Kulasekarapattinam Mutharamman Temple (Kulasai Mutharammam Temple)

This 300 year old temple is located along the shore close to Tiruchendur. Once upon a time, due to the curse of saint Agathiyar, the saint Vajramuni became a man with a buffalo head. He was then known as Magisasuran as the term ‘Magisam’ means buffalo in Tamil. To get out of this humiliation, he did a lot of penance to attain the powers to rule the world and he did it. The people were unbearable with his atrocities which made them plead to Goddess Parvati to control him. Goddess Parvati sent a female child and named it Lalithambigai. The baby grew up within 9 days and came strongly to destroy Magisasuran. The demon was killed on the 10th day, which is called Navaratiri or Dussehra in different Indian languages. The growth period of the child during the nine days is presumed as Navaratiri. After the Goddess Parasakthi killed Magisasuran she was called ‘Magisasura Marthini’. Those suffering from incurable diseases like smallpox, chickenpox, mentally retarded, paralysed etc pray in this temple for relief. The experience of the devotees is that lord Mutharamman responds to their prayers without delay. People who lost their properties earlier, meeting loss in business, say they had recovered their assets after praying here. Local people firmly believe that Mutharamman is the guardian of their welfare. It is the only temple in Tamil Nadu where Dussehra is being celebrated as a major festival.