Many may not be familiar with the Pathinettampadi Karuppanna Swamy Temple located in Madurai. Upon entering this revered temple, devotees first pray to the "protection deity of Alagar Malai,” known as Pathinettampadi Karuppa Samy, or 18am Padi (18 Steps) Karuppasamy.

But who is Karuppa Samy, and how did he come to be?

According to legend, when Sita was pregnant and living in Saint Valmiki's Ashram, she gave birth to a son. One day, leaving her child in the care of the meditating Saint, Sita went out for chores. Returning, she took her child without disturbing the Saint. Upon awakening, the Saint, noticing the child was missing, placed holy grass (Dherbai) in the cradle and, through a mantra, created another child.





When the Saint discovered the truth, he instructed Sita to treat both children as her own. Later, when Sita returned to Lord Rama with the two boys, Rama, initially confused, tested their purity by asking them to cross a fire. The Saint's created child, now darkened by the fire, was blessed by Rama to become his escort god, named “Karuppannan,” which evolved into Karuppa Sami.

Karuppa Sami is depicted wielding an "Aruval," a significant weapon in Tamil Nadu, symbolizing his divine protection. Devotees often offer musical instruments like Tappu, Tharai, Kombu Tharai, Otha thamukku, Pambai, Udukkai, and Urumee to honor him.

Another Legend: The 18 Steps of Pathinettampadi Karuppar

In another tale, the king of Malabar schemed to steal the idol of Azhagar from Madurai. Eighteen men skilled in magic, tantra, and warfare, accompanied by the spirit of Malayala Karuppu, attempted the theft. However, the temple priests, prepared for such an attack, invoked the temple's guardian deities and defeated the intruders, burying them outside the main door as a symbol of victory.

Malayala Karuppu, impressed by the priests' bravery, appeared and vowed to guard the temple and surrounding villages forever, promising to protect against robbery and immorality. He became known as Pathinettampadi Karuppar, the guardian deity of Azhagar Malai, watching over the eighteen buried bodies.


A post shared by Giridharan M (@giri6m10)



The main doors of the Karuppar temple remain closed for most of the year, symbolizing Karuppar's watchful presence. These doors, smeared with sandalwood paste to temper Karuppar’s fierce energy, are opened only twice a year. Behind them lie the revered 18 granite steps leading to the temple, which devotees worship with offerings, including long forged swords, some twice the height of a man, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

Source / Image Credit : Tripadvisor , Giridharan M, StreetsMadurai360, Living Temples Of Bharat