Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple is the most famous Temple in Rameshwaram as majority of people having ‘Nambu’ in their names (like Nambu Rajan, Nambu lakshmi, Nambu etc.). Nambu Nayaki Amman is considered as the protecting goddess of the south direction.
It is a popular belief here that those who don’t have children pray Nambu Nayaki Amman and tie a small cradle with baby Doll In the tree in this temple and worship her that “I will put your name if you blessed me with a child”. Many children in the Rameshwaram Island took birth after praying Nambu Nayaki, hence the name Nambu is majority in Rameshwaram. It is believed that theertham in this temple possess medicinal properties. Turmeric is provided as prashadham in this Temple.
It is believed that many years ago there were two sages named Dakshina Duruvan and Pachima Duruvan who performed intense penance near the Nambu Nayaki Temple and pleased by their deep worship Mother Parvadhavardini appeared before them and graced them. Since then, the sages continued to stay in the place and began treating those suffering from diseases. It is still believed that the spirits of those two rishis are helping people those who asking for the cure to Nambu Nayaki Amman.
Another remarkable incident was of the king Sulodharan became ill and reached the temple trusting in the grace of the Mother Nambu. The king was firm in his faith, built a hut nearby and continued his prayers and had bathing in the holy theertham.
Mother responded to the King’s prayers and cured him so out of gratitude he built a temple for the Goddess and also provided facilities for those coming to the temple for recovery from illness. From this incidents came the saying which is popular among Rameshwaram people “Nambunayakiyai Vananginal Vambu illai” (it can be translated as “There will be no suffering if you worship Nambu Nayaki”) .
The temple is situated on the route to Dhanushkodi from Rameshwaram. Taxis and auto rickshaw are easily available to reach Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple.