This is the 245th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 1st Sthalam of Pandya Naadu on the banks of river Vaigai. This place was called as Aalavai and now called as Madurai. Unlike other temples, this temple is being called as Meenakshi Sundareswara or Meenakshi Chokkanathar Temple, in which both Lord Shiva and Ambal are given equal importance. This the birth place of Murti Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars. The Thiruvasagam one of the 12 Thevara Thirumurai written by Manickavasagar was a Minister of the Chozha Dynasty. This is also one of 5 Pancha sabhai ie Silver sabai ( Velli ), where Lord Shiva performed the dance.
As per Sekkizhar Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar visited this temple. During their Visit the Pandya king, who was converted to Jainism, followed back saivam.
கைகளும் தலைமீது ஏறக் கண்ணில் ஆனந்த வெள்ளம் மெய்எலாம் பொழிய வேத முதல்வரைப் பணிந்து போற்றி ஐய்யனே அடினேனை அஞ்சல் என்று அருளவல்ல மெய்யனே என்ற வீட லாலவாய் விளம்பல் உற்றார்
Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Manickavasagar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
வீடலால வாயிலாய் விழிமியர்கள் நின்கழல் பாடலால வாயிலாய் பரவநின்ற பண்பனே காடலால வாயிலாய் போலிநீள்க டிம்மதில் கூடலால் வாயிலாய் குலாயதென்ன கொள்கையே... திருஞானசம்பந்தர். முளைத்தானை யெல்லார்க்கும் முன்னே தோன்றி முதிருஞ் சடைமுடிமேல் முகிழ்வெண் திங்கள் வளைத்தானை வல்லசுரர் புரங்கள் மூன்றும் வரைசிலைமா வாசுகிமா நாணாக் கோத்துத் துளைத்தானைச் சுடுசரத்தால் துவள நீறாத் தூமுத்த வெண்முறுவ லுமையோ டாடித் திளைத்தானைத் தென்கூடல் திருவா லவாய்ச் சிவனடியே சிந்திக்கப் பெற்றேன் நானே..... திருநாவுக்கரசர் -“பாலவாய் நிற்கும் பரையோடு வாழ்மதுரை ஆலாவாய்ச் சொக்கழ கானந்தமே”..... திரு அருட்பா.Moolavar : Sri Somasundarar, Sri Chokkalinganathar, Sri Chokkesar, Sri Aalavai Annal, Sri Chokkanathar.Consort : Sri Meenakshi, Sri Angayarkanni
Some of the important features of this temple are…SRI SOMASUNDARAR SANNADHIThe temple is facing east with 14 Rajagopuras on all the sides built during various periods. The Moolavar is in the form of swayambu Linga in the sanctum Sanctorum called Sri Somasundara Peruman sannadhi. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of Arthamandapa. The vimana of the sanctum is supported by eight elephants on eight direction, 32 Lions, 64 Bootha ganas called Indra vimana. In Koshtam Narthana Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Durgai.
Kambathadi mandapam also called as Rishaba mandapa is in front of Lord Shiva’s sannadhi. Golden Flag, Balipedam and Rishabam are at the centre. Beautiful sculptures are on the 8 Pillars and some of them are Divine Wedding of Lord Shiva with Meenakshi, beautifully sculptured even the nail, blood vessels and nerves can be seen ), Tripura Samharar, Lord Shiva with Uma called as Somasundarar, Kalasamharamurti, Nataraja with Vyakrapada and Patanjali, Chandrashekara Lord Shiva With Parvati in standing Posture, Rishabharoodar, Lingothbava, Ravana Anugraha Murti, Kama Dahana Murti, Vishnu Anugraha Murti, Ekapada Murti, Ardhanareeswarar, Harihara, Dakshinamurthy, Gajasamhara murti, Chandesa Anugraha Murti, Bhikshadana murti, Veerabhadra, Rudra, Kirathaka Arjuna Murti, Somaskandar, Kamadahana murti and Jalandara samhara Murti.
There is a separate shrine for Kariamanicka Perumal in a mandapa. The Sculptures of 49 Sangam poets called Sanganathar, The Shrine seems to be one of the oldest shrines of this temple.
