This is the 245th Thevara
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 1st Sthalam of Pandiya Nadu on
the banks of river Vaigai. This place was called Aalavai and is now called Madurai. Unlike other temples, this temple is called Meenakshi
Sundareswarar Meenakshi Chokkanathar
Temple, in which both Lord Shiva and Ambal are given equal importance. This is the
birthplace of Murthi 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 sabha 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 following Jainism, was converted back to Saivam by Thirugnanasambandar. He along with his queen and the minister followed Thirugnanasambandar to visit other Shiva temples of Pandya Nadu.
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 have 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.
முதிருஞ் சடைமுடிமேல் முகிழ்வெண் திங்கள்
The 15th-century Arunagirinathar sang 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 மணிமார்பாகனகமி கும்பதி மதுரைவ ளம்பதி யதனில்வ ளர்ர்ந்தருள் பெருமாளே
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 faces east with 14
Rajagopuras on all sides built during various periods. The Moolavar is in
the form of swayambhu 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 in eight directions, 32
Lions, and 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, Balipeedam, and Rishabam are at the center. 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, Kala samhara murti, Nataraja with Vyaghrapada and Patanjali,
Chandrashekara Lord Shiva With Parvati in standing Posture, Rishabaroodar,
Lingothbavar, Ravana Anugraha Murti, Kama Dahana Murti, Vishnu Anugraha Murti, Ekapada Murti,
Ardhanareeswarar, Harihara, Dakshinamurthy, Gajasamhara murti, Chandesa
Anugraha Murti, Bhikshatana murti, Veerabhadra, Rudra, Kirataka Arjuna Murti,
Somaskandar, Kamadahana murti, and Jalandhara samhara Murti.
There is a separate shrine for Kariamanicka Perumal in a
mandapa. The Sculptures of 49 Sangam poets are called Sanga nathar, 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 mandapam is called as Ashta Shakthi mandapam. Meenakshi Sundareswarar kalyanam a stucco image of eight
Sakthi images is on eight pillars. Thiruvilayadal purana themes are
in this. In the sanctum, Meenakshi Amman is in a standing posture with two hands holding a flower in their right arm and a parrot sitting on the flower. In koshtam Ichcha
Shakthi, Gnana Sakthi, and Kriya Shakti. The Vimana was built during the 15th
century Vijayanagara Period and covered with gold-coated plates. On Fridays, alangaram will be done with Gold kavasam and
Diamond crown.
In the praharam 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 Swamy’s “Sri
Meenakshi Pillai Tamil” was introduced on this peedam.
PARIVARA SANNADHIS AND OTHER DEITIES
In the inner praharam Suryan with
his concerts, Sekkizhar, 63var, Sankara Lingam, Ekadasa lingam, Shoda Linga,
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 a little big 8 feet high. It was learned that
this Vinayagar was unearthed during the 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 Sadaya Varman Kulasekara-I and completed during the 13th
Century Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan period. South Gopuram was built by Siramalai
Chettiar in 1478 CE, Veerabhadra Gopura was 170 feet tall by a merchant during the Vijayanagar period, West Gopura is 101 feet tall and was built by Parakrama
Pandya during 1323 CE, The 152 feet tall
North Gopura was built by Krishna Veerappa Nayaka the grandson of
Viswanatha Nayaka in 1572 only up to base called Mottai gopuram 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 superstructure was completed by Krishna Veerappa. Some of the other Gopuras are
Gopuranayaka Gopura, Nadukattu Gopura, Kadaka Gopura, Paalaka Gopura, Chinna
mottai Gopuram, Amman Sannadhi Gopura and Swami Sannadhi Gopura.
Lord Shiva at Natarajar shrine also called Sabhas, is 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 of 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 ).
Kilikoondu mandapam, has
Sculptures of Pandavas, Vaali, Sukreevan, Draupathy, and 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 an 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 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 is 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 Mandapam.
Oonjal Mandapa
Rishaba mandapa
Sakthi mandapaMISC
FEATURES
Potramarai Kulam. Indran plucked a 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. 
