According to a mythological story, the Pandyan king Malayadhwaja and his queen Kanchanamala performed the ‘Putra Kameshti Yaga’ for a child. At the suggestion of Shiva, his eternal consort Parvathi consented to become the child of the pious king. She rose effulgent from the sacrificial fire as a little girl, with breasts; the third of which would disappear when Shiva set his eyes on her. The girl was named Thadathangai and she was brought up as a ‘princess’ under divine instructions.
Princess Thadathangai succeeded her father to the throne and led armies on successful campaigns of conquest. In her last campaign in North India, she challenged Shiva himself at Kailas, but when She saw the great Lord, She fell in love with him. The bridegroom followed her home, married her, took the name Sundara Pandya and together they ruled Madurai.
The legend says that the Lord performed several miracles during his wedding. There was nothing on the side of the bridegroom’s party to match the regal splendour of the preparations made for his marriage; the story goes that on the wedding day, much to the astonishment of all, god Sundareshwara, the bridegroom came only with a dwarf “Gundodhara’. Meenakshi, with a view to show her husband that she was very rich and powerful than him, haughtily remarked that the grand wedding arrangements would go waste since the bridegroom had not brought with him a large retinue befitting the occasion. God Sundareshwarar said that it would be sufficient if they would be able to feed the dwarf brought with him. To the amazement of all, everything that Madurai could produce in shape of things to eat and drink was not enough to satisfy appetite of Gundodhara, as the legend relates. Gundodhara quickly consumed both cooked and uncooked things and started asking for more. When there was nothing else left to eat, the dwarf began cry for water to quench his thirst. All the water in the wells reservoirs of the city had gone in the same way as the food. It was only Mother Annapurneshwari that could satisfy his hunger and Ganga his thirst, when they were summoned for the purpose by Lord Shiva. Sundareshwarar asked the dwarf to place his palms on the ground and directed a flow of water which is said to be the picturesque Vaigai river on the banks of which grew the charming city of Madurai.
This wonderful theme has been taken by the South Indian artits to create superb sculpture and paintings. They have found the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi a traditional source of inspiration. Sixty four such legends relating to this marriage have been dedicated to the Goddess. The celebrated poem Tiruvilayadal Puranam describes that Sundara Pandya and his queen ruled the kingdom as mortal kings. In course of time, they got a son who was named Ugra Pandya, later on to be called as Lord Muruga. After crowning their son to take over the kingdom, they revealed their real identities as Lord Sundareshwara and Goddess Meenakshi.
Being in the heart of Tamilnadu, Madurai has fostered through centuries, an essentially Dravidian and Tamil culture. It was in Madurai that three successful Tamil academies, known as Sangams flourished under the benevolent royal support. Silappadhikaram, one of the early known literary compositions of the world, was composed at Madurai by Elango Adigal, a celebrated ascetic and brother of Cheran Senguttavan, a Cheran king, where Kannagi sought justice for her husband from the Pandyan king. Madurai is famed as one of the five traditional dance halls of Shiva where in his aspect as Nataraja, he is standing on the right foot, while in all other four halls, he is standing on his left foot. The famous hall ,is known as the ‘Rajatha Sabha’ {Silver Hall) or Vasantha Mandapam, as contrasted with ‘Ponnambalam’, the ‘Hall of Gold’ in Chidambaram.
The most well known of Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar twin temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The Meenakshi temple complex is literally a city one of the largest of its kind in India, undoubtedly one of the oldest. Various kings have renovated it, adding convoluted corridors. It is believed that most of the temple as it stands today, owes its existence largely to the endeavour of the Nayaks, who, descending from Vijayanagar rulers, guided its destiny in the 17th century. Shiva in his incarnation as Sundareshwarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. There are four massive gateways enclosing these two temples. Facing the shrine of Sundareshwarar is the lavishly embellished ‘Pudu Mandapam’, also known as ‘Vasantha.Mandapam’. On each of the pillars, is represented Shiva in his various manifestations. The attractive life-size statues of the ten Nayaka rulers together with their consorts are installed here. To the south of the main shrine dedicated to Shiva, is the temple of Goddess Meenakshi. The structure with its two concentric enclosures is about half the size of the main shrine. The porch leading to the temple is called “Ashta Shakti Mandapam’ on account of the eight Shakti Goddesses figured therein.
