Ugra Prathyankira

Facing the Sannadhi of Lord Veera Sarabeswara is the 12-foot panchaloka icon of Goddess Ugra Prathyankira also known as Atharvana Bhadrakali. She is also referred to as Aparajitha – the invincible. She is believed to have emerged from the fire emanating from the third eye of Lord Sarabeswarar. It was Goddess Prathyankira who aided in subsiding the anger of Lord Narasimha. She is lion-faced and is seated on a lion. Her four hands bear a noose in the form of a snake, trident, hand-drum and bowl (kabaala paathram). She wears a garland of skulls. In this Kali-yuga, where evil is manifest in varied forms, Goddess Prathyankira is regarded as the savior of mankind, alleviating the sufferings of humanity. She possesses the power to offset the influences of black magic.

Though fearsome in appearance, she is the very embodiment of benevolence and grace to her devotees. Navadurgas `Sri Sailaputri, Sri Brahmacharini, Chandrakande, Kushmande, Skandamatha, Kathayayini, Kalarathri, Mahagauri and Sidhithathri’ are installed around this Sannadhi. This gopuram represents the Tamil Nadu type of architecture.

Special day: New Moon Day, Ashtami