Bannari Mariamman Temple - It Is Placed In North-West Boundary Of Kongu Nadu

BANNARI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Around 300 years ago, the dana Nayakkan or Dhandanyakkan forest you all know now its been called as “BANNARI”. This name Bannari for this great historical place origined because of the great temple “Bannari Amman Temple”.

Bannari Mariamman temple is situated at a distance of fourteen kilometers from Sathyamangalam in Erode District.The temple facing south and it is surrounding by thick forests with verdant vegetation on the southern, northern and western directions.The range of mountains and the hilly backdrop add charm to the abode of the deity.Beasts such as elephants, wild pigs, bears, deer, hares, and monkey are found in the surrounding forests. Beautiful peacocks and various birds are also seen here.

In ancient days Tamil Nadu consisted of five division known as Chera Nadu, Chozha Nadu, Pandiya Nadu, Thondai Nadu and Kongu Nadu.Kongu Nadu was situated on the western side of Tamil Nadu. Mountains, rivers and forests added beauty to this fertile soil.Bannari located on the North West boundary of Kongu Nadu. Of late, it has become pilgrim’s paradise because devotees from far and near visit this spot. It is held in high esteem as the celebrated abode of Goddess Mariamman.

The oracle was heard by everybody who has assembled there. In response to that message, the villagers Erected shed with ‘KANANGU’ a kind of forest herbs. In due course, the thatched ceiling was replaced by tiled ceiling. Funds were collected from philanthropists and the temple structure underwent renovation repeatedly and, the gopuram was built above the SANCTUM – SANCTORIUM.

Shobana Mantapa in front of the temple with 24-pillared mantapa with carvings of architectural beauty was constructed in 1967. The Artha Mantapa, Maha Mantapa and Shobana Mantapa enhance the beauty of the temple. Separate shrines for such gods as Vinayaka, Bommairayan, Madeswara SARUGU Mariamman and Muniyappa are found in and around the temple.

The Bommarayan temple is in Artha mandapam facing west side and the Ganesh temple is in front mandapam facing east.God Matheshwaran is placed on a slab which is on the southern side of the Goddess temple.Near the temple pond a small temple facing west is constructed for Sarugu Mariamman is placed. The kumbhabishegam for this temple was conducted on second of this month.

On the west side of the temple pond a big pit is present. In that pit water will be stagnant only on rainy seasons. On other seasons water won’t stagnate there. To the left side of the way to the temple pond, God VandiMuniappar is placed on a slab. During the festival for goddess the people of Cholar caste do special poojas for this God.

By Air

The nearest airport one is their at Coimbatore for reaching Bannari.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam and then other nearest railways stations are Coimbatore and Chamarajanagar.

By Bus

There are lot of buses from Sathyamangalam(15 km), Bhavanisagar, Thalavadi and Chamarajanagar (60 km) to reach Bannari. The buses from Coimbatore and Erode to Mysore, Chamarajanagar and Kollegal on NH 209 also passes through Bannari. One can also get the buses from Bhavanisagar and reach the temple via Kothamangalam, but this is a long route to reach Bannari. And on every Sunday, Monday, Friday and new moon days there are special buses to the temple from Sathyamangalam, Erode, Gobichettipalayam and Coimbatore.