There are in all eleven towers to this temple, the largest and most beautiful being the one on the southern doorway. Rising to a height of about 70 metres, this impressive ‘gopuram’ is by far the most ornate and florid of the Dravidian towers. It has nine stories and crowded with grinning gargoyles and gryphons that perch on the ornate curved edges. The surface of the ‘gopurams’ on the southern door way is covered with plastic figures of deities and semi- divine characters, freely sculptured and drawn from Hindu mythology representing the appearance of a pulsating mass of masonry. With frequent renovations and additions being done down the centuries, there are more than 1,600 sculptured figures.An interesting incident is revealed by the local people which happened during the time of renovation work in 1923 A.D. While depicting the coronation of Meenakshi, the artist out of his own imagination included the figure of Mahatma Gandhi among the figures of audience. Some British officers who noticed it seem to have taken objection to it. It is understood that the figure of Gandhi was altered to depict a sage with a long beard.During the year 1960A.D., some of these figures were completely rebuilt and painted with gorgeous colours at great cost by Nattukottai Chettis. The northern ‘gopuram’ long known as “Mettai ” is no there longer since a courageous Chetty endowed it with the plaster top; still it carried terracotta figures.No one enters or leaves the temple by the eastern tower which has become a taboo since a temple employee flung himself down from its top in the reign of Chokkanatha nayaka as a protest against an unjust levy. Visitors generally enter by the Ashta Lakshmi Mandapam.
The entrance to the temple by way of Meenakshi Nayakan Mandapam and also the Pudhu Mandapam is packed with stalls and shops which sell all sorts of things and spoil the dignity and beauty of the structures. At the farther end of the mandapam is a door way surrounded by a brass frame covered with scores of oil lamps lighted daily.
The high point of Meenakshi temple is its celebrated ” Court of Thousand Pillars “. Built around the year 1560A.D ., it is a great work of structural engineering as well as sculpture and art. Every one of its thousand pillars is subjected to an amazing variety of ornate carvings. the sculptured figures of a nomadic tribe called Kuravi and his wife at the entrance itself are very interesting. There is an eye-catching sculpture of a main carrying a woman on his shoulders . From any point inside the Hall of pillars, it presents a magnificient view.
The hall’s other statues explore the entire range of human emotions. Some of the sculptures are immense, the stone gleaming with the antic lustre. In the corner is the statue of the fierce Bhadrakali. Small balls of butter are hurled at the deity by the devotees to appease her anger.
The monolith figure of Rati(goddess of love) is a marvellous sculpture. The slightly elongated Pandyan beauty wears large earings. Her arms, neck, waist, bosom and feet are encrusted with swirls over thighs, calf muscles and ankles. She has long hair done in a loose knot. She sits astride a swan. The foot of the flag shaft is guilded with gold and faces the shrine directly.
The thousand pillar mandapam is supposed to have been built by Arya Natha Mudaliyar , the Prime Minister of the first Nayaka of Madurai (1559-1600 A.D.) and the founder of ‘Poligar System’. An equestrian statue of the Mudaliyar flanks one side of the steps leading to the ‘mandapam’. Except the inner shrines, probably no part of the temple is older than the 16th century. The general plan of the sanctuary is typical of the gigantic South Indian temples with vast quadrangular enclosures and lofty ‘gopurams’ overlooking the central shrine. Round about the temple, outside the higher walls, is a neat garden fenced with iron railings.
Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures in this shrine. The ceilings are decorated with large paintings showing Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes. There is a beautiful painting “of the marriage of Sundareswarar with Devi Meenakshi”. Another beautiful painting is that of Harihara.
In the outer corridor are the most popular musical pillars, five in number, each composed of twenty two slender rods carved out of a single rock of granite, which produce the ‘Saptha Swaras’ when gently tapped with a wooden rod. There is a spacious ‘pushkarini’ in front of the Meenakshi shrine called the Golden Lotus Tank or ‘Ponthamaraikulam’. Beautifully paved stone steps on all the four sides are set to reach the placid water. The great tower , of the south reflected in the Golden Lily Tank is perhaps the best known view of the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple.According to mythology, Indra from Devaloka entered this tank and it was filled with golden Lillies. It is said that the tank was also, used to judge the literary merit of the manuscripts of poets and authors. When placed on the water, the manuscripts would float supported by a plank if its value was considered worthy: otherwise it would sink to the bottom. This testing miraculous plank was called ‘Sanga Palkki’ (sanga plank) and can still be seen in the temple museum. This tradition amply substantiates the view that Madurai once a centre of learning and erudition. The Pandyan kings were great patrons of arts and letters. One of the first monarchs of the dynasty, Ugra Paruvaludi (128-140 A.D.) is gratefully ,remembered for the patronage he extended to poet Tiruvalluvar.
