Melacceri Temple, Tamil Nadu was built on "the northern boundary of Gingee" at the time when Gingee was re-founded as a kingdom by the first of its great Nayakas. Therefore, it has been said that the "original temple" is the example for other Draupadi temples. These temples are frequently called "boundary temples", placed in such a way that it is comparative to a town or village. These are often not defined by the residential sector occupied by the main caste who worships the goddess. In this regard, there is no general requirement that Draupadi temples are associated with the northern boundary. Melacceri Draupadi temple faces towards the east.
Legends of Melacceri Temple
It has been said that in the Melacceri temple, Draupadi"s virginal character is emphasized by the extraordinary feature of having no male figures with her in the Garbhagriha. Draupadi is said to live forever in the Melacceri Forest in her "fierce form" as Virapanchali ("Heroic Panchali"), guarding her devotees which remains in their hearts and regional traditions of the kingdom of Gingee.
According to its present schedule, the Melacceri temple attempts to hold its festival once in every 5 years, less frequently than it is said to have done in past days. When it does so, the buffalo sacrifice is scheduled to occur after the conclusion of the Draupadi celebration. Melacceri temple thus concedes the ceremonies of Draupadi"s birth, for which it is famous elsewhere, to this nearby community in Gingee town. No doubt that the tradition involves a way of retaining ties with a related community. But it also recommends the efforts to maintain the connections between the Melacceri temple and Gingee.
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