Periyanayaki Amman Temple

Periyanayaki Amman Temple is a Hindu Shakti temple located in Devikapuram village, Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Goddess Periyanayaki Amman, the consort of Lord Ponmalainathar (Shiva). Situated at the foothills near a small hillock shrine, the temple is noted for its Dravidian architecture, gopuram, and association with Shakti worship. It is an important local pilgrimage centre, especially during Navratri and other Amman festivals.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian temple complex with a gopuram, pillared mandapams, and sanctums for Goddess Periyanayaki Amman at the foothill and Lord Ponmalainathar on the adjacent hillock. The setting is a quiet village with stone steps leading to the hill shrine, offering views of the surrounding plains. Visitors can have darshan, observe daily pujas, see Dravidian sculptural details, and explore the temple courtyard and small shops selling offerings.

The temple is traditionally associated with ancient Shakti worship at Devikapuram and exhibits Dravidian architectural features developed over several centuries. Local traditions and temple records associate the shrine with Chola and later Vijayanagara patronage, with subsequent renovations under later South Indian dynasties. The paired hill and foothill shrines of Ponmalainathar and Periyanayaki Amman reflect the classic Shiva-Shakti temple layout of the region.

The temple is a significant Shakti centre for the surrounding agrarian communities, revered as the protective goddess of the village. Major observances include Navratri, Adi Pooram, Panguni Uthiram and full-moon pujas, when special abhishekams, processions and devotional music are held. The shrine plays a central role in local religious life and annual temple festivals.