Pregnant women and mothers with sick infants became regular visitors. Note that the creation of memorials was an ancient Tamil tradition called “nadukkal”. The temple was small with a crudely cut, single black stone. Her foster son Seeralan acted as the first priest of this temple. She was awarded the suffix “Amman” which comes from Tamil words “Amma Aana” (one who became mother). In modern days, it would have been called “Periyachi Memorial”. The first Periachi Temple was erected in Kondithoppu village, soon after her death around 1475 A.D. Her innovative instruments were depicted on the original Periyachi statues, although the current ones may not reflect history accurately. Note that surgery was invented in India, around 6th century B.C.
Medical Enhancements: Periyachi is also known for creating several surgical instruments and enhancements in the field of medicine. This temporary separation is still practiced today in the name of faith, oblivious to the scientific principle.
The infant mortality rate would peak during this month, due to the scorching heat. Why? How could separation during a certain month be beneficial? If a baby was conceived during Aadi month, it would be born in the month of Chithirai (April-May) which is the height of summer in South India. Ingenious Tactic: Periyachi advocated that couples should not stay together during the Tamil month Aadi (July-August). Tamil folklore often praise her of being the best obstetrician and pediatrician. It is said that no matter what, Periyachi will ensure the safety of babies. During her lifetime, Periyachi became an icon among pregnant women. She was praised by people for saving the baby’s life. Periyachi became a hero for killing the bandit who was terrorizing Thondai Nadu. During the entire time, she held the baby safely in her hand which was later brought up as her own child. The wife who tried to help him, was disemboweled and Periyachi ate her intestines, in a fit of rage. She impaled his heart with a spear, and then put him under her legs to ensure his death. When Vallalan drew his sword out, Periyachi was enraged and showed her military prowess. This means that Periyachi should be killed as well. He had been advised by his astrologer to kill the baby as well as anyone who touched the baby with their hands. At this point, both the mother and the baby were in good condition. She delivered the baby by cutting open her abdomen (Caesarean section) and held the baby in one of her arms. She put Kaarkuzhali on her lap while seated on a boulder in the forest. Periyachi performed this delivery skillfully.
Two, Vallalan was a strong believer in astrology who believed that the baby should not touch the earth. One, it had to be done in the forest where there were no facilities. It was a complicated delivery due to two reasons. Periyachi was dragged to the forest in the middle of the night to deliver the baby of Vallalan. His wife Kaarkuzhali, was about to deliver a baby. He raided and plundered the nearby villages, and had become a bandit. He had grown bitter and lost hope of recapturing the throne. In 1406 A.D, King Vallalan IV, the son of Rajanarayana Sambuvarayar III (1356 – 1375 AD) had been dethroned and was hiding in the jungle with his entourage. It is also mentioned that she was well versed in martial skills such as sword fighting, and spear throwing. She was well known for her proficiency in delivering babies. Unlike the Hindu Gods, this is an ancestor who is worshiped as God due to her heroic deeds.Īround 1400 A.D, Periyachi was a woman who was working as a maruthuvachi (doctor) in Kondithoppu village in Thondai Nadu (now Chennai, India). Periyachi Amman’s history is over 600 years old and her legacy is carried on mostly by Tamil diaspora in south east Asia. The history of Periyachi Amman is one of the most intriguing, interesting and fascinating pieces in Tamil religion.