THEKKAMPATTI

Sri vanabadrakaliamman temple

This temple is situated on the bank of river Bhavani on Nilgiri hills about 5 km from Mettupalayam on Mettupalayam - Thekkampatti road in Coimbatore district. Nearest Railway Stoping is Mettupalayam ( 5 km) and Nearest Airport is Coimbatore.
Legend 1 - Once upon a time, Paagasuran a demon constructed a fort on Nilgiri hills in the western part of this temple and lived in it. He was blessed to be more stronger than the Bheema and Dhuriyodhan. He troubled the local people by ordering them to provide food in a cart. If he felt the food insufficient he killed and ate the cow and the person who brought food. Pancha Pandavas lived in this part during this time. On hearing the plight of the poor people Bheema decided to take the food himself. He stopped a short distance before Paagasuran and started eating the food. Without knowing it was Bheema who was eating the foods he attacked him. Bheema prayed to goddess Kaali and defeated Paagasuran at the end of a bloody fight. At the moment of death Paagasuran understood the truth and made a wish to Kaali to transform him into her Kaaval Boodham (protection demon). His wish was satisfied.
Legend 2 – Seven sisters, including Aravalli, Sooravalli, Veeravalli etc used to rule an area called Nelluppattanam. They were well versed in witch crafts and all kings of the area feared them. Those who opposed them were imprisoned and put to great suffering. Even Lord Krishna was irritated by their oppressive rule and asked the pandavas to put an end to their rule. The mighty Bhima went ahead saying he alone would be more than enough for the sisters. However, Bhima did not get a one to one fight with the sisters, who imprisoned him using their witch craft by becoming invisible. Somehow Bhima managed to escape from their clutches and came to back to narrate his experience. All the pandavas became enraged on hearing the news and prepared to attack the seven sisters.
At this time Allimuthu, the son of Sangavati (sister of the pandavas), volunteered to fight the sisters. While going for the fight, he first prayed to the Vana Bhadrakaliamman here to grant him special powers to fight the witches. In the ensuing battle, the seven sisters were not able to defeat Allimuthu. So they sent Valamma, daughter of one of the sisters to seduce him and were able to kill him.
On hearing the news, Abhimanyu, son of the pandavas was enraged. He went to the higher world and with the held of Lord Indra was able to bring back Allimthu alive.
Thereafter, all the pandavas together went to fight the seven sisters, after praying to the Goddess Bhadrakali. This time they were able to defeat the sisters and also got Allimuthu married to Valamma.
Temple – The presiding diety is Sri Vanabadrakaliamman. Sculptures of Bheema and Paagasuran are seen infront of this temple. People coming to worship goddess Kaalidevi also worship Bheema and Paagasuran.
Prayers and festivals - It is believed that by worshipping goddess Vanabadrakaliamman, devotee’s wishes for marriage and child will be satisfied.
One will get relieved from Black magic and body pains by wearing the copper talisman offered at the feet of goddess and poojas performed.
One will be blessed with growth in business, by keeping the plate performed with poojas at the foot of goddess.
By worshipping at Naaga sannidhi one can get relieved from Naagadhosam.
Adikundam grand festival is celebrated every year. It begins on the 1st Tuesday of Aadi month with the festival of offering flowers. On 2nd Tuesday Pookundam festival will be celebrated. The festival ends with Pooja on 3rd Tuesday. Special poojas will be conducted during Aadi ammavasai and Monthly ammavasais. Other important occasions include Chithirai kani (Tamil New Year), Aadi pathinettam perukku, Saraswathi pooja, Thirukarthigai festival, Thiruppalli eluchi. (Margazhi month), Thai pongal and Maha sivarathiri.

Timings - 6.00 AM - 8.00 PM, During ammavasai (new moon day) From 5.00 A.M - 8.30 P.M