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Foundation YearMadurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple was built by King Kulasekara Pandya (1190-1216 CE)Sthala TreeKadamba TreeTheerthamPottramarai, Vaikai, Kruthamalai Teppakulam, PurathottiRathamArchitectureTamil architectureOther Speciality
- Sthala PuranAccording to legend, the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Indhira logam at Kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in Madurai. The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Indira in this temple is said to be proof for this. Many historical and literary evidences of the temple have been found dating back from early A.D. The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310 following the invasion of the Islamic conqueror Malikkapur, His invasion destroyed most of the ancient sculptures of the temple. Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has mentioned the temple in his songs which go back to early 7th century. The Lord has been described as Alavai Annal in his songs.The temple was restored to its pristine glory in the late 14th century when the Hindu Kings came back to power in Madurai.This can also be termed as a new beginning of a new era in the history of the temple, when it was almost rebuilt. The King Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple, according to the history the temple was under effective management of earlier government governed by the kings. The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is now under the administration of the HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu Government.Effacing of Indra’s Sin
The first of the puraanas refers to the origins of Madurai and the divine association of the Meenakshi Sundareshwara temple. Hinduism has strong belief in reincarnation and the principle of karma – that the acts of one life have ramifications not only in the afterlife but also in the next birth. As a consequence great emphasis is laid on leading a pure sin-free life and in the event where a sin is committed, they go through severe austerities for purification and cleansing.This is where the divine powers of Madurai come to rescue as illustrated in an interesting tale where, not only humans, but even Gods and Demi gods can seek cleansing in its sacred environs.
The first anecdote deals with an episode where Indra’s sin is effaced. The legend goes thus : Indra, the Chief of Devas, had to kill a demon who was terrorizing the three worlds for which he waged a war against the Asuraas. Unfortunately the demon was a high born Brahmin, whose slaying brought upon Indra a grave sin. Indra tried various means to rid himself, of the sin, but to no avail. Once, in the realm of humans, passing through a forest of Kadamba trees, Indra felt the burden being miraculously lifted. Relieved of his sin, he looked for the source and found a Shiva Linga of incomparable beauty and exceptional prowess, in the shades of the Kadamba tree. Next to the tree was a Golden Lotus Pond, where in Indra proceeded to cleanse himself by bathing in its waters and offering the golden lotus to the Shiva Linga.
Birth of Meenakshi
Once, Madurai was ruled by a king by name Malayadhvaja pandian. His wife was Kaanchanamaalai and unfortunately they were not blessed with a child for quite a long period. They conducted a yaga (an act of propitiation to the Gods), called Puthra Kaameshti Yagam. A beautiful three years old female child was granted to them which appeared from the fire of the Yaga, spontaneously. This child had three breasts in its body and this caused distress to the royal couple, Malayadhvajan and Kaanchanamaalai. Also, they had asked God Almighty for a male child who could carry on the affairs of the Kingdom and they beseeched help from the God again. There was a voice from heaven that spoke thus, “Do not think that this is an ordinary female child. Nurture it the way you would treat a male child and make her the Queen; and when she sees her suitor one breast of hers will automatically disappear”. They named the child Thadaathagai and took abundant care in bringing her up. At the appropriate time, she was crowned the Queen of Madurai. From that day onwards she held the scepter of royal power and ruled over Madurai.
Meenakshi’s encounter with Shiva
Thadaathagai who ruled Madurai wanted to conquer the whole world and ventured boldly with her army in all directions. After conquering all of Heaven and Earth, finally she reached Mount Kailash in order to involve Lord Shiva in a battle. Lord Shiva was informed of this matter by Nandi and He readied Himself to confront Thadaathagai. As she faced Lord Shiva one to one, Thadaathagai became shy and the middle of her three breasts disappeared. Her minister Sumathi reminded her of the voice from heaven that had predicted this to happen. This symbolizes the principle that one can approach God only when the central ills of life namely Ego, Illusion and pride disappear completely.
