Ma Nisumbasuthani Devi Temple is an ancient Temple situated in Thanjavur, and this temple is dedicated to Ma Nisumbasuthani, a form of Ma Shakti Devi. She was the family deity for the Chola Kings, and even the Pandyas, Cheras and Chalukyas were also worshipped Ma Nisumbasuthani as their beloved deity.
The presiding deity of this temple is Ma Nisumbasuthani. She is also known as Kali, Durga, Chandiga, Chamundi, Nikumbala and as Pratyangiri. She can be seen in the form of sitting posture. This temple was constructed by one of the Chola Kings. The Kumbhabhishekham of the temple was held on 23 June 2016. The temple timings are: from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon and from 4.00 to 8.30 p.m.
Nisumbasuthani is described to be a powerful aspect of Ma Tripura Sundari. In the Vedas, Nisumbasuthani is represented in the form of Kali, Neeli, Sooli and as Kamala.
Ma Nisumbasuthani’s merciful love towards her children cannot be explained in words, since she showers her unconditional mercy on us like the heavy rain. In the Devi Bhagavatha Mahatmya, Ma Nisumbasuthani is mentioned as “KARUNAMAYEE”, the merciful goddess. She showers mercy even to the bad natured demons like Andhaka, the cousin to our great Bhakta Prahalada.
Ma Shakti Devi took the avatar of Nisumbasuthani in order to destroy the powerful demons Sumbha and Nisumbha, who had given lot of disturbances to the demi gods in the heaven.
In some of the pictures, she can be seen wearing a garland of human skulls, she holds a trident, and various other things on her hands. Still now she is said to have been the Judgement goddess of Thanjavur.
Nisumbasuthani is also mentioned in Ramayana, and Ravana’s son Indrajit was performed “NISUMBASUTHANI YAGA”, in order to win in the war, but Ravana’s brother Vibishana, Lakshmana and Hanuman stopped this Yagna, since if Indrajit completes it, he would have been won in the war.
Ma Nisumbasuthani worship is strictly prohibited for the people who worship her just for name sake. Ma Nisumbasuthani worship is only done by the guidance of a Guru who is proficient in Yantra, Tantra and Mantra. Still in some temples Ma Nisumbasuthani Devi Homam is performed on Amavasya in order to eliminate the evil forces present in the earth.
“JAI MA NISUMBASUTHANI DEVIYE NAMO NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR