times to visit, as are the months of Vaikasi (May-June) for the Car Festival.

As with Hindu temples generally, visitors should dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the sanctum. The temple follows traditional protocols for worship and ritual participation. Those wishing to perform specific pujas or make offerings should inquire at the temple regarding procedures and any associated contributions.