Arulmigu Draupadi Amman Temple: 7 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM.
The Dharmaraja Koil street is near Vysial street and can also be accessed from the Karuppa Gounder street. However if one wants to visit the biggest firewalk Gundam in Coimbatore which measures 60 feet and its tutelary deity Draupadi Amman one can just follow the Thorayar street from the Bhadrakali temple and reach there within a short time. The road is narrow in some parts but it is conveniently motorable. This temple is more than 300 years old as per the records maintained however it is believed to be much older than that.
The Vanniya kula Kshatriyas were the original patrons but people from all walks of life have been praying here from time immemorial. The temple has shrines for Draupadi Amman, Dharmaraja, Pothiraja, Nagadurgai, Ganesha and a unique Ganesha from a tree which is quite large and nice. The temple is endowed with the well known as Pandava Theertham. The Dwarapalakis are known as Ponmantri Amman and Neeladandi Amman. The temple is said to have received several royal grants in the past.
There are old restored paintings which illustrate the scenes from the Mahabharatha which show the protection offered by Lord Krishna to Draupadi while she they tried to violate her modesty at the Kaurava court. The other panel shows the old Big Tank and the Old Firewalk at the temple with a third panel which shows the Deeksha given to Queen Kunti by Bhagwan Veda Vyasa.
The temple is normally busy on Fridays and the most important event is but the Gundam or the Firewalk which takes around the Amavasai of Shivarathri during the Tamil month of Maasi every year. This temple is associated with the Mahabharatha and the piling up of wood for the firewalk will begin only with the arrival of the Sirasu of Aravan. During this time they will apply butter on Dharmaraja's face and only with the melting of the butter will they commence the firewalk.
While the firewalk is on for a couple of hours devotees are offered marikozhundhu, mangalyakayiru, thirumanjanapodi, kumkumam, lemon and a coin. This is sought by thousands of people. People who need the blessings of the Almighty in order to gain good progeny collect a small lemon at this time and they as a couple will have to consume the same with true devotion and faith.
The Kunti Amman representation carries several lemons on small trishuls and this is much sought after for its spiritual powers. Similarly the lemons on the Karagams are said to possess miraculous powers and there is a great demand for the same.The receipt of the marikozhundhu prasadam combo at the time of the firewalk is said to drive away the agnigrihadosham.
The priests of this temple are known to be excellent narrators of the Magnum Opus "Maha bharatham" and their services are much sought after by the temples in this region. Draupadi, the daughter of Draupada the ruler of Panchala and the wife of the Pandavas was a very powerful lady who represented female power and chastity from time immemorial. She was Swayambhu or self manifested and had come out of a sacrifical fire when Draupada conducted a unique Yagam in order to vanquish the teacher of the Kuru Princes - Drona. She was both very beautiful and dark complexioned and therefore was also known as Krishnaa. Lord Krishna was very close to her and he protected her all times. Whenever she felt righteousness was on the wane she expressed her displeasure about it and her consort Dharmaraja or Yudhishtra was the embodiment of righteousness itself.
The great deity Draupadi and Dharmaraja her consort deity have been continuously blessing Coimbatore with the strength to stand up for the right all through history and no wonder Coimbatore has been known not only as a progressive but also as a city which upholds Dharma or Righteousness. Therefore Coimbatore will join the other eternal cities of the world and thanks to the grace of Draupadi Amman and Dharmaraja, the city will go on for ever.
The relative Pothiraja of Dharmaraja finds a place in the Sanctum and there are many songs and prayers which relate to him too. Let us now visit the shrine and offer our prayers to the fire like effulgent Draupadi and her consort Dharmaraja.
Devotees perform the Rahukala Pooja to the Naga Duragai Amman on Tuesdays and seek her blessings. Arulmigu Draupadi Amman Temple: 7 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM.
The Nine Sisters of Coimbatore - Part 1: Arulmigu Koniamman Temple - Click here
The Nine sisters of Coimbatore - Part II Arulmigu Bhadrakali Amman Temple - Click here
The Nine sisters of Coimbatore - Part III: Arulmigu Kamakshi Amman Temple - Click here
The Nine sisters of Coimbatore - Part IV: Arulmigu Ankala Parameswari Amman Temple - Click here
The Nine sisters of Coimbatore - Part V: Arulmigu Vasavi Kannika Parameswari Amman Temple - Click here
The Nine sisters of Coimbatore - Part VI: Arulmigu Arulmigu Ramalinga Sowdeswari Temple - Click here
The Nine sisters of Coimbatore - Part VII: Arulmigu Maakali Amman Temple - Click here
The Nine sisters of Coimbatore - Part VIII: Arulmigu Dandu Mariamman Temple - Click here