Devi Pechiamman is an important deity worshipped in Southern India, especially Tamil Nadu. She is a ferocious aspect of the mother goddess Devi. She is associated with childbirth and pregnancy and is believed to be a guardian spirit and a protector of children. There are many ceremonies, like, Punsavana and Simantonnyana, which are performed to honor Devi Pechiamman. One of the ceremonies is performed on the 30th day after childbirth, where a black sari, non-vegetarian dishes, and other auspicious things are offered to the goddess. Her protection extends to the fetus, child, and mother.
The legend goes that there once was a king called Vallalarajan Raja. He used to torment his subjects. It was prophesied that if his child touched the earth then this would bring an end to the evil reign of the king. When the queen went into labor, the king instead of finding a midwife, chose a woman named Periyachi. The woman successfully carried out the delivery of the child. She held it up so that it did not touch the earth. The king wanted to kill the newborn to preserve his life and his rule. But Periyachi was Devi Pechiamman in disguise.The king was surprised when Periyachi took on her true form of the goddess. She trampled the king under her foot and killed him with her Trishul. The queen, who was under the influence of the king, also tried to kill the baby, as she considered the innocent baby evil. Devi Pechiamman killed the queen too. Ripping out her stomach the fearsome goddess ate her intestines. After that incident, Periyachi Amman came to be worshipped as the protector of babies. The entire masterpiece is carved out artistically from the famous black stones found in Mahabalipuram in the southern part of India. Devi Pechiamman has eight arms and a fearsome appearance. In her many arms, she is shown holding weapons and a child. Her two front hands are ripping open the abdomen and womb of the queen, who is on her lap. She is chewing the queen's intestines as blood trickles from her mouth. The royal child is held aloft in her left upper hand while her right upper hand is holding a damru.
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