Navaratri festival Decoration with Potramarai kulam
HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONSAs per the History, this temple was built
before the 6th Century CE. Maintained, reconstructed, and extended during Pandyas 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 said that a wall was built in front of the sanctums and a duplicate Linga was installed in
ardha mandapam, to save from the damage to the Sanctum Sanctorum. Gold and
Panchaloka idols and stone Idols are shifted to various places, and some of them
are buried underground. (One such Vinayagar is the Mukkurini Vinayagar, which
was unearthed during the Vijayanagara period). The temple remained isolated without
worship during the Muslim rule for more than 50 years. The temple was revived
back, with new mandapas, Rajagopuram, etc during the end of the 14th Century
during Vijayanagaras and Vijayanagara
Nayaks period. The Moolavar was brought back to worship during the Vijayanagara King Bukka Raya period in 1371 CE.
Lord Shiva’s sannadhi and Meenakshi Amman’s sannadhi Vimana are covered with
gold plates.
More than 70 inscriptions are recorded from this temple. Some
of the earliest inscriptions belong to the 12th Century CE. The other
inscriptions belong to the Vijayanagara and Nayak periods.
The oldest structure like the Sanctum
Sanctorum, Vimanam, East Tower, and Parivara Sanndhis belong to
Sadaiyavarman Kulasekara-I also known as Jatavarma The Sanctum Sanctorum was
renovated during the Vijayanagara Period. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was
called Alavayudaya Nayanar and the place 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 on the gifted land crops like Sugarcane, Sengazhuneer, Banana,
Turmeric, ginger, Kamuku, jackfruit, cotton, and 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 total 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
The History and Inscriptions of Madurai Sri
Meenakshi temple from Sri Santhalingam,
a tholliyal aringnar and Pandiyar Panpattu maiyam. For the Video Link Please Click here.
Madurai Kanchi records that “Mazhuval Nediyon was
brought in procession”, from this it is concluded that there was a Shiva temple that existed about 2000 years before at Madurai. But the temple is not exist now since the temple might have been constructed with bricks and lime mortar.
Later Thevara moovar has sung hymns in praise of Shiva. The 7th
Century Thirugnanasambandar calls Shiva as “Angayar kanniyudan uraiyum Alavai
Chokkar”, “Alavai Annal”, “Alavai Nambiyee” etc,. Thirugnanaasambandar mentioned temple also does not exist now. Later literature also did not mention this temple. A
literature “Kalladam”, based on the book Sanskrit called Sarasu Samjayam,
documents 30 Thiruvilayadal puranas. Later the same was added to 64
Thiruvilaiyadal purana by Permpatra Puliyur Nambi and Paranjothi in the 11th
and 17th Centuries. None of the inscriptions mentioned this temple as
Meenakshi Temple till 1752 CE. 1710 CE’s Vijayaranga Chokkanatha Nayaka’s
inscription mentions Shiva as Chokkanathar (out of 64 padam thaangis, one
person who climbed up the gopuram and fell down and died inscription). 1750 to 1752’s inscriptions on
Pavai Vilakku mentions Ambal name as Meenakshi.
Thiruvasi was gifted by Meenakshi Nayaka (maybe a member of the Nayaka
family) and the same was damaged. A new thiruvasi was made in 1798 CE, by 4
families of Aaviyur, inscription
mentions Meenakshi Sundareswarar. In
the function Sivagangai Raja Duraisingam, Bangaru Thirumalai, a descendent of
Thirumalai Nayaka,
As per the request of Temple authorities, about 450
inscriptions are recorded by Mr Santhalingam, of which only 78 inscriptions are
complete in the form of poems and 23 are
labeled inscriptions with an image and
sathasevai (ever praying) in the form of fragments inscriptions. Apart from this
9 inscriptions are in vessels, Pavai
Vilakku, Thiruvachi. Mangammal period 10 to 12 paintings with some inscriptions.
The rest 351 inscriptions are fragmentary inscriptions. In one period this temple was subjected to massive destruction and later rebuilt during the Vijayanagara period.
The inscription stones are not placed in order and some are upside down. Some
of the inscription stones are placed at a height of about 20 feet. These
inscriptions do not belong to ancient times or even the Thevara period (7th
to 8th Century). Only 78 inscriptions record the history of
this temple.
Out of 450 inscriptions, the earliest two
inscriptions belong to Sadayavarman Kulasekara Pandyan ( 1190 – 1216 CE ), who
ruled Pandya Country under Kulothunga Chozha-III. Hence it is presumed that
this temple might have been constructed as a stone temple during that period. The other two earliest inscriptions belong to his brother Maravarman Sundara
Pandyan. These inscriptions are in the east Rajagopuram also called Sundara
Pandyan Thiru Gopuram/Avani Vendha Raman Thiru Gopuram, second thala pillars Thiruvilaiyadal Purana was written by
PerumpaaRRapuliyur Nambi during that time. One of the Thiruvilaiyadal
mentions the construction of this temple and there is a note that the temple
was constructed by Sadayavarman Kulasekaran, during the 12th Century.