MEENAKSHI AMMAN SANNADHIWhen we enter through East Rajagopuram in front of Amman sannadhi, the mandapma is called as Ashta sakthi mandapa. Meeakshi Sundareswarar kalyanam as stucco image of eight sakthi images are on eight pillars. Thiruvilayadal purana themes are in this. In sanctum Meenakshi Amman is in standing posture with two hands holding flower in right arm and parrot is sitting on the flower. In koshtam Ichcha Sakthi, Gnana Sakthi and Kriya Sakthi. The Vimana was built during 15th century Vijayanagara Period and covered with Gold coated plates. On Fridays alangaram will be done with Gold kavasam and Diamond crown.
In the prakaram of Ambal sannadhi Stucco images of Thirumalai Nayak with his two wives, Koodal Kumaraswamy with Valli Devasena and Vinayagar. There is a six pillar peedam and it was believed that Kumaragurupara swamay’s “Sri Meenakshi Pillai Tamil” was introduced on this peedam.
PARIVARA SANNADHIS AND OTHER DEITIES
In the inner prakaram Suryan with his concerts, Sekkizhar, 63var, Sankara Lingam, Ekadhasa lingam, Sodalingam, Saraswathy, Saptamatrikas, Meenakshi, Somasundarar, Subramaniyar, Panchamuga Lingam, Muthuskandar, Jwara Linga, Bickshadanar, Kasi Viswanathar, Vishalakshi, Ellam Valla Siddhar, ( separate Sannadhi), Akshara Lingam, Mahalakshmi, Rathna Saba, Bhairavar, Pancha Bootha Lingas, Chandran with his consort.
Mukkuruni Vinayagar is on the way to Lord Shiva’s sannadhi. Vinayagar is little big of 8 feet high. It was learnt that this Vinayagar was unearthed during Nayaks period, while excavating for constructing a palace.
ARCHITECTUREThe temple is spread over 14 acres. The temple measures 792 feet from North to South and measures 852 feet from east to west. There are 14 Gopuras – The east Gopura is of 11 tiers 111 feet long, 65 feet wide and 153 feet tall, construction was started during Sadaiyavarman Kulasekara-I and completed during 13th Century Jatavarma Sundara Pandyan period. South gopuram was built by Siramalai Chettiar in 1478 CE, Veerabhadra Gopura 170 feet tall by a merchant during Vijayanagar period, West gopura is of 101 feet tall was built by Parakrama Pandya during 1323 CE, The 152 feet tall North Gopura was built by Krishna Veerappa Nayaka the grand son of Viswanatha Nayaka in 1572 only up to base called Mottaigopuram and during 19th Century completed to the present shape by Nattukottai Nagarathars. Chitra Gopura is in front of Moolavar sannadhi base was built during 1570 CE by Kalathi Mudali and the super structure was completed by Krishna Veerappa. And some of the other Gopuras are Gopuranayaka Gopura, Nadukattu Gopura, Kadaka Gopura, Paalaka Gopura, Chinna mottai Gopura, Amman Sannadhi Gopura and Swami Sannadhi Gopura.
Lord Shiva as Natarajar shrine also called as Sabhas, are in this temple. The Kanaka sabha, Rathna Sabha, Velli Sabha, Deva Sabha and Chitra sabha.
There are two musical pillars and the 22 Musical Pillar is on the north side Rajagopuram.
MANDAPAS AND THEIR FEATURESIn the maha Mandapam, sannadhi for Iravatha Vinayagar and Muruga Peruman. On the outer side wall top Meenakshi Amman’s history reliefs are there. The 6 pillar peedam, ( in which the Thiruvilayadal Puranam was introduced ).
In Kilikoondu mandapam, has Sculptures of Pandavas, Vaali, Sukreevan, Draupathy, Purushamirugam. On the ceiling Lord Shiva’s different forms /postures and Meenakshi kalayanam are painted.
Mangayarkarasi mandapam is near to 1000 Pillar mandapam. In this Koon Pandyan, Mangayarkarasiyar, Thiruganasambandar, Kulachirayar and a Shiva Lingam. Servaikara mandapam built by Maruthu Pandiyar and kalyana mandapam are next to that.
Also the sculptures of 26 forms of Lord Shiva like a Agni Veerabhadra, Agora Veeabhadra, Kali and Shiva’s Urdhuva dhandava, the female Ganesha, Nataraja, Ravana Lifting Mount Kailash, Ashta Sakthis, etc are on pillars of various mandapas. In 1000 Pillar mandapam, some of the important sculptural features are, Chakra which denotes the Tamil 60 years, Kuravan Kurathi, Nirutha ganapathy, Saraswathy, Arjuna, Rathi, Mohini, Manmathan and Kalipurudan.
