The Story behind the name “Mariamman”

If you’re from South India, you’ve probably heard about goddess ‘Maari Amman’. And, if you’re from Tamil Nadu, you’ve definitely heard aboutSamayapuram Mariamman Temple. Today I learnt an interesting story about the temple and how the name ‘Mariamman’ came into being. I’m writing this because I wasn’t able to find this story anywhere else online.

So, first of all, I’d like you to know that the main deity at the Samayapuram temple is referred to as either “Mahamayi” or “Mariamman”. Also, there are two idols in the temple – one small and one big.

To trace the origins of the names, we need to shortly visit the story ofParashuram beheading his mother on the orders of his father. And, when his father offered him a boon, he asked for his mother to be resurrected. Smart boy. In some versions of this story, there is another woman who tries to protect Renuka. So, Parashuram beheads both of them. During the resurrection, the father swaps the heads by mistake.

It is said that the two idols at Samayapuram are Renuka Devi and her friend. If you’ve been to the temple, you’ve probably noticed that one idol has a big face and a comparatively small body. The other idol has vice-versa. So, these goddesses were referred to as “Mugam Mari Amman” in the early days, which roughly translates to “Face-swapped Amman”. (Amman means a Female Goddess. It’s derived from Amma meaning Mother).

With the passage of time, the story was forgotten and “Mugam Mari Amman” became “Maham Mayi Amman”, which was more effective for the common man. This roughly meant ‘Great Magical Goddess’. Hence the name “Mayamayi”. However, the name “Mari Amman” existed. This is because “Mari” also means Rain. So people thought the ancient people used to worship this goddess to bring about rain.

I know that this is also a mythological story and may or may not be true. But, this was an interesting angle to the etymology and one which I haven’t heard before. This is what led me to publish this post. Feel free to leave a comment in case of any discrepancy.