 Ammankudi, also known as Rajarajeswaram and Devi Tapovanam is situated near Kumbakonam. Parvathi and Kailasanatha Swamy are the presiding deities and the shrine is known Ammankudi Durgaiamman temple.
This is one of those temples of Tamil Nadu whose history stretches back to more than 1000 years. During the Chola period, this place was known both as Ammankudi and Rajarajeswaram. During the time of Rajaraja Cholan I, (985-1014 AD), this place was known by one of the titles of Rajaraja,
Keralaandhaka.
This was the place where the chief of army of Rajaraja Cholan I, Krishnarama Brahmarayan lived. The temple was consecrated by him in 944 AD, according to the stone inscription found on all the three sides of the sanctum sanctorum.
The Purana
That is for the history of the temple. According to the sthala
purana, Devi, after killing Mahishasura, had her holy dip in the river Cauvery and reached Ammankudi. Devi washed her trident that she used for killing Mahishasura in the
pushkarani in Ammankudi. Since Devi herself washed her trident in this
pushkarani, this is known as ‘papa vimochana theertham’. She then went on a penance for 12 years to atone for the killing of Mahishasura. The pond never goes dry, even during the worst summer.
Mahishasura was wearing a Lingam around his neck. Devi took that Lingam from his severed neck and installed in Ammankudi and called it by the name Kailasanatha Swamy. She then went on a penance for 12 years in Ammankudi to atone for the killing of Mahishasura, though he was an evil force. She installed the Vinayaka idol for her to go on with her penance without interruption.
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At the end of the twelfth year Kailasanatha appeared before her and told her that the evil effects of the killing of Mahishasura have vanished and He told her to remain in Ammankudi to protect the devotees.
Because Devi herself chose this place to perform her penance, it is known as Ammankudi, originally. The names kept changing with the passage of time, as we saw above; but whatever the change of name be, it was known by the name Ammankudi also, always.
Durga Parameswari, the presiding deity has eight hands and is installed facing the east. Since she assumed this form to obliterate Mahishasura, she is known as Mahishasura Mardini. Since Devi herself presides over the
‘navagrahas’ there is no separate shrine for navagrahas in the Temple.
Tuesdays, Krishna paksha Chathurthi, Sukla paksha Ashtami, New Moon day and Full Moon day are special days of worship in the temple. People believe that Rahu and Sukra Dosha are nullified with worship at this temple. It is also said that maidens whose wedding is getting delayed, worship Devi here and many affirm that they get married soon and settle down in happy wedded life.
People with breathing defects and connected diseases and people who are not blessed with children, have a holy dip in Ammankudi Temple pond and are blessed with fulfilment of their prayers.
 The bus facility for reaching Ammankudi has not been adequate. Devotees have been repeatedly pressing for operation of special services at least on festival and important days.
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