Vana Durga Temple, Kathiramangalam

The Vana Durga Parameswari Amman temple stands in Kathiramangalam, about 25 km from Kumbakonam and 15 km from Mayiladuthurai. Its 6 ft image of Vana Durga, a form of Durga, faces east and sits on a lotus pedestal rather than a lion or buffalo, and the temple is one of the nine Nava Durga shrines. Pujas are held during Rahu Kalam, especially on Sundays, so the goddess is also called Rahu Kaala Durga; she is believed to go to Kashi each night and return.

Legend says the sage Agastya installed the image and Markandeya worshipped here, and that the poet Kambar prayed to her while writing his Ramayana, once finding his house covered in paddy during heavy rain. The village was anciently called Siva Malliga Vanam. People born under the Mrigashirsha star are advised to visit, and couples facing obstacles to marriage come to pray. The temple tank is Sivagangai and the sacred plant the lotus.