did these people seek the help of the Divine Mother. In a time of great drought, a time when people were plagued with measles, mumps, etc. As such an instance did this force manifest as Muthu Mari Ammen, Muthu (pearl) Mari (rain) Ammen (Mother), thus being titled as the Mother of Rain, that which is more precious than pearls. She is ever ready to heed the call of Her devotees. Shakthi, as Divine Mother, is portrayed as cosmic energy in its dynamic form. The concept of mother worship has existed since time immemorial. However popular this festival may be, it is rather disheartening to note that many do not know the origin and significance of this particular deity and festival. This is known to be one most popular festivals within the South Indian Hindu community, the Mariamman prayer. This prayer is an extremely popular prayer sung in her temples. In her temple festivals, it is common to see people walk barefoot on glowing embers. The common people pray to her for bringing rain and avoiding epidemics. Normally the priests in her temples do not belong to the Brahmin Community. Some people believe her to be Renuka, the mother of Lord Parasurama. While scholars believe that she is a goddess of the pre-Aryan days, most of the common people believe her as Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva or Durga who arose from her to kill the asuras.

Mariamman is a very popular Hindu goddess in Tamil Nadu, Indian where village folk believe her to be the avatar of Parvati or Durga.