Lord Shiva appeared in Madurai as Somasundarar and married Thadaathagai, who was none other than Meenakshiammai. The master of ceremonies, the purohit, was Brahmadeva, who performed the marriage rituals and the yaga. Meenakshi’s brother Lord Vishnu poured the ceremonial water to solemnize the marriage and this was celebrated with the blessing of all assembled and to the happiness of all the three worlds.
Celestial Wedding
Lord Shiva and Thadaathagai returned to Madurai where the king had organized the coronation of his daughter to be followed by Her marriage to Lord Shiva the next day. It was to be arranged in the grandest possible fashion with the entire population on attendance. Scholars, poets, artists, artisans, kings and queens and people from all walks of life were all invited to the great events without discrimination.
Devas, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Rishis and Siddhas were also in the invitees’ list. All roads led to Madurai and a huge congregation assembled there as if Madurai suddenly became the centre of the Universe.
Vishnu, the brother of Meenakshi was proceeding to Madurai from Vaikuntam, His abode in heaven, for Kannikaa-dhaanam (bestowing the bride to the groom) when His passage was delayed by a trick played by Lord Indra. Vishnu saw through the deception and manifested Himself in both places at the same time. He managed to preside over the marriage ceremony and perform Kannikaa-dhaanam ritual in the from of Thirupparankundram pavalakkanivaip-perumal. This is being celebrated even to this day as Chithirai Thiruvizha (Chithirai Festival). During the rule of Thirumalai Nayakar, this was linked to Kallazhagar and became part of Azhagar Festival.
Sporty Deeds of the Lords (Thiruvilaiyaadal Legends)
The great temple at Madurai is considered as one of the holiest of Shiva temples. Lord Shiva, in the form of Sundareshwarar is believed to have performed 64 lilas (Sport) here. These lilas dwell upon the divine intervention of Lord Shiva Himself who had come down to the call of His devotees and performed miraculous deeds. These anecdotes are full of wit and wisdom, illustrating the Lord’s compassion to His devotees. These devotees included kings, queens and the common man whose devotion to Lord Shiva was all consuming. Occasionally it reached such a height as to make the devotee offer his life and soul entirely to the Lord. Shiva donned several forms fro the sake of devotees appearing as a Siddhar, a poet, a fisherman, a wood cutter and even a labourer.
The stories are narrated in various sthalapuraanams pertaingin to the Madurai temple. They became so popular that they have been written in various languages in different periods including the most elaborate versions such as Paranjothi’s Thiruvilaiyaadal Puraanam. Some of the earliest among these Puraanas are Perumbattrappuliyur Nambi’s Thiruvaalavayudaiyar Thiruvilaiyaadal Puraanam and Halasya Mahaatmyam a Sanskrit work based on the earlier puraanams. Nambi’s work may be assigned to about the 12th – 13th Century while Paranjothi’s was written in the 16th – 17th Century.
Other works in which the Thiruvilaiyaadal Lilas are narrated are Andari’s Sundara Pandiyam based on a Sanskrit work of the same name; Ashtamipradaksina Maanmyam (both in Sanskrit and Tamil) and Maduraikkalambakam of Kumaraguruparar.
A large number of the lilas such as those connected with Thirugnaanasambandhar, the Jains, Manickavaasagar, the Cheras and the Cholas, are legends surrounding actual historical events. But at present, it is difficult to separate the fact from fiction completely. Apart from these minor and perhaps major differences, there is a lot of similarity about the various lilas.
Salvation to a stork
This legendary story is some what unique, wher in the grace of Shiva is showered even on a bird. In this case a stork, which is in search of fish to feed on, chances to find a lade where a few hermits are performing their ablutions. It overhears their talk about the sanctity of Madurai and wishes to see the place. Upon visiting the sacred temple, it comes to the famous Golden Lotus pond, where a fish jumps near it. The nature of the stork is to feed on the fish, but that would vilify the sacred campus and so curtails its natural instincts. Whereupon Shiva reveals Himself to it and appreciates this selfless quality of the bird. He blesses it with release from the cycle of birth and death and grants Godhood. The stork further implores on Him, to assist future avian visitors who might not be able to control their senses as well as itself. Shiva in all His grace grants that wish as well and causes that there would be no marine life in the golden lotus pond, henceforth.