For about ten years after shifting to Madurai, Tirumala Nayaka devoted most of his time in improving defences and fortifications. He built the portions of Meenakshi temple that had been destroyed. He added the Pudumandapam, in front of the main temple. One of the greatest structures of its kind, it took seven years to complete the master sculptor Sumantimurthi. During this time, Nilakanta Dikshitar, the famous poet was Nayaka’s Minister and adviser.
The construction of these ‘mandapams’ resulted in some interesting incidents which are worth mentioning. According to tradition, it is stated that when the chief sculptor was carving out of a pillar a figure of the principal queen of the Nayaka, a small stone piece chipped away from the thigh portion of the figure making an ugly depression. When the matter was reported to Minister Dikshitar, he is said to have asked the sculptor to ignore the damage and proceed further. After the idol was finished, Nayaka came to know the story and suspected the Minister, as his queen really had a similar mole on her thigh. Deciding to punish Dikshitar by blinding his eyes he sent word to him to come to the palace. But the Minister scented the intention of the king and he himself blinded the eyes by applying burning camphor to his eyes. Nayaka rushed to Dikshitar and expressed his remorse and sorrow. Nilakanta Dikshitar is said to have composed a Sanskrit poem of 107 stanzas called ‘Anandasagara Sthavanam’ in praise of the Goddess and by her grace he got back his vision to the joy of every one.
Another incident is equally interesting. Tirumala Nayaka took considerable interest during the erection of the Vasantha Mandapa. According to the story, it is said that Sundaramurthi Achari, the master Architect was so deeply engrossed in creating a relief sculpture of an elephant eating sugarcane. The Nayaka who was standing nearby rolled some betel leaves and arecanuts and handed them over to the sculptor. Without knowing who gave the betel leaves, the sculptor mechanically took them and began chewing without seeing around. After a while, he realised that Nayaka himself gave the betel leaves. Deeply affected by the mistake, he damaged his two fingers which received the betel leaves. Moved by his devotion to his master, Nayaka consoled him and gave him valuable presents.
Nayaka’s architectural masterpiece was his own palace. Even in its present remnants show, what a marvellous building it should have been when it was completed in April 1636 A.D., when the Nayaka moved into it. The Jesuit Fathers of that time who visited Nayaka in this palace, have said that the new palace built compared well with the ancient monuments of Thebes in ancient Greece. There is a tradition that Chokkanatha Nayaka, his grandson, dismantled portions of the palace and its golden decorations and other ornamental structures and transferred them to Tiruchirapally. The great palace was allowed to be neglected and go to ruin. In 1886 A.D., when Lord Napier was the British Governor of Madras, he ordered to preserve this palace as a historical monument.Some of the wars of Tirumala Nayaka are chronicled in a brilliant Tamil ballad called ‘Ramappayam Annanain’ and are sung in the rural areas. Tirumala Nayaka has immortalised himself more through his mighty buildings and monuments than by the victories in war.Many festivals are celebrated in the Meenakshi temple which is known as the ‘Temple of feasts’. The numerous festivals celebrated at the shrine almost around the year, represent the ideas and thoughts of the cultured and progressive people of that region in the field of philosophy, religion, science and art.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sri Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi – Sundareswarar Temple.
The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure, at the core of which are the two sanctums for meenakshi and Sundareshwara, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls. Especially impressive are the 12 gopuras. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases, and are covered with stucco figures of dieties, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours.
Temple Towers
There are 12 temple towers(Gopurams). The outer towers are the landmarks of Madurai. They are:
East Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 161’3″. This Gopura has 1011 sudhai figures.
South Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 170’6″. This Tower has 1511 sudhai figures.
West Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 163’3″. This Tower has 1124 sudhai figures.
North Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 160’6″. This Tower has lesser figures of sudhai than other outer towers.
Gopura
Pyramidal gates(gopuras) rise to a height of more than 50m. These towering gateways indicate the entrance to the temple complex at the four cardinal points, while lesser gopuras lead to the sanctums of the main dieties.
Stucco Work
The figures of dieties on the tower are repaired, repainted and ritually reconsecrated every 12 years.
