Melmaruvattur.

Onre Kulam, Oruvane Thevan, meaning all are equal in front of the One God is being practised literally in the Adi Parasakthi temple at Mel Maruvathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The devotees believe in "Ore Thai and Ore Kulam". The devotees are permitted to enter into the garbha griha (inner chamber) & pray to the Goddess.

People of all religions Hindus, Christians, Jains, Buddhists are allowed to enter the sanctum & offer prayers in the pattern they are accustomed to. The founder is Sri Bangaru Naicker. Several charitable Trusts & Organisations are run under the guidance of Bangaru Adigalar.

Sri Adi Parashakthi Amman

The sacred place where the shrine is located was a dense forest. There was a neem tree exuding a white fluid, which was sweet & also cured some ailmets. When this tree fell during a cyclone in 1966, a Swayambu Lingam was noticed. Adi Parasakthi is considered to have done pooja to this Lingam & hence this Lingam is placed in front of the Adi Parasakthi idol.

The Adi Parasakthi idol (the Archamurti) is insitting posture, placed on a black stone pedestal in the form of a lotus. In front of the Archamurti is the Swayambu lingam (self-manifested lingam). The other shrines within the temple are - Puthu Mandapam.

Where it is believed Adi parasakthi was doing penance in the form of a serpent,in the form of a serpent Saptakanya Mandapam, with the images of the Sapthakanyas as well as the rectangular stones installed at the base Durga idol with Nagendra behind the Saptakanyas.

Margosa tree & outside the main temple is the small shrine for Adharvana Bhadrakali. The temple officials as well as the devotees wear red clothes, signifying equality - the colour of blood which is red for all, irrespective of caste, creed, status. Devotees wear mala & carry Irumudi to the temple as in Sabarimalai.