One of these inscriptions records the gift of Chozhanthaga
Chaturvedi Mangalam (present Chozhavandhan and the ancient name was Pakanur–
the title of Veera Pandyan as Chozhan Thalai Konda 946 – 966 CE ), for the governance of Thirugnanasambandar
madam established by a person called Thatpurusa Devar, came from Seva Thiruvarur
Kolaki madam, Picha madam. The other 3 inscriptions also record similar
messages of land donations. This donation is coordinated by Iyyan
Mazhavarayan, who worked with the three Kings.
This also didn’t mention the construction of this
temple. In addition to that, Veera
Pandyan, and Parakrama Pandyan period inscriptions are also found in the temple.
Out of 78 complete inscriptions 77 are completely
in Tamil (grantha scripts come in the middle, or starting with Sanskrit slokas), and only one inscription is in Sanskrit with 39
lines. This Vijayanagara King Sadasiva Raya (1546 CE) period Sanskrit
inscription records the donation of Villages for conducting regular poojas.
Another inscription with Telugu in the upper portion and bottom in Tamil at Kampadi Mandapam records that the
Kampathadi Mandapam was built by Veerappa Nayakar (1583 CE).
Another Sanskrit inscription in a line mentions as
“Alangarikappatta Pattathu Yanai – அலங்கரிக்கப்பட்ட
பட்டத்து யானை”.
From the inscriptions, the history of this temple
is recorded up to 1736, till the end of the Nayaka period.
The 7 inscriptions belong to Maravarman Sundara
Pandyan. These inscriptions mainly record the gift of lands for various
purposes.
Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-II, who ruled after Maravarman
Sundara Pandyan-I, 7 inscriptions are also there. The meikeerthis of these two
kings was very much similar and made confusing. These inscriptions record some
interesting facts. The Hoysala King Veera Someswaran (1220 CE) ruled a small
region near Samayapuram, in friendly with Chozhas and Pandyas. Veera Someswaran
also has marriage relations with Chozhas. The Maravarman Sundara Pandyan
Inscriptions mentions Veera Someswaran as “Mamadi”. ie Uncle. He created a Sandhi pooja in his name, and for the
same, he donated some Villages to conduct the Sandhi poojas. Kongu Chozha
Vikrama Chozha also gave a gift of some
Villages to this temple during Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-II’s period and he
called Vikrama Chozha “Machan”, due
to marriage relationships.
Vanathirayar’s ( Kurunila kings – Alagarkoil sanctum sanctorum was
reconstructed by these Vanathirayars. ) period inscription records that
Vanathirayar sandhi was created and donations were made. Further, the
inscription also records that, Shri Shiva came and witnessed a song sung at
Amman Sannidhi in Saathiri pan during Vanathirayar sandhi.
The Pandyas period inscriptions mainly record the
donation of Villages (nearly 80 Villages – around Vadipatti, Kariyapatti,
Sivaganga district Ilayankudi areas)
to this temple, after removing Taxes. The inscriptions (1250 to 1283 CE) record
all details elaborately like, the type of crops raised, taxes levied, taxes
relaxed, etc.
The temple, sanctum Sanctorum, Adavallan sannidhi,
7 tier Vimanam, was destroyed due to a natural calamity/(unknown reasons ) 50 years after the temple construction ie
mid of 12th century. The same
was reconstructed after a donation of some lands to the thirupani. A Thiruther/Temple chariot/Temple car was also made. The total work was entrusted to Mizhalai
Kootrathu Thachanur Udyan Seval Sevaka Thevan.
During the 13th Century, the Islamiyar/Muslim invasion (1311 CE) started due to the conflict between two brothers. There
is no inscriptional evidence regarding the status of the temple and the damage that occurred during the Muslim invasion. But in the Thala Varalaru book, it was
mentioned that the temple was kept locked for about 40 years. It was observed
that the north prahara wall of Amman temple, and the Chokkanathar temple's north prahara
walls are not subjected to damage and the very long Pandya inscriptions are found
intact. But from the position of the inscription stones, we may conclude that the
temple was subjected to major damage, and the same was reconstructed with the
available stones during the Vijayanagaras or Nayakas period
Before Krishnadevara’s period, Narasaraya’s period
inscription records the gift of Navaratna Pathakkam to this temple.
Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya came to this
temple and stayed some time at Madurai. He donated 500 gold coins and a Village
called Thanisayam alias Thirugnanasambandanallur, near Chozhavandan to celebrate his birth Punarpoosa Nakshatra Day. This inscription, on the east side of Rajagopuram, records the details of materials and the weights to be used for the
poojas. Further, he also constructed some
mandapas near Kanjanamala Sannidhi, but these mandapas do not exist now.
Achutharaya’s (1530 – 1546 CE) period
inscriptions record the celebrations at this temple and gifts of Villages made
to this temple are inscribed. Chithirai Thiruvizha is mentioned as one of the
festivals celebrated in this temple. Achutharaya gopuram was constructed during
his period by his official for the punniyam of Achutha Raya.
Nayakas are mainly responsible for the present
condition of the temple. During their period, the Kampathadi mandapam, 100 pillar mandapam (1600 CE), 1000 pillar
mandapam (1600 CE) by Veerappa Nayaka as per the plan of Thalavai Ariyanatha
Mudaliar, Thirumalai Nayaka mandapam (Thirumalai nayaka’s inscription records
that he had given some benefits/relaxations Pancha Kammalars and donated some
Villages), Yazhi mandapam, Devarayar Inscription
records exemption Jodi/jathi vari.
The Vijayaranga Chokkanathar’s 1710 CE inscription
records the gift of 4 Villages around Samanatham to 64 people of Sri Pada
thankis/Chapparam carriers during the procession. The same was taken back for the construction of the Palace. This has become an agitation in front of the temple. In
that one person called Kutty climbed up on the Gopuram and died. This was
inscribed in the form of an inscription.
The Pachaiappa Mudaliar’s 1852 CE inscription
records that he had given a gift of 1 lakh varagan, for conducting poojas, with 10 varagans
starting a school to teach Thargam / logic and 5 varagan for teaching
English. This inscription stone is missing now.
No inscription is available about the Devaradiyars of
this temple directly. The Thiruvasi inscriptions mention indirectly. But
Tirunelveli temple 2 inscriptions mention the Thalaikoli of this temple.
The “Vaigaikarai Kavlettu” found on the banks of the Vaigai River found by an epigraphist in 1961 is kept in 1000 pillar mandapam.
This is the earliest inscription ( 700 CE ) found in Madurai. The inscription starts with Sanskrit / Grantham
and ends in Vattezhuthu. The inscription records the construction of the Check Dam
on the Vaigai River by Koon Pandyan alias NinRRaseer Nedumaran. ( at this point, Mr
Santhalingam mentions that there is no evidence for the construction of
Kallanai by Karikal Chozha ) This inscription does not have any connection to
this temple's history.
From the available inscriptions, it is observed that there is no contribution extended by Chozha Kings.
LEGENDSAalavai means a serpent, having
poison in its mouth. Since Madurai city was called Aalavai, it 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, and Thiruvarur where you
have to be 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 legends 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 realized that he was relieved from sin, due to
the grace of Lord Shiva and wished to worship him with flowers. He could find
a pond full of lotus flowers. After taking a bath in the pond worshiping
Lord Shiva with these Lotus flowers. Hence Indra called this pond as Pottramarai Kulam.
Indra wants to build a temple for Lord
Shiva. With the help of Viswakarma as an architect, Indra built the Sanctum Sanctorum
with Vimana called Indra Vimana. On the bhitti portion sculptures of 8
Elephants represent 8 directions, 32 lions and 64 Shiva Ganas hold the vimana
above the prastaram.
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 the Pandya King named her Thatathakai. She was physically unique with three breasts. When they were
worried, heard a divine voice, that her third breast would disappear when she
met 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 Indra Loka also. Thatathakai didn’t spared Kailash too.
Captured Kailash and met Lord Shiva on the battlefield. On seeing Lord Shiva
her middle breast disappeared. As per the divine voice, She realized that Lord
Shiva would be her husband. The Lord Shiva came to Madurai and married
Thatathakai. Since She didn’t have a father, Mahavishnu assumed the role of father
and did kanyadhanam. After the marriage, Thatathakai was called Meenakshi and
in Tamil “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 would be painting and requested Lord Shiva to change his legs.