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam
A visitor who enters the temple through the eastern gateway, first enters this Mandapam(Hall). It was built by Thirumalai Nayakar’s wives Rudrapathi Ammal and Tholimamai. In this hall food was once distributed to the devotees who came from far off places. Next to this hall is the Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa, a spacious columned hall used for shops and stores. This hall has a votive lamp-holder with 1,008 lamps, which are lit on festive occasions and present a spectacular sight. The sculptures on the pillars here relate some of Lord Shiva’s Thiruvilayadals (miracles) and also the story of Meenakshi’s birth and her life as the princess of Madurai.
The story descripted on the stones is as follows:
Malayadwaja Pandya, a king of Madurai , was childless for a long time. He performed a number of yagnas (sacrifices made before a sacred fire) because he wanted an heir to his throne. On one occasion, a three-year-old girl came out of the fire and Malayadwaja adopted her. But the girl had three breasts and this worried Malayadwaja. However, a divine voice assured him that the third breast would disappear as soon as she met her consort. The girl grew into a brave and beautiful princess. she won many battles, but eventually lost her heart to Lord Shiva, when she met him on the battle-field in Kailas. As soon as she saw him, her third breast disappeared and she recognized her divine consort, for the princess was none other than Shiva’s wife, Parvathi. After ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.
Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam
This big hall is adjacent to Ashta Shakthi Mandapam, consisting of 110 pillars carrying the figures of a peculiar animal with a lion’s body , and an elephant’s head called Yalli.Potramaraikulam (golden lotus tank)
This temple tank is an ancient tank where devotees take bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the TamilSangam – the ancient academy of poets. The history of the sangam goes back to the days when gods dallied with men. This academy judged the worth of any work of literature presented before it by throwing it into the tank. Only those that did not sink were considered worthy of attention. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor. Steps lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bathe in it.
Oonjal Mandapam
The Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are on the western side of the tank. Every Friday, the golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Mandapam and hymns are sung as the deities gaily swing to and fro. The parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam have been trained to repeat Meenakshi’s name. But more interesting are the 28 pillars of the mandapam which exhibit some excellent Sculptures of figures from Hindu mythology.
Swami Sundareswarar Shrine
Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) the consort of Goddess Meenakshi is to the north of Kilikoontu Mandapam . On your way you can worship a gigantic idol of Sri Ganesh called Mukkurini Pillaiyar. When the king Thirumalai Nayakar excavated a temple tank 3 km from Meenakshi temple he unearthed this idol of Vinayaka and erected the same here.
In the outer pragaram (corridor outside the main shrine) there is stump of the kadamba tree, which is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshipped Shiva linga. Also in the outer corridor there are the Kadambathadi Mandapam and big hall called ‘Velli Ambalam’. Here, an idol of Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance) is seen. This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver leaves. Hence this hall is named as Velli Ambalam (Silver Hall)..
The Thousand Pillar Mandapam
It is the ‘wonder of the palace’. Actually the number of pillars count to 985 beautifully decorated columns. Each pillar is sculptured and is a monument of the Dravidan sculpture. There is a Temple Art Museum in this 1000 pillars hall where you can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. There are so many other smaller and bigger mandapams in the temple.
Just outside this mandapam ,towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar when stuck, produces a different musical note. The kalyana mandapa, to the south of the pillared hall, is where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chitirai Festival in mid- April.
Vasantha Mandapam
This mandapam was built by Thirumalai Nayakkar. Vasanthosavam – the Spring festival-is celebrated in this mandapam in Vaikasi (April/May). Its pillars contain elaborate sculptures of Shiva, Meenakshi, scenes from their wedding as well as the figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and their consorts. This is also called Pudhu Mandapam.
The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure, at the core of which are the two sanctums for meenakshi and Sundareshwara, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls. Especially impressive are the 12 gopuras. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases, and are covered with stucco figures of dieties, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours.
Temple Towers
There are 12 temple towers(Gopurams). The outer towers are the landmarks of Madurai. They are:
East Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 161’3″. This Gopura has 1011 sudhai figures.
South Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 170’6″. This Tower has 1511 sudhai figures.
West Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 163’3″. This Tower has 1124 sudhai figures.
North Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 160’6″. This Tower has lesser figures of sudhai than other outer towers.
Gopura
Pyramidal gates(gopuras) rise to a height of more than 50m. These towering gateways indicate the entrance to the temple complex at the four cardinal points, while lesser gopuras lead to the sanctums of the main dieties.
