Devi Mariamman is the quintessential matrdevi (maternal deity) of the Tamils. Amman is the vernacular word for mother. She is a manifestation of Parvati, Kali, and Durga (note the trident in Her left posterior hand); and is the harbinger of rain (‘mari’), which is very important to the agriculturist South Indian community. The murti that you see on this page depicts Her in Her traditional iconography.

Devi Mariamman is seated on a lotus throne placed on a multi-tiered plinth, which is also engraved with lotus petals. Like the majority of Hindu deities, She is seated in lalitasana and is possessed of four arms (the chaturbhujadharini). The distinguishing feature of the Mariamman iconography is the high, tapering crown, at the zenith of which rises the multi-hooded snake.

This Mariamman murti comes in two colour finishes. One of them is a monotone golden colour, while the other features a medley of flaxen and metallic golds and hints of crimson. Both murtis feature a beauteous face with a lifelike, compassionate expression.