Some of the other mandapas are Nayaka Mandapa, Vigneshwara Mandapa, Nagara Mandapa also called as Achaya Mandapa was built by Kamattam Achayarayan, the minister of Rani Mangammal, Pudhu Mandapa built during Thirumalai Nayakar period in 1623 to 1633 CE ( On the opposite side of east Rajagopuram there are Vasantha mandapam also known as Pudhu mandapam, built by Thirumalai Nayakar. In this Sculptures of Thadathakai Pirati, Meenakshi kalyanam, Thirumalai Naikar, Viswanatha Nayak, Stone elephant ate sugar cane, Ravanan lifting the Kailash ), Annakkuli Mandapa was built by Tirumalai Manickam in 1563 CE, Ashta sakthi mandapa was built by Rudrambal and Doniyammai, wives of Tirumalai Nayaka in 1623 CE, Meenakshi Nayak Mandapa, Mudali Pillai Mandapa was built by Kadantai Mudali in 1613 CE, Oonjal Mandapa was built by Chittiappa Nayakkar in 563 CE, Kilikoondu Mandapa was built by Tiruvambala Chetti in 1564 CE, Kalyana mandapa built by Chokkanatha Nayak, 1000 pillared mandapa with 985 pillars (This mandapa was built by Ariyanatha Mudali, the general of Nayaka Kings, in 1572 CE ), Veera Vasanta Raya Mandapa
MISC FEATURES
Potramarai Kulam. Indran plucked golden Lotus flower from this pond and worshiped Lord Shiva to get rid of his Brahmahathi dosha. Thirukkural was proved as one of the “sanga nool” from this Pond. On the north bank of the pond Eight sanga Pulavars sculptures are on the pillars. On the south bank wall thirukkural are inscribed on the walls.
HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONSAs per the History this temple was built before 6th Century CE. Maintained, reconstructed and extended during Pandyas, Chozhas and Vijayanagaras. Malik Kafur’s ( April 1311 CE ). Ulugh Khan ( 1323 CE ) Madurai Sultans under Delhi Sultans from Jalaluddin Ahsan Khan to Alaudin Sikandar rule and their invasions, the temple suffered a lot. They looted Temple properties, Jewellery, Gold, and damaged sculptures. During Malik Kafur’s invasion he destroyed all the 14 Rajagopuras and important shrines and sculptures. It was told that a wall was built in front of the sanctums and duplicate Linga was installed in arthamandapa, to save from the damage of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Gold and Panchaloka idols, stone Idols are shifted to various places and some of them are buried under ground. ( One such Vinayagar is the Mukkurini Vinayagar, which was unearthed during Vijayanagara period ). The temple was remained isolated without worship during the Muslim rule for more than 50 years. The temple was revived back, with new mandapas, Rajagopuram etc during end of 14th Century during Vijayanagaras and Vijayanagara Nayaks period. The Moolavar was brought back to worship during Vijayanagara King Bukka Raya period in 1371 CE. Lord Shiva’s sannadhi and Meenakshi Amman’s sannadhi Vimana’s are covered with gold plated.
More than 70 inscriptions are recorded from this temple. Some of the earliest inscriptions belongs to 12th Century CE. The other inscriptions belongs to Vijayanagara and Nayaks period.
The oldest Structure like Sanctum Sanctorum, Vimanam, East Tower and parivara sanndhis are belongs to Sadaiyavarman Kulasekara-I also known as Jatavarma The Sanctum sanctorum was renovated during Vijayanagara Period. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called as Alavayudaya nayanar and the place as Thirualavai.
The details of some of the inscriptions are given below.The Thiribhuvana Chakravarthy Konerimaikondan Sundara Pandyan period inscription ( AR 46 of 1890 SII IV- 369 ) records the endowment of burning Two perpetual Lamps, for which a tax free land was gifted to the temple by Rasingan kulakizhan kanduzhalan. From the land an amount of 2.5 achchu / year has to be given to the temple. The inscription further says that the gifted land the crops like Sugarcane, Sengazhuneer, Banana, Turmeric, ginger, Kamuku, jackfruit, cotton, Amanakku, can be raised.