Stucco Work
The figures of dieties on the tower are repaired, repainted and ritually reconsecrated every 12 years.
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam
A visitor who enters the temple through the eastern gateway, first enters this Mandapam(Hall). It was built by Thirumalai Nayakar’s wives Rudrapathi Ammal and Tholimamai. In this hall food was once distributed to the devotees who came from far off places. Next to this hall is the Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa, a spacious columned hall used for shops and stores. This hall has a votive lamp-holder with 1,008 lamps, which are lit on festive occasions and present a spectacular sight. The sculptures on the pillars here relate some of Lord Shiva’s Thiruvilayadals (miracles) and also the story of Meenakshi’s birth and her life as the princess of Madurai.
The story descripted on the stones is as follows:
Malayadwaja Pandya, a king of Madurai , was childless for a long time. He performed a number of yagnas (sacrifices made before a sacred fire) because he wanted an heir to his throne. On one occasion, a three-year-old girl came out of the fire and Malayadwaja adopted her. But the girl had three breasts and this worried Malayadwaja. However, a divine voice assured him that the third breast would disappear as soon as she met her consort. The girl grew into a brave and beautiful princess. she won many battles, but eventually lost her heart to Lord Shiva, when she met him on the battle-field in Kailas. As soon as she saw him, her third breast disappeared and she recognized her divine consort, for the princess was none other than Shiva’s wife, Parvathi. After ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.
Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam
This big hall is adjacent to Ashta Shakthi Mandapam, consisting of 110 pillars carrying the figures of a peculiar animal with a lion’s body , and an elephant’s head called Yalli.Potramaraikulam (golden lotus tank)
This temple tank is an ancient tank where devotees take bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the TamilSangam – the ancient academy of poets. The history of the sangam goes back to the days when gods dallied with men. This academy judged the worth of any work of literature presented before it by throwing it into the tank. Only those that did not sink were considered worthy of attention. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor. Steps lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bathe in it.
Oonjal Mandapam
The Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are on the western side of the tank. Every Friday, the golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Mandapam and hymns are sung as the deities gaily swing to and fro. The parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam have been trained to repeat Meenakshi’s name. But more interesting are the 28 pillars of the mandapam which exhibit some excellent Sculptures of figures from Hindu mythology.
Swami Sundareswarar Shrine
Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) the consort of Goddess Meenakshi is to the north of Kilikoontu Mandapam . On your way you can worship a gigantic idol of Sri Ganesh called Mukkurini Pillaiyar. When the king Thirumalai Nayakar excavated a temple tank 3 km from Meenakshi temple he unearthed this idol of Vinayaka and erected the same here.
In the outer pragaram (corridor outside the main shrine) there is stump of the kadamba tree, which is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshipped Shiva linga. Also in the outer corridor there are the Kadambathadi Mandapam and big hall called ‘Velli Ambalam’. Here, an idol of Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance) is seen. This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver leaves. Hence this hall is named as Velli Ambalam (Silver Hall)..
The Thousand Pillar Mandapam
It is the ‘wonder of the palace’. Actually the number of pillars count to 985 beautifully decorated columns. Each pillar is sculptured and is a monument of the Dravidan sculpture. There is a Temple Art Museum in this 1000 pillars hall where you can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. There are so many other smaller and bigger mandapams in the temple.
Just outside this mandapam ,towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar when stuck, produces a different musical note. The kalyana mandapa, to the south of the pillared hall, is where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chitirai Festival in mid- April.
Vasantha Mandapam
This mandapam was built by Thirumalai Nayakkar. Vasanthosavam – the Spring festival-is celebrated in this mandapam in Vaikasi (April/May). Its pillars contain elaborate sculptures of Shiva, Meenakshi, scenes from their wedding as well as the figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and their consorts. This is also called Pudhu Mandapam.
History of Thiruchendur Muruga Temple
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple or Tiruchendur Senthilandavan Koil is one of the most famous Lord Muruga Temples in Tamil Nadu, situated at Thiruchendur, 55 km south east of Tirunelveli, in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district, Tamilnadu. Also known as Sri Senthil Andavar Temple and Thiruchendur is said to be second among his six abodes (Arupadaiveedu). The other five Muruga temples in the Aarupadai Veedu are Palani Temple, Swamimalai Temple, Thiruthani Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai Muruga Temple, and Thiruparamkunram Temple. