Periyachi Amman is a fierce Hindu goddess venerated primarily in South India and among Tamil communities worldwide. She is revered as the protector of pregnant women and children, embodying the attributes of strength, courage, and maternal care.
TITLE:- “Periyachi Amman: The Protector of Pregnant Women and Children – A History of Divine Strength and Compassion”
Women who are infertile or want to get pregnant pray to Periyachi Amman daily. Recently married women silently wish to go to her temple and get pregnant.
Women provide free food at the nearest temple on Tuesdays or Fridays after getting pregnant. 7 sarees are donated on this day to other female devotees. Husbands also pray for the welfare of wives and unborn children.
7 days after the baby is born, it will be placed at the feet of Periyachi Amman. The child’s mother would have left the child for a few minutes to show her loyalty to Periyachi. At this time, it is believed that the Amman talks with the child and cures any disease.
Periyachi Amman is especially the protector of pregnant women. Pregnant people pray and pray because they are considered to need her grace for healthy delivery, and for a healthy child that grows in the stomach. She’s treated like an old lady Aachi.
(In the past, there were old, well-salented old women who used to see delivery in the village areas. They estimated when pregnant women would deliver, applied oil on the pregnant woman’s stomach to give birth properly and did whatever they needed for a safe delivery.
Om Sakthi Not only that, as the advice of the old lady is important in their homes, they were bought with love as Achimaras. Teachers will also be called miracles because they know how to protect pregnant women. The pregnant women will bring them home and get their help).
Om Sakthi The periyachi is a terrible look to see a woman who is holding a child in her hand with a terrible image, when a woman is scratching her stomach with her hands on her thigh and a man trampled under her feet. She is terrible to see but to those who worship her.
She helps unlimitedly those who worship her. In most of her temples, there is a Madurai Veeran like her guard. Om Sakthi உள்ளது has a folk story about her appearance and coming to earth. According to that story, once there was a king named Vallaraja from Pandian country.
He persecuted many in his regime. Not only people, but also Rishi sage faced big trouble because of him. He had monsters and giants in his hands. So nobody can do anything to him. At the same time, the monsters and demons who were with him praised Periyachi Amman to protect themselves.
One who lived like that and ruled a tyrant rule once received a curse through a sage. If the body of the baby touches the earth immediately after her birth, he will be destroyed. His country will be destroyed too. And his child will cause him death.
Rather if it remains one day without touching the earth, then nothing will happen. That king did not have a child for a long time. Once a wife was pregnant. Though a born child touches the earth immediately, he who knows that if the curse fails.
He is struggling to do what he knows that there is no danger after that. But because he was destined to perish, Periyachi Amman who suppressed the demons and monsters, was roaming around in the form of an elderly woman in his country.
no beds in those days. Nothing like a luxury mattress. They will be asked to stay alone in the corners of the houses when it comes to delivery to avoid the impression of delivery. They deliver from the mat on the floor. That was a time when there was so much control. That’s why the experienced old girls are made to support pregnant women.
King sent his troops everywhere and searched for a suitable partner to deliver his wife. But no one came forward to help him. The Queen has got labor pain. The born child should also be fine. At the same time, the king who was worried that she would not be immortal, departed immediately and went into the town and was searching for a good rule for delivery, the Periyachi Amman in the form of an elderly woman in front of the king was found.
King sought her help without knowing that Periyachi Amman is a goddess. Periyachi Amman also gave birth to his wife and told that his baby’s body is not going to fall on earth first and put a condition on him. On that condition, she promised to give her a lot of things if she had left the body of his unborn baby on earth.
குழந்தை baby is born. Periyachi Amman, who was sitting next to the king’s wife, was also sitting holding the child in her hand. After the deadline, the king came and asked his wife to give the child. But Periyachi Amman kept the baby in her hands and told her to bring the things she had to give first.
The arrogant king went near the Periyachi with a colored sword who angrily said that an old woman can do what she can do and told her that she will kill you if you don’t give the child. That’s it, an angry Periyachi sat there showing her self image with four hands, with horrible eyes.
She held the baby with one hand. With the other hand, he lifted the king’s wife on her thigh, tore her stomach and bit her wood parts of her body. In the meantime, she pushed the king under her feet who came with a sword drawn near her. His troops were chased away by her slave giants.
In this way, after completing the story of the tyrant king with his dynasty, the people who stood furiously bowed their hands and prayed to her, to quench her anger, to save them and bless her, she also got angry and told the truth about herself.
She assured that she is the incarnation of Kali, that she will save her home only if she comes with praises and worships her, she will help the pregnant women in her homes to grow well and that she will protect their children.
She has identified herself in this way as a village angel in many villages, the speech worshiped by the city people or Periyachi Amman. She is highly adored in the month of Audi. They take pregnant women to her temple and ask for her blessings.
Once the baby is born, before the cradle is named, they take her to her shrine first and then lay the baby in her shrine, they bring her home and perform other rituals. Rituals like ear piercing and shaving for girl children are performed in her temple praying for her.
Some people see her as Mariamman incarnation. Some of her temples in rural areas are being sacrificed for animals. But in urban temples only pure vegetarian offerings are created. Periyachi or Pechi Amman, the angel of Kali’s incarnation.
Once upon a time, she was a God whom non Brahmins worshiped and praised. But over time even Brahmins started praising her because she is the incarnation of Goddess Kali. Yet even today, she has been accepted as a village angel in villages, has been blessed by the name of Periyachi Amman in the temples there, her temples are also built in large cities like Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
She is being adapted there as Kali Goddess. South Indian region people, especially Tamilnadu people, who migrate abroad, say that they have got many benefits through Periyachi Amman. She is also known as Pachi Amman.
HISTORY OF PERIYACHI AMMAN
Periyachi Amman, also known as Pechi Amman, is a prominent deity in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. She is considered to be an incarnation of the Goddess Kali and is widely worshipped by people seeking blessings for fertility, safe childbirth, and protection from diseases and evil forces.
The history of Periyachi Amman has both religious and cultural roots, dating back several centuries. The origins of Periyachi Amman can be traced to ancient folk traditions and beliefs that were prevalent in rural Tamil Nadu. Over time, these beliefs merged with Hindu mythology, and she became associated with Goddess Kali, known for her fierce and protective nature.
According to local legends, Periyachi Amman appeared during a time of social unrest and oppression. There was a tyrant king named Vallaraja in the Pandian kingdom who oppressed his people and troubled sages and saints. The king had powerful monsters and giants in his service, making him invincible.
Amidst the chaos and suffering, people turned to Periyachi Amman, who was revered for her protective powers. The king’s wife, who was pregnant, sought her assistance in ensuring the safety of her unborn child.
Periyachi Amman agreed to help but set a condition that the child should not touch the ground immediately after birth. Upon the child’s birth, the king, eager to avoid the predicted calamity, searched for someone who could help him fulfill the condition.
It was then that Periyachi Amman appeared in the form of an elderly woman and offered her aid. However, she requested valuable offerings in return. The king, consumed by arrogance, tried to forcefully take the child, but Periyachi Amman revealed her true divine form, showing her terrifying image with four hands and fierce eyes.
She protected the baby and punished the king for his arrogance and cruelty, bringing an end to his oppressive rule. After this incident, Periyachi Amman’s fame spread, and she was worshipped as the protector of pregnant women and the guardian of children.
Over time, her temples were established in various villages and cities, becoming an integral part of the cultural and religious fabric of Tamil Nadu. Throughout history, Periyachi Amman’s popularity has continued to grow, and she remains an essential figure in the spiritual lives of many people in the region.
Her devotees seek her blessings for a smooth pregnancy, safe delivery, and the well-being of their families. Her festivals, particularly during the month of “Aadi” (July-August), are celebrated with fervor and devotion, making her an enduring symbol of strength, protection, and motherhood.
SCIENTIFIC IMPROVEMENTS:
Ingenious Strategy: Periyachi urged for couples to avoid staying together during the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August). Why? How could separation during a specific month be advantageous? If a child is conceived during the month of Aadi, he or she will be born during the month of Chithirai (April-May), which is the height of summer in South India.
Due to the blazing heat, the newborn death rate will peak during this month. This temporary separation is still practised in the name of faith today, ignoring scientific principles.
Medical upgrades:
Periyachi is also noted for developing a number of surgical equipment and medical upgrades. It is worth noting that surgery was invented in India about the sixth century B.C. Her unique instruments were featured on the original Periyachi sculptures, but the contemporary ones may not fully reflect history.
Is it a temple or a memorial?
Soon after her death, about 1475 A.D., the first Periyachi Temple was built in Kondithope village. It would have been known as the “Periyachi Memorial” in modern times. She was given the suffix “Amman,” which is derived from the Tamil words “Amma Aana” (motherhood).
Her foster son Seeralan served as the temple’s first priest. The temple was small, with a single black stone that had been hastily cut. It’s worth noting that creating memorials is an ancient Tamil tradition known as “nadukkal.” Pregnant women and mothers with sick babies became regulars. In addition, infertile ladies prayed to her to become pregnant.
Temple Distribution:
Periyachi Amman’s fame spread like wildfire, resulting in thousands of temples in South India, primarily in Tamil Nadu. Temples were also built sporadically in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. The earliest Periyachi Amman temple to be established outside of India was in Malaysia in the early 14th century by Tamil traders known as Malacca Chitty.
While Periyachi Amman sculptures can still be found in Malaysia and Singapore, her homeland has mostly ignored her during the last century. Periyachi Amman temples are becoming increasingly rare in Tamil Nadu, yet some still survive.
Periyachi Amman Temples’ Current Status:
Periyachi Temples, like most Tamil or Dravidian temples, are in rapid decline. Periyachi Amman Temples in Tamil Nadu have gradually been turned into Shakti or Kali temples during the last century. This is done in order to obtain the “Agamic Hindu Temple” designation, which is useful for obtaining donations and government funds.
