Karumariamman

Local temple tradition at Thiruverkadu situates Karumariamman as a self-manifest (swayambu) goddess whose cult is integrated into regional Shakta/Amman devotional frameworks. A well-attested local legend recounts that Karumariamman, disguised as a soothsayer, foretold misfortune to the sun-god Surya; Surya lost his lustre until placating her, after which he vowed to let sunlight fall on her feet twice yearly at Thiruverkadu (Panguni and Puratasi). Sources report the goddess is regarded as an aspect of Parvati, Kali and Mariamman, and is worshipped as a family/caste deity by groups such as the Thevar and Agamudayar.

Karumariamman is commonly depicted as a beautiful young woman with an oval face, wearing a red dress, long jewellery and a large flower garland. Iconography often shows her with four arms; different local traditions record variant attributes. General descriptions include a knife in a right hand and a bowl of kumkuma in the left, with a trident (trishula) and a damaru (udeekai) in the other hands and a serpent entwined around the damaru; flames behind her head and a five-headed serpent above her crown are also described. Temple tradition at Thiruverkadu presents two forms: a swayambu in which only the head is visible and a seated Parasakthi image with four arms holding items variously listed (skull, sword, trishul, udukkai/damru) — accounts differ on exact held objects, and both variants are recorded in sources.

Temple tradition and local belief attribute to Karumariamman control over rain and aspects of solar favor (the Surya legend) and power over health, particularly skin diseases and smallpox; devotees believe that worship and temple rites can reduce risk of illness and bring cures. The temple tank (Vedatheertham/Thiruchamber Poigai) is held to have healing power for skin-related disorders; ritual bathing is recommended by tradition. Local legends also credit the goddess with empowering regional divine action — a tradition links her to providing the Vel (spear) to Muruga in a local legend — indicating a role as a protective mother who can grant martial or defensive aid in specific narratives. These are reported beliefs and temple claims from the cited sources.