Friday, 11 September 2020

Meenakshi Amman Temple / Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple / Then Thiru Aalavai Temple / Madurai Meenakshi Temple / மதுரை மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோயில், Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

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.

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                     மணிமார்பா
கனகமி 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 SANNADHI
The 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 SANNADHI
When 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 outer prakaram of Lord Shiva’s Sannadhi, Kambathadi Mandapam, Nalvar, Paramasivam, Lingas, Sanga Pulavar’s sannadhi, Kalatheeswarar, Kalyana Sundareswarar, Dhyana mandapam, Kariya Manicka Perumal mandapam, Navagrahas.

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.

ARCHITECTURE
The 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 FEATURES
In 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 mandapa
MISC FEATURES
The next is Nayakkar mandapam. The lights are very beautiful. thiruvasi is glittering through the lights.

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 & INSCRIPTIONS
As 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. 

LEGENDS
Aalavai 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 :
Temple Telephone Numbers: 0452-2344360(office) and 0452-2341777(fax)
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 TEMPLECLICK 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
Ref: A 50-page article on Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple by T Krishna Kumar  

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

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