Sri Veeramathi Amman Temple is located at Akkaraippalayam, near Kolappalur, in Gobichettipalayam taluk of Erode District, Tamil Nadu. The 200+ year old temple is well-known among the Kuruppa Nattu Aasari (Kammalar) community as their Kula Deivam (family deity).
The main deity is Sri Veeramathi Amman, seated facing north. She is shown in a calm but powerful form — one hand in Abhaya Hasta (blessing posture) and the other in Varada Hasta (boon-giving posture). In front of her is her vahana (vehicle) — a lion (Simha Vahanam), symbolizing courage and protection. A unique tradition here is the brass hand blessing ritual — a brass hand kept near Amman’s feet is touched to devotees’ heads as a form of direct blessing.
The temple follows simple Dravidian village-style architecture. The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) houses the main idol, and there is an open mandapam for devotees to gather during festivals. The temple has a separate shrine for Sri Karuppanna Swamy, the guardian deity. The gopuram (entrance tower) is modest, in keeping with rural Tamil traditions, and the temple walls are decorated with bright colours during festivals.
Originally, the Kuruppa Nattu Aasari community worshipped Lord Murugan of Arumalai near Getticheviyur as their Kula Deivam. Later, it was decided that their family deity should be a female guardian, and thus Sri Veeramathi Amman became their central deity. Oral history suggests that Veeramathi Amman may have been a noble woman or an ancestral figure who sacrificed herself for the welfare of the people, and over time, she was worshipped as a divine protector.
Long ago, the Kuruppa Nattu Aasari community (skilled artisans and goldsmiths) lived in the region around Kolappalur. They were known for their craftsmanship, honesty, and unity. In those days, the community’s family deity (Kula Deivam) was Lord Murugan of Arumalai near Getticheviyur. Every year, they would gather and offer prayers to Lord Murugan for protection and prosperity.
Over time, the elders of the community felt that a female guardian deity would be more fitting as their Kula Deivam. This was because in Tamil culture, many families believed that an Amman (Mother Goddess) would watch over them like a protective mother, blessing them with fertility, courage, and unity.
Local oral history suggests that many generations ago, the community experienced a period of great hardship. There were threats from outside forces — robbers, rival groups, and hardships that affected their livelihood. During this crisis, a courageous woman from the community, later remembered as Veeramathi, rose to protect her people.
She was fearless, wise, and deeply devoted to the welfare of her people. It is said that she led the community through danger, took difficult decisions to safeguard them, and even made a self-sacrifice for their survival. Her bravery and love for the community left a deep mark on their hearts.
After her death, strange and miraculous events began to occur. People reported visions of her near the village borders at night, protecting them from harm. Cattle thieves failed in their attempts, children were saved from accidents, and diseases disappeared after offerings were made in her name.
The community elders realised that Veeramathi’s spirit had become divine. They built a small shrine for her and began worshipping her as Sri Veeramathi Amman. Over time, the shrine grew into a proper temple.
From that day onwards, Sri Veeramathi Amman has been regarded as the eternal protector of the Kuruppa Nattu Aasari community. Devotees believe that she: Guards them against danger and evil forces.
Blesses families with unity and prosperity. Removes obstacles in marriage, childbirth, and career. Gives courage during difficult times.
The annual festival of Sri Veeramathi Amman Temple is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August). It begins with the procession of holy water from the Bhavani River at Nanjai Puliyampatti, followed by a Maavilakku procession accompanied by music and fireworks. Special pujas and abhishekam are offered to Amman, and offerings are made to Karuppanna Swamy, the guardian deity. The festival also includes a grand community feast, where devotees from near and far gather, making it a time of devotion, unity, and celebration for the entire Kuruppa Nattu Aasari community.
