Egowri Amman Temple, Vallam

Egowriamman Temple stands at Vallam, about 12 km from Thanjavur on the Trichy road. Legend says the goddess Gowri, sent by Shiva, killed the demon Thanjasuran, who had come disguised as an ox, on the final Friday of Adi in the Tamil calendar; her anger brought drought until Shiva calmed her, and she has been worshipped since as Egori. An inscription of Parantaka I points to the 9th century, and the goddess has been known by other names, such as Vallatthu Pattaraki in the reign of Parantaka I and Vallatthukkali, the Kali of Vallam.

The main image, seated on a lotus pedestal, has two heads: one fierce with long, sharp teeth, the other calm and smiling. Her eight hands hold weapons and a parrot, and a chakra is set beneath her feet. Shrines inside include Varahi, Pratyangira, the Saptamatas and Madurai Veeran. On the last Friday of Adi the Adikkazhivu festival brings fire-walking, and around Aadi Perukku the deities are taken in procession through the town.