Kochadayavaran Veera Pandyan 26th year reign inscription ( AR 47 of 1890 SII IV- 370 ) records the sale of Land when the land was not cultivated for a long period by the Sabhai to Azhakiya Konaril Madevan alias Azhakiya Chokkan Sundara Pandya Chozha konar
Another Kochadavarmar Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Veera Pandya’s 21st year reign inscription ( AR 48 of 1890 SII IV- 371 ) records the sale of land gifted by Vathuseytha vaanaramudaiya Nayanar Koyil, Kaikolararin Azhakiya Konaril Madevan alias Azhakiya Chokkan Sundara Pandya Chozha konar, to this temple and paddy in a measure of Kalam from 4 kalam to 15 kalam to be supplied to the temple for the first year, next year, next year and so on......
Thirubhuvana Chakravarthy Konerimaikondan period inscription ( AR 50 of 1890 SII IV- 373 ) records the direct King’s endowment of sacred bath ( Thirumanjanam ) and the required materials like Champor ( Karpooram ), Kungum for which a land was gifted with periphery limit and erection of soolakkal. For the same totally 50 pon / gold to be given to the Two temples. In this 10 pon should be given to the other temple mentioned as Vilangudi Nayanar Vikrapandeeswaramudaya Nayanar
LEGENDSAalavai means a serpent, having poison in its mouth. Since Madurai city was called as Aalavai, an encircled by a coiled serpent which brought its mouth and tail together to indicate the boundaries of the City.
It is believed that, Unlike Chidambaram, Kashi, Kalahasti, Thiruvarur where you have to born, live, die or Think to get moksha / salvation, this temple at Madurai is unique. Just hear you will attain the moksha.
In one of the Legend Indra, the Lord of Devas, fought with an Asura called Vridhasura and killed him. By killing the Asura, Indra has got the Brahmahathi dosha. As advised, he visited many temples on the earth to get rid of the dosha, while passing through this place kadamba tree forest. Indra felt that he was relieved from the Brahmahathi dosha. Since he could see nothing superficial, he asked his people to search inside the kadamba Tree forest. Finally they identified a swayambu Linga under a Kadamba tree. Indra realised that he was relieved from the sin, due to the grace of Lord Shiva and wishes to worship him with flowers. He could found a pond with full of lotus flowers. After taking bath in the pond and worshiped Lord Shiva with these Lotus flowers. Hence Indra called this pond as Pottramarai Kulam.
Indra wants to built a temple for Lord Shiva. With the help of Viswakarma as architect, Indra built Sanctum Sanctorum with Vimana and called as Indra Vimana. On the bitti portion sculptures of 8 Elephants represents 8 directions, 32 lions and 64 Shiva Ganas hold the vimana above the prastharam.
The legend regarding Meenakshi is unique. The Pandya King Kulasekhara Pandya and his wife Kanchana Mala, don’t have a Child. So the King decided to do 100 ashvametha Yagna. When he completed 99, Indra advised him to do the Puthrakameshi yagna instead, to get a Child. Ma Parvati in the form of a 3 year child came from the yagna and Pandya King named her as Thatathakai. She was physically unique with three breasts. When they were worried, heard a divine voice, that her third breast will disappear when she meet her future husband.
She was brought up as brave and courageous. After her father She was crowned as a Queen and ruled Pandya Kingdom. She captured neighbouring countries, defeated Indra and captured Indralok also. Thatathakai didn’t spared Kailash too. Captured Kailash and meet Lord Shiva in the battle field. On seeing Lord Shiva her middle breast disappeared. As per the divine voice, She realized that Lord Shiva will be her husband. The Lord Shiva came to Madurai and married Thatathakai. Since She don’t have father, Mahavishnu assumed the role of father and did kanyadhanam. After the marriage Thatathakai was called as Meenakshi and in Tamil as “Angayarkanni”.
This legend is associated with Shiva’s Ananda dhandavam in Velli ambalam. Vikrama Pandya’s son Rajasekara Pandya learned Bharatanatyam and he knew that the continuous dancing will be paining the legs. Since Lord Shiva was dancing on a single leg for so many years, he thought Lord’s legs will be paining and requests Lord Shiva to change his legs. Lord Shiva agreed and changed his legs at Madurai.
Another Legend is on the white elephant Iravata of Indra. When sage Durvasa gave lotus flower to Indra, the Iravat insulted him by throwing it down on the ground and crushed it with its leg. Angered Durvasar cursed it to become an ordinary Elephant on the earth. Iravat wandered on the earth and finally worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple to get rid of the curse and gained its original power.