Today, there are no known Periyachi temples in Chennai. Tamil Nadu has only a few temples, mostly in the districts of Thiruvarur and Tiruvannamalai. Due to a lack of funds, many temples are on the verge of being demolished. The modern Tamils do not support and often look down on the ancient Tamil temples. Because of this, several Periyachi temples have been closed or relocated into jungles.
However, the Tamil diaspora that migrated to Malaysia and Singapore decades ago has preserved her legacy. Many of these temples have been demolished in Malaysia within the last decade. One of the most well-known temples is in Penang, Malaysia.
“Devi Sri Periyachi Amman Temple” is its name. Periyachi is a subsidiary deity of Veeramakaliamman Temple and Mariamman Temple in Singapore. Temples can also be found in Mauritius and Fiji. Periyachi Amman dolls are also available in Singapore’s Little India.
Religious Beliefs:
There are four stages in which women actively worship Periyachi.
Non-Pregnant Women: Women who are deemed infertile or who wish to become pregnant pray to her on a daily basis. Recently married women come to her shrine and silently make a wish to become pregnant.
When visiting the temple, the women wear black saris and usually bring rice, meat, or fruits to leave beside the statue. In contrast to Hindu custom, these women are urged to consume meat or fish before attending the temple.
Pregnant Women: As soon as a woman becomes pregnant, she is given free food at the temple on the next Tuesday or Friday. On this day, 7 black saris are also distributed to other female devotees. Husbands also pray for the well-being of their wives.
Newborn babies: Seven days after birth, the baby will be placed at the feet of Periyachi Amman. To demonstrate her devotion to Periyachi, the child’s mother will back away and leave the youngster for several minutes.
During this time, the Goddess is said to speak to the baby and heal any illnesses. A black hen will be sacrificed on the temple’s stone altar. “Karum Kozhi Padaiyal” is the name given to this sacrifice. The hen’s flesh and blood would be placed near the Goddess and cooked for the devotees.
unwell Children: Infants and toddlers who are frequently unwell or who are suffering from severe illnesses will be taken to the temple. They will be dressed appropriately.
Religious Practises:
Periyachi Amman ceremonies are well-known throughout the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August). This is the time when the wives are separated from their husbands. Tuesdays and Fridays are essential days for worship.
Theemithi (fire-walking ritual): This ritual is generally performed in the evenings or at night. Men and women congregate in front of an area with burning charcoal on the floor. Devotees walk on this flaming patch to atone for their transgressions.
Inside the temple, several Tamil dances such as Karakattam and Oyilattam are performed. Therukoothu drama and Villu Pattu songs are utilised to share the history of Periyachi Amman.
Penance: Punishing oneself for transgression is also highly popular among devotees. To relieve devotees’ guilt, they are encouraged to carry fire pots with their bare hands, impale their tongues and skins, and flagellate themselves.
Animal Sacrifices: This was a popular practise until the last 50 years, when governments prohibited such practises. However, goat and chicken sacrifices continue to be performed in secret. Because they cannot openly execute animal sacrifices, many Periyachi temples have relocated to the forests and achieved “cult-like” status.
Name Confusion: Periyachi Amman is of Tamil or Dravidian origin, as opposed to the Hindu faith that predominates in India. Amman is derived from the Tamil words “Amma Aana,” which means “the woman who became the mother.”
Madurai Meenakshi Amman, a comparable female deity, erected a wonderful temple at Madurai. The Tamil word for male gods is “Aandi,” which derives from the word “Aandavan,” which meaning king. There is some debate over her identity as Kali, a Hindu goddess.
This is primarily due to illiterate Tamils who associate the word Kali with any angry deity. Because of this affinity, there have been numerous name changes throughout the last few centuries. As a result, Periyachi Amman is also known as Periyachi Kali Amman.
This is identical to Veeramakali Amman’s name change, but the ancestor’s original name is Veerammal. Male Tamil gods are also given the “Eeswaran” attachment; for example, Muni is altered to Muneeswaran.
Another significant aspect is the name change as a result of a lack of education and a failure to pass on history to future generations. Periachi Amman is frequently misspelt. Periyachi temples would go extinct in another 50 years if current trends continue.
A brilliant woman’s legacy would be obliterated from history’s pages. Unless Tamils aggressively restore and renovate Periyachi Amman shrines, future generations will be unaware of this great hero. Unfortunately, the prospects of her temples being rebuilt are limited at best, and it is entirely likely that this eternal Goddess may perish.
READ MORE ABOUT PERIYACHI AMMAN FROM GIVEN LINK BELOW,
https://storiesoftm.com/2018/02/26/history-of-periyachi-amman/
READ ABOUT BHAGAVAD GEETA CHAPTER ONE IN BRIEF FROM,
https://dharmapublication.com/bhagavad-gita-chapter-1/