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Lord Shiva wedded Mother Meenakshi, daughter of Malayadwaja Pandya in Madurai.  He took charge as the king of Madurai.

 As a rule, Shiva Puja should be performed before assuming any responsible position.  Hence, He installed a Linga and performed the puja.  Based on this event, Lord Shiva – Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar-appears in worshipping posture.  

Though generally it is believed that reliefs for the sins committed in this birth will come only in following births, it is granted in this birth itself by Lord Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar.

Shivalinga in this temple is facing west. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi are behind the Linga. The place is praised as Kailash on Earth. 

While we have the Darshan of Lord Shiva – Shivalinga – from the front side, we have the darshan from the rear in this temple.  According to rules, Shiva Puja should be performed by sitting westward.  Lord Shiva along with Mother is performing the Linga Puja this way, hence the devotees have the rear side darshan!

Pujas and Deepa Aradhana are offered to Lords Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar, Lord Meenakshi Sundareswarar and Mother Meenakshi simultaneously. It is said that Lord Shiva Himself is performing this puja.

Mother Madhyapuri Nayaki graces from a separate shrine.  As the temple is at the centre (Madhya) of Madurai city, She is so named. 

Mother Madhyapuri Nayaki appears in a standing posture on a lotus designed peeta.  The peeta is adored with a Sri Chakra carved in stone.  Generally, Sri Chakra is drawn on copper sheets and installed in temples.  This is a difference in this temple.

Lord Shiva is said to have played 64 Tiruvilayadals-play of miracles.  In Madurai, appearing as Vallaba Siddha, He made an Elephant of Stone eat Sugarcane. 

Lord Kasi Viswanatha in the front Mandap is fair in complexion.  Mother Visalakshi is nearby.  It is worth recalling that Lord Sri Rama performed Shiva Puja in Rameswaram with a sand Lingam for relief from the dosha of killing Ravana a Shiva devotee.  Remembering this event a Sand Linga was installed in this temple too.  Lord Rama appears with His Kodandam Bow behind this Linga.

The Vilwa tree in the temple has ten leaves in a stem – Dasadhala Vilwa. 

The temple Address : Lord Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, West Masi Street, Madurai – 625 001, Tamil Nadu.