Sugarcane to Stone Elephant
The sacred confines of the temple find mention again in another episode of the Thiruvilaiyaadal. Shiva comes disguised as a mendicant performing a lot of miracles in the temple. World of His deeds reaches the king, who summons Him for an audience. Shiva promptly ignores the summon, saying that His place is only amongst the devotees. Enraged the king himself comes to the temple and challenges Him to show him His prowess. He takes a sugarcane and asks the Mendicant to feed one of the stone elephants that stand around the Sanctum. The Lord promptly offers it to the stone elephant, which to the surprise and utter amazement of all present, comes alive, trumpets loudly, extends its trunk to take the sugarcane and proceeds to eat it. Finally it turns back to stone, by which time the Pandya King realizes the true identity of the Mendicant and falls at His feet. Having accomplished His task the Lord disappears after showering His blessings on the king.
Saivite Savants (Naalvar)
The Thevaaram trinity, namely Thiru Gnaanasambandhar, Thirunaavukkarasar and Sundarar during the seventh and eighth centuries paved the way for the spread of Saivism. Their discovery of its deep rooted traditions threw light on the entire culture itself. In their piligrimages in TamilNadu, they had visited all Saivite shrines with ancient traditions and sung hymns in praise of the presiding deity.
Koon pandian alias Nedumaaran the pandiyan ruler was converted to Jainism. With royal patronage, Jainism spread its net and fro its effective propagation, Jain monks had camped in the eight hillocks around Madurai. To prevent Saivism’s total eclipse Queen Mangayarkkarasiar and Minister Kulachirayar invited Saint Gnaanasambandhar to visit them at Madurai. The saint visited Madurai, prayed to the deity and performed a lot of miracles. The king understood that all these could happen only with the divine blessings of Lord Shiva. Upon seeing all these miraculous deeds and realizing the powers of Saivism, the king reconverted to the Saiva fold.
Thiruneetru Padhigam of Thiru Gnana Sambanthar
The ten hymns about the sanctity and powers of the sacred ash (Thiruneeru) is a unique contribution to Tamil Devotional Literature. Although it is easily understood, simple and lucid ther is a central theme covering the elements of Saiva theology, in their proper and logical order. Once can easily miss it if not properly studied.
The hymn is in praise of the sacred ash. King Nedumaaran was suffering from serious stomach ache and all the medics could not cure it. Thiu Gnaanasambandar applied the sacred ash which miraculously cured the painful disease he was suffering from. This powerful miracle inspired the king to change over from Jainism to Saivism. From beginning to end this padhigam deals with life from a larger perspective. In the language of Saivites the term sacred ash (Thiruneeru) represents a multi dimensional life-symbol of the individual spirit, all the time seeking to discover its relationship amidst the laws and forces of earthly life, with universal spirit. Here the word sacred ash (thiruneeru) repeatedly occurs in a formula as it were, carrying a connotation of an inner force struggling to reach and mingly with the universal spirit. The hymn therefore is a panacea for not only external well being but also internal well being of the soul, not only for king Nedumaaran but also for any one who recites it.
Thirunaavukkarasar, a contemporary of Gnaanasambandhar also visited the temple. His Thevaaram songs with the divine influence of Lord Shiva offer a glimpse of the temple and throws light on the magnificence of the temple and its grandeur. It infused life into the kingdom and brought prosperity to the people of Madurai.
Sundarar, another contemporary of Thiru Gnaanasambandhar has many credits as a true devotee of Lord Shiva. In one instance Lord Shiva appears before him after he calls the Lord a mad man. When Sundarar realizes it the Lord asks him to compose a hymn with pithaa (madman) as the starting word.