Lord Shiva agreed and changed his legs at Madurai.
Another legend is about the white elephant
Iravata of Indra. When sage Durvasa gave the lotus flower to Indra, the Iravata insulted him by throwing it down on the ground and crushing it with its leg.
Angered Durvasar cursed it to become an ordinary Elephant on the earth. Iravata wandered on the earth and finally worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple to get
rid of the curse and gain its original power.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS 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.
Apart from
regular poojas, Chithirai Brahmotsavam with Thirukkalyanam (April - May), Vasantham Festival in Vaikasi
(May – June), Unjal utsavam will be
held in Aani (June July), Mulai Kottu festival in Aadi (July – August),
Avani Moolam festival or the Pittukku man sumantha festival in Avani (August –
Sep), Navaratri festival in Puratasi (Sep- Oct), Kolattam festival in Aypasi
(Oct- November), Kolattam Festival in Karthikai (Nov- December),
Thiruvathirai and Arudra Darshan, Thiruvembavai and Thirupavai festival in
Markazhi (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 the Morning of 5:00 am to 12:30 pm and the Evening from 4.00 pm 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 Rameswararm, Nagercoil, and Kanyakumari pass through Madurai.Bus facilities is available from all
the district headquarters. The nearest Railway station is
Madurai and Madurai has an international Airport also.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
West Rajagopuram
North Rajagopram
South Rajagopuram
South Rajagopuram
Uma Maheswarar
Rishabaroodar
Veerabhadra & Pichadanar
Chandrasekara
Rishapanthika (wrongly written as Chandrasekara)
Natarajar
Natarajar
Navaratri festival decoration
Musical Pillars
Musical Pillars
Lay out - PC From website
Moolavar : Sri Somasundarar, Sri Chokkalinganathar,
PARIVARA SANNADHIS AND OTHER DEITIES
Oonjal Mandapa
Rishaba mandapa
Sakthi mandapa
MISC
FEATURES
Navaratri festival Decoration with Potramarai kulam
The oldest structure like the Sanctum
Sanctorum, Vimanam, East Tower, and Parivara Sanndhis belong to
Sadaiyavarman Kulasekara-I also known as Jatavarma The Sanctum Sanctorum was
renovated during the Vijayanagara Period. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was
called Alavayudaya Nayanar and the place Thirualavai.
The History and Inscriptions of Madurai Sri
Meenakshi temple from Sri Santhalingam,
a tholliyal aringnar and Pandiyar Panpattu maiyam. For the Video Link Please Click here.
Madurai Kanchi records that “Mazhuval Nediyon was
brought in procession”, from this it is concluded that there was a Shiva temple that existed about 2000 years before at Madurai. But the temple is not exist now since the temple might have been constructed with bricks and lime mortar.
Later Thevara moovar has sung hymns in praise of Shiva. The 7th
Century Thirugnanasambandar calls Shiva as “Angayar kanniyudan uraiyum Alavai
Chokkar”, “Alavai Annal”, “Alavai Nambiyee” etc,. Thirugnanaasambandar mentioned temple also does not exist now. Later literature also did not mention this temple. A
literature “Kalladam”, based on the book Sanskrit called Sarasu Samjayam,
documents 30 Thiruvilayadal puranas. Later the same was added to 64
Thiruvilaiyadal purana by Permpatra Puliyur Nambi and Paranjothi in the 11th
and 17th Centuries. None of the inscriptions mentioned this temple as
Meenakshi Temple till 1752 CE. 1710 CE’s Vijayaranga Chokkanatha Nayaka’s
inscription mentions Shiva as Chokkanathar (out of 64 padam thaangis, one
person who climbed up the gopuram and fell down and died inscription). 1750 to 1752’s inscriptions on
Pavai Vilakku mentions Ambal name as Meenakshi.
Thiruvasi was gifted by Meenakshi Nayaka (maybe a member of the Nayaka
family) and the same was damaged. A new thiruvasi was made in 1798 CE, by 4
families of Aaviyur, inscription
mentions Meenakshi Sundareswarar. In
the function Sivagangai Raja Duraisingam, Bangaru Thirumalai, a descendent of
Thirumalai Nayaka,
As per the request of Temple authorities, about 450
inscriptions are recorded by Mr Santhalingam, of which only 78 inscriptions are
complete in the form of poems and 23 are
labeled inscriptions with an image and
sathasevai (ever praying) in the form of fragments inscriptions. Apart from this
9 inscriptions are in vessels, Pavai
Vilakku, Thiruvachi. Mangammal period 10 to 12 paintings with some inscriptions.