The 15th century Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this Temple.
அரஹர சுந்தர அறுமுக என்றுனி அடியர்ப ணிந்திட மகிழ்வோனே அசலநெ டுங்கொடி அமையுமை தன்சுத குறமக ளிங்கித மணவாளா கருதரு திண்புய சரவண குங்கும களபம் ணிந்திடு மணிமார்பா கனகமி கும்பதி மதுரைவ ளம்பதி யதனில்வ ளர்ந்தருள் பெருமாளே
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSUnchal mandapam with mirrors is on the west side of Pottaramarai ( Golden Lotus ) Pond. On Fridays Lord Shiva and Ambal Ponoosal function will be performed.
Apart from regular poojas, Chithirai Brahmotsavam with Thirukkalyanam ( April - May ), Vasantham Festival in Vaikasi ( May – June), Unjal urchavam will be held in Aani ( June July ), Mulai Kottu festival in Aadi ( July – August ), Avani Moolam festival or the Pittukku mansumantha festival in Avani ( August – Sep ), Navratri festival in Purattasi ( Sep- Oct ), Kolattam festival in Aypasi ( Oct- November ), Kolattam Festival in Karthikai ( Nov- December ), Thiruvathirai and Arudra Darshan, Thiruvembavai and Thirupavai festival in Margazhi ( Dec- Jan ), Theppotsavam and Mariamman Temple Theppam in Thai ( Jan – Feb ),Mandala utsavam for 48 days in Masi ( Feb – March ) and Panguni – Kodai ( summer ) Vasantham festival ( March- April ) will be celebrated.
TEMPLE TIMINGS:The temple opens for darshan between Morning 5:00 am to 12:30pm and Evening 4.00pm to 10:00 pm.
CONTACT DETAILS :e-mail ID: info@maduarimeenakshi.org Temple Official Website: www.maduraimeenakshi.org
HOW TO REACH :Madurai is on the railway route and all the trains to Rameswaram, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari passes through Madurai.Bus Facility is available from all the district head quarters. The nearest Railway station is Madurai and Madurai has the inter Airport also.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
West Rajagopuram
North Rajagopuram
South Rajagopuram
South Rajagopuram
Oonjal Mandapa
Rishaba mandapa
Uma Maheswarar
Rishabaroodar
Veerabhadra & Bickshadanar
Chandrasekara
Sakthi mandapa
Rishapanthika ( wrongly written ..?)
Natarajar
Natarajar
Navaratri festival decoration
Navaratri festival Decoaration
Musical Pillars
Musical Pillars
முதிருஞ் சடைமுடிமேல் முகிழ்வெண் திங்கள்
Moolavar : Sri Somasundarar, Sri Chokkalinganathar,
PARIVARA SANNADHIS AND OTHER DEITIES
MISC FEATURES
The oldest Structure like Sanctum Sanctorum, Vimanam, East Tower and parivara sanndhis are belongs to Sadaiyavarman Kulasekara-I also known as Jatavarma The Sanctum sanctorum was renovated during Vijayanagara Period. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called as Alavayudaya nayanar and the place as Thirualavai.
This legend is associated with Shiva’s Ananda dhandavam in Velli ambalam. Vikrama Pandya’s son Rajasekara Pandya learned Bharatanatyam and he knew that the continuous dancing will be paining the legs. Since Lord Shiva was dancing on a single leg for so many years, he thought Lord’s legs will be paining and requests Lord Shiva to change his legs. Lord Shiva agreed and changed his legs at Madurai.
Unchal mandapam with mirrors is on the west side of Pottaramarai ( Golden Lotus ) Pond. On Fridays Lord Shiva and Ambal Ponoosal function will be performed.
CONTACT DETAILS :
e-mail ID: info@maduarimeenakshi.org
Bus Facility is available from all the district head quarters.
West Rajagopuram
North Rajagopuram
South Rajagopuram
South Rajagopuram
Oonjal Mandapa
Rishaba mandapa
Uma Maheswarar
Rishabaroodar
Veerabhadra & Bickshadanar
Chandrasekara
Sakthi mandapa
Navaratri festival decoration
Navaratri festival Decoaration
Musical Pillars
Musical Pillars
Ref: A 50 page article on Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple by T Krishna Kumar
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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