Kerilla KarumariAmman Temple by Chandran Renugopal



This temple is situated near to river in Kerilla Estate,Tanah Merah Kelantan. It was started in the 1920’s to accommodate the growing number of Hindu immigrants from South India and is one of the few Karumariamman  temple in Malaysia. As the Tamil saying goes “Kovil Ilatha Uril Kudi Irukke Kudathu”, Kerila Estate residents those days under leadership of Nadeson Pathar built this temple. Nadeson Pathar had taken a considerable amount of his time and effort to develop this previous empty piece of land into a spiritual architectural delight.  The temple started in a small wooden hut, but has transformed into a well-designed brick structure due to the efforts of Kerilla Estate residents. The temple is located in the midst of palm oil and rubber plantations, and is rather secluded. Although the temple does not have an easy access route, it is definitely worth the journey. Hence, it is ideal for meditation and spiritual contemplation. Over the years, many devotees of this temple have witnessed the amazing sakthi of Karumariamman. The most important date in this temple is Andu Villa, whereby a special pooja is conducted annually. Initially, the only visitors to the temple were estate residents(Kerilla Estate,Sokor Estate, New Camp,Tako Estate and other nearby estates) and Hindus of Kelantan origin whom staying in Kelantan and out of Kelantan. But this has changed now, Hindus of all states visit the temple especially during festive season. These ardent devotees would break a coconut and  light camphor.

Actual  KarumariAmman(in India) Temple is situated at Thiruverkadu, a small town near Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. History says that  One day Devikarumari took the image of old nomadic lady and went to Sun to forecast his future. Without realising her as Devikarumari, He simply neglected her. Devikarumari immediately vanished. Sun has lost it's brightness and its glory started declining. Realising his mistake He begged Devikarumari to forgive and excuse him. Sun also requested Devikarumari to celebrate Sunday as the day of Devikarumari. Devikarumari also accepted it. He also got permission from her to pour on her sun rays twice in a year in the month of Panguni and Purattasi.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS:    Thaipoosam, Andu Villa and Kullu Uthrum Thiruvilla.

Directions: Drive down to Tanah Merah(Kelantan) Town, ask people direction to  Kg.Ipoh,from there follow signboard to Kerilla Estate or access this URL for direction: http://wikimapia.org/9740574/Karumari-Amman-Temple