The rest 351 inscriptions are fragmentary inscriptions. In one period this temple was subjected to massive destruction and later rebuilt during the Vijayanagara period.
The inscription stones are not placed in order and some are upside down. Some
of the inscription stones are placed at a height of about 20 feet. These
inscriptions do not belong to ancient times or even the Thevara period (7th
to 8th Century). Only 78 inscriptions record the history of
this temple.
Out of 450 inscriptions, the earliest two
inscriptions belong to Sadayavarman Kulasekara Pandyan ( 1190 – 1216 CE ), who
ruled Pandya Country under Kulothunga Chozha-III. Hence it is presumed that
this temple might have been constructed as a stone temple during that period. The other two earliest inscriptions belong to his brother Maravarman Sundara
Pandyan. These inscriptions are in the east Rajagopuram also called Sundara
Pandyan Thiru Gopuram/Avani Vendha Raman Thiru Gopuram, second thala pillars Thiruvilaiyadal Purana was written by
PerumpaaRRapuliyur Nambi during that time. One of the Thiruvilaiyadal
mentions the construction of this temple and there is a note that the temple
was constructed by Sadayavarman Kulasekaran, during the 12th Century.
One of these inscriptions records the gift of Chozhanthaga
Chaturvedi Mangalam (present Chozhavandhan and the ancient name was Pakanur–
the title of Veera Pandyan as Chozhan Thalai Konda 946 – 966 CE ), for the governance of Thirugnanasambandar
madam established by a person called Thatpurusa Devar, came from Seva Thiruvarur
Kolaki madam, Picha madam. The other 3 inscriptions also record similar
messages of land donations. This donation is coordinated by Iyyan
Mazhavarayan, who worked with the three Kings.
This also didn’t mention the construction of this
temple. In addition to that, Veera
Pandyan, and Parakrama Pandyan period inscriptions are also found in the temple.
Out of 78 complete inscriptions 77 are completely
in Tamil (grantha scripts come in the middle, or starting with Sanskrit slokas), and only one inscription is in Sanskrit with 39
lines. This Vijayanagara King Sadasiva Raya (1546 CE) period Sanskrit
inscription records the donation of Villages for conducting regular poojas.
Another inscription with Telugu in the upper portion and bottom in Tamil at Kampadi Mandapam records that the
Kampathadi Mandapam was built by Veerappa Nayakar (1583 CE).
Another Sanskrit inscription in a line mentions as
“Alangarikappatta Pattathu Yanai – அலங்கரிக்கப்பட்ட
பட்டத்து யானை”.
From the inscriptions, the history of this temple
is recorded up to 1736, till the end of the Nayaka period.
The 7 inscriptions belong to Maravarman Sundara
Pandyan. These inscriptions mainly record the gift of lands for various
purposes.
Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-II, who ruled after Maravarman
Sundara Pandyan-I, 7 inscriptions are also there. The meikeerthis of these two
kings was very much similar and made confusing. These inscriptions record some
interesting facts. The Hoysala King Veera Someswaran (1220 CE) ruled a small
region near Samayapuram, in friendly with Chozhas and Pandyas. Veera Someswaran
also has marriage relations with Chozhas. The Maravarman Sundara Pandyan
Inscriptions mentions Veera Someswaran as “Mamadi”. ie Uncle. He created a Sandhi pooja in his name, and for the
same, he donated some Villages to conduct the Sandhi poojas. Kongu Chozha
Vikrama Chozha also gave a gift of some
Villages to this temple during Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-II’s period and he
called Vikrama Chozha “Machan”, due
to marriage relationships.
Vanathirayar’s ( Kurunila kings – Alagarkoil sanctum sanctorum was
reconstructed by these Vanathirayars. ) period inscription records that
Vanathirayar sandhi was created and donations were made. Further, the
inscription also records that, Shri Shiva came and witnessed a song sung at
Amman Sannidhi in Saathiri pan during Vanathirayar sandhi.
The Pandyas period inscriptions mainly record the
donation of Villages (nearly 80 Villages – around Vadipatti, Kariyapatti,
Sivaganga district Ilayankudi areas)
to this temple, after removing Taxes. The inscriptions (1250 to 1283 CE) record
all details elaborately like, the type of crops raised, taxes levied, taxes
relaxed, etc.
