Om Sree Siva Sakti Anggalammal Parameswari Devasthanam : The Story of How Amma Choses Her Own Sacred Home

We are in the beginning of Aadi month and what a better time to explore into the enchanting history of the Amman temples?

Hidden within Tambun is a temple whose history has been passed down through generations, not through books, but through the voices of devotees whose faith has never faded.

Today, Om Sree Siva Sakti Anggalammal Parameswari Devasthanam known as one of the area's well-known places of worship, welcoming devotees from across Malaysia and even neighbouring Singapore. But long before the temple took its present form, it began with a simple, sacred discovery.

Mr. Magendran, the Chairman of the temple, shares the founding story of our temple, dating back to the 1970s when Mr. Munusamy and the Indian community worked together in the mining industry in the area. As first deity to be worshipped here was not a sculpted idol, but a self-manifested form of Pechiamman. The goddess is believed to have appeared naturally at the site, making her a Swayambhu, a manifestation not created by human. 

In the early days, devotees worshipped the goddess in a small shrine. As faith in the deity grew, the temple slowly developed into what it is today. It was only later that Angalamma was built, and the temple became widely known as Om Sree Siva Sakti Anggalammal Parameswari Devasthanam.

One story that continues to be shared among devotees revolves around a divine dream. The temple’s chairman recalled that one of the temple's devotees received a vision in which the Goddess revealed that she was present at that very location and instructed him to build a proper shrine for her.

Believing it to be a divine calling: Chellaiah, Muniandy and Venugopal along with other individuals came together to build the temple. What started as a modest place of worship eventually grew into a spiritual sanctuary through the efforts and believe of the community towards the Amman. 

Over the years, the temple has undergone several transformations. One striking feature that immediately caught devotees’ attention is the magnificent statue of Angalammal (31 ft). When asked how the sculpture came to life, he said.

"The front Anggalamal statue has been brought to life by the skilled hands of Malaysian Prabakaran and a group of talented sculptors from India. The journey of Angalammal statue began with the sacred soil of Melmalayanur, which was ceremoniously blessed with the poojai. There was no grand plan. Everything happened through the grace of Amman. We became the pillars in carrying out her will," he said. 

For many devotees, the temple is more than just a place to pray. Around the temple grounds, countless sacred threads have been tied by devotees as symbols of their prayers and vows. Others offer rock salt, stones and various offerings, believing the Goddess will remove obstacles and ‘kannaru’ from their lives.

According to the chairman, many people return to share their experiences after their prayers have been answered.

"Many have come back to tell us they found employment after struggling for years. Others have shared different blessings they received after praying here."

Devotees regularly travel from across Malaysia, while some even make the journey from Singapore to seek the blessings of Angalammal.

Among all the incredible stories shared by the chairman, one incident truly stands out. More than a decade ago, a man who had suffered a stroke came to the temple unable to walk. Facing before the Goddess, he prayed sincerely and made a vow.

"If I recover, I will do something for this temple."

In time, he managed to walk and realised that his prayers were fulfilled by Amman. True to his promise, he returned to fulfil his vow by sponsoring the temple's roof, an act of gratitude that remains etched in the temple's history.

One devotee's touching story reminds us of the strength of belief. After nearly 15 years of trying to conceive, she found solace in Pechiamman's temple and prayed with all her heart. A year later, she welcomed a healthy baby into her life. 

Today at Om Sree Siva Sakti Anggalammal Parameswari Devasthanam - whether devotees come carrying burdens, fulfilling vows or seeking peace, many leave believing they have encountered not just a temple, but the compassionate presence of a Mother who continues to watch over all who call upon her.