Due to Daksha's disrespect toward Sati, who went to the Yagna without being invited, Sati immolated herself in anger and grief. Witnessing this, Lord Parameshwara became furious and sorrowful, and he punished Daksha by decapitating him. Later, Sati reincarnated as Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king, and sought permission from her father to worship Lord Parameshwara and to undertake penance in the Himalayas. During this time, as the gods sought Lord Shiva's help to protect them from the harassment of demons, only he could fulfill their request by merging Parvati and himself into one entity.
Lord Shiva sent Kama, the god of love, to shoot his flower-arrow and make Parvati fall in love with him. However, for his intervention, he was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva's third eye. Distraught by her husband's separation and unable to bear her grief, Parvati's tears and penance moved Lord Shiva, who revived Kama. Continuing, he accepted Parvati as his wife, and they reunited, with Parvati becoming Ardhanarishvara, a half-female form, in his embrace.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Thaali pooja
Thaali pooja is a traditional ritual in South Indian Hindu weddings where the groom ties a sacred thread called thaali or mangalsutra around the bride's neck, symbolizing their union and marital bond.
Dhana pongala
Dhana pongala is a significant offering made to the goddess during the annual festival. Devotees prepare a sweet dish called "pongala" using rice, jaggery, coconut, and ghee, which is then offered to the goddess in earthen pots as a symbol of devotion and gratitude.
Contact Address: Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple, Chinnakkada, Kollam