The temple, sanctum Sanctorum, Adavallan sannidhi,
7 tier Vimanam, was destroyed due to a natural calamity/(unknown reasons ) 50 years after the temple construction ie
mid of 12th century. The same
was reconstructed after a donation of some lands to the thirupani. A Thiruther/Temple chariot/Temple car was also made. The total work was entrusted to Mizhalai
Kootrathu Thachanur Udyan Seval Sevaka Thevan.
During the 13th Century, the Islamiyar/Muslim invasion (1311 CE) started due to the conflict between two brothers. There
is no inscriptional evidence regarding the status of the temple and the damage that occurred during the Muslim invasion. But in the Thala Varalaru book, it was
mentioned that the temple was kept locked for about 40 years. It was observed
that the north prahara wall of Amman temple, and the Chokkanathar temple's north prahara
walls are not subjected to damage and the very long Pandya inscriptions are found
intact. But from the position of the inscription stones, we may conclude that the
temple was subjected to major damage, and the same was reconstructed with the
available stones during the Vijayanagaras or Nayakas period
Before Krishnadevara’s period, Narasaraya’s period
inscription records the gift of Navaratna Pathakkam to this temple.
Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya came to this
temple and stayed some time at Madurai. He donated 500 gold coins and a Village
called Thanisayam alias Thirugnanasambandanallur, near Chozhavandan to celebrate his birth Punarpoosa Nakshatra Day. This inscription, on the east side of Rajagopuram, records the details of materials and the weights to be used for the
poojas. Further, he also constructed some
mandapas near Kanjanamala Sannidhi, but these mandapas do not exist now.
Achutharaya’s (1530 – 1546 CE) period
inscriptions record the celebrations at this temple and gifts of Villages made
to this temple are inscribed. Chithirai Thiruvizha is mentioned as one of the
festivals celebrated in this temple. Achutharaya gopuram was constructed during
his period by his official for the punniyam of Achutha Raya.
Nayakas are mainly responsible for the present
condition of the temple. During their period, the Kampathadi mandapam, 100 pillar mandapam (1600 CE), 1000 pillar
mandapam (1600 CE) by Veerappa Nayaka as per the plan of Thalavai Ariyanatha
Mudaliar, Thirumalai Nayaka mandapam (Thirumalai nayaka’s inscription records
that he had given some benefits/relaxations Pancha Kammalars and donated some
Villages), Yazhi mandapam, Devarayar Inscription
records exemption Jodi/jathi vari.
The Vijayaranga Chokkanathar’s 1710 CE inscription
records the gift of 4 Villages around Samanatham to 64 people of Sri Pada
thankis/Chapparam carriers during the procession. The same was taken back for the construction of the Palace. This has become an agitation in front of the temple. In
that one person called Kutty climbed up on the Gopuram and died. This was
inscribed in the form of an inscription.
The Pachaiappa Mudaliar’s 1852 CE inscription
records that he had given a gift of 1 lakh varagan, for conducting poojas, with 10 varagans
starting a school to teach Thargam / logic and 5 varagan for teaching
English. This inscription stone is missing now.
No inscription is available about the Devaradiyars of
this temple directly. The Thiruvasi inscriptions mention indirectly. But
Tirunelveli temple 2 inscriptions mention the Thalaikoli of this temple.
The “Vaigaikarai Kavlettu” found on the banks of the Vaigai River found by an epigraphist in 1961 is kept in 1000 pillar mandapam.
This is the earliest inscription ( 700 CE ) found in Madurai. The inscription starts with Sanskrit / Grantham
and ends in Vattezhuthu. The inscription records the construction of the Check Dam
on the Vaigai River by Koon Pandyan alias NinRRaseer Nedumaran. ( at this point, Mr
Santhalingam mentions that there is no evidence for the construction of
Kallanai by Karikal Chozha ) This inscription does not have any connection to
this temple's history.
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 would be painting and requested 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 facilities is available from all
the district headquarters.
West Rajagopuram
North Rajagopram
South Rajagopuram
South Rajagopuram
Uma Maheswarar
Rishabaroodar
Veerabhadra & Pichadanar
Chandrasekara
Navaratri festival decoration
Musical Pillars
Musical Pillars
Lay out - PC From website
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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