The legend of Ajji Amman - Devanga Community's Kappelar sect Deity

 

The legend of Ajji Amman, worshipped by the Devanga community's Kappelar sect in Periya Kumarapalayam, is a fascinating tale of divine power, devotion, and cultural heritage. Ajji Amman is revered as the Kula Deivam (family deity) of the Kappelar sect, residing in a temple near Udumalpet, 25 km away, and 35 km from Tiruppur. The temple is a symbol of faith, and Ajji Amman is considered a goddess of compassion, believed to protect and bless her devotees with children, wealth, knowledge, and health.

Divine Interventions and Miracles

Ajji Amman is renowned for her ability to respond swiftly to the prayers of her devotees, coming to their aid in times of need. She is said to be a divine figure who grants offspring, relieves illnesses, and ensures a prosperous life for her followers. Her legendary power is also known to dispel life's difficulties, offering peace and happiness to families that visit her shrine. Every year, Devanga community members from around the world make a pilgrimage to her temple to seek her blessings, believing that it will remove long-standing troubles and bring about success.

Historical Legend

The story of Ajji Amman's origin begins in the village of Periya Kulam, where the Devanga community lived peacefully. During a turbulent time, the Nawab sought to marry a Devanga woman. Overwhelmed and uncertain of what to do, the community turned to the goddess for help. Ajji Amman instructed them to leave the village after lighting a lamp in her temple and to take with them her sacred items: the vibuthi (holy ash), the bell, and her sacred box.

As the community left the village, the Nawab's horsemen chased after them. Desperate, the people sought Ajji Amman's protection. She advised them to throw the vibuthi three times, and with that, a miraculous flood surged in the river, preventing the Nawab's men from crossing. Realizing the power of the goddess, the Nawab retreated, and the Devanga people continued their journey.

The wandering community eventually settled in various villages, including Chinna Poolavadi, where they hid the goddess’s sacred items in a haystack. One day, the landlord of the area attempted to take the hay, but a serpent appeared, guarding the sacred items. This miraculous event spread through the village, and from that day onward, the people began worshipping Ajji Amman.

The Temple's Formation

Ajji Amman's shrine in Periya Kumarapalayam was built through the efforts of influential figures in the Devanga community. Families like Lakshmana Chettiar, Muthanchettiar, Soundappa Chettiar, and others banded together to create a platform for worship. The temple’s management was taken over by leaders such as Periya Ponnan and Chinna Ponnan, who were key to organizing the rituals and practices.

A pivotal moment occurred when Kandasamy Chettiar, known as Periya Ponnan, had a vision and instructed M. Chandrasekar to serve as the spiritual guide for the community, ensuring the family's prosperity and continuation. Following a period of fasting and rituals, Chandrasekar received a small sacred box from Ajji Amman in his vision, symbolizing divine protection. Ajji Amman promised to always be there for him and his family, ensuring their safety.

Divine Appearance in Dreams

Ajji Amman continued to make her presence known to the Devanga community, particularly to M. Chandrasekar’s wife. In a dream, the goddess, in the form of a serpent, appeared and questioned why she was being neglected, instructing them to return to her temple and perform services for her.

Worship and Cultural Importance

To this day, Ajji Amman is worshipped not only in Periya Kumarapalayam but also in other branches of the temple located in Poolavadi, Valavadi, and Pellampatti. Although her devotees may be scattered across the world, they continue to return to her temple annually to perform rituals and offer prayers.

Ajji Amman’s sacred box, which contains unknown divine objects, remains untouched and is carefully preserved. It is believed that those who pay their respects to this box and the goddess's holy feet will receive her blessings, removing their hardships and granting them peace and prosperity.

The faith and reverence for Ajji Amman continue to grow, with devotees regularly receiving her divine intervention through dreams and signs. Her temple stands as a cultural landmark, representing the strength and unity of the Devanga community.

Through this rich history, the legend of Ajji Amman embodies the deep spiritual connection that the Devanga people share with their Kula Deivam, their protector and benefactor.