Maanickavaasagar, an eighth century poet and the last of the four Saivite Savants, was born in Thiruvaadavur and became a minister in the Court of Varaguna Varman II (860-880 AD). He was given a lot of money and sent on a mission to purchase horses and on the way God Himself came as an ascetic, became his Guru and blessed him with Shivagnanam. Filled with gratitude and devotion to Shiva, he built a beautiful temple in Thiruperundurai with the money he brought for the horses. When the king learnt of the misdeed, he wanted to punish Maanickavaasagar. The Lord heeding the prayers of His devotee, turned foxes into horses to pacify the king, but when they turned back to foxes, the enraged king punished the Saint by roasting him in the Vaigai sand. The Lord once again intervened and caused floods in Vaigai to save the devotee. The king realized his mistake and became a disciple of the Saint Manickavasagar. For sheer love of the Supreme Lord there are no other poems to equal the Thiruvaasagam and Thirukkovaiyar of Saint Manickavasagar full of poignant outpouring of Jeevaatma in the yearning for the Paramaatma.
- ArchitectureEast Raja gopuramsouth tower
Tower Name - East Raja gopuram
Constructor Name - Maravarma sundara pandiyan
No.of Kalasam - 9
Lightning Arrester - Yes
Tower Description - The east gopuram is considered to be the oldest among the outer gopurams but very few vestiges of the earlier structure are in existance today.The tower on top of the sanctum sanctorm of the God (east) This tower was constructed by Maravarman Sundarapandian the Pandian King (1216-1238) The tower is 153.3 feet in height, and the base measurers 111.3 feet by 65.6 feet. This goupuram more than 1000 stucco(suthai) sculptured.They describing the puranams,earlier style of clothings and ornaments.
West TowerTower Name - south tower
Constructor Name - siramalai sevanthi murthy chetti
No.of Kalasam - 9
Lightning Arrester - Yes
Tower Description - It was constructed in the year 1559 by Siramalai Sevanthi Murthy Chetti. It is the tallest of the temple towers measuring 160.9 feet in height, with a base area of 108 feet by 67 feet 1511 mythological figures are seen in it.
East towerTower Name - West Tower
Constructor Name - Parakkrama Pandiyan
No.of Kalasam - 9
Lightning Arrester - Yes
Tower Description - This was constructed by King Parakrama Pandian duri ng his reign between 1315 and 1347. This has a height of 154.6 feet with a base length of 101 feet and a width of 63.6 feet. This tower houses 1124 sculptures of mythological importance.
North TowerTower Name - East tower
Constructor Name - Maravarman Sundara Pandiyan
No.of Kalasam - 9
Lightning Arrester - Yes
Tower Description - The tower on top of the sanctum sanctorm of the God (east) This tower was constructed by Maravarman Sundarapandian the Pandian King (1216 – 1238) The tower is 153.3 feet in height, and the base measurers 111.3 feet by 65.6 feet.. This bears 1011 episodes from puranams sculptured in it.
Chithira TowerTower Name - North Tower
Constructor Name - Krishna Veerappa Nayakkar
No.of Kalasam - 9
Lightning Arrester - Yes
Tower Description - Construction of this tower was started by Krishnaveerappanaicker (1564 - 1572) This gopuram remained unfinished for a number of years and was therefore called as Mottai Gopuram meaning a tower without kalasam or roof.it has now got a roof which was built by the Nattukottai Chettiyars about the end of the ninteenth century. This is 152 feet in height and the length of the base is 111 feet with a width of 66 feet.. This houses 404 carvings depicting mythological stories.
Sannathi Tower (East)Tower Name - Chithira Tower
Constructor Name - Kalathiyapa Muthaliyar
Lightning Arrester - Yes
Century - 15th - 16th Century
Kadaga GoupuramTower Name - Sannathi Tower (East)
Constructor Name - Vembathur Anantha Thandava Nambi
Century - 12th - 13th Century
Tower Name - Kadaga Goupuram
Constructor Name - Veeratthumasi
Lightning Arrester - Yes
Century - 15th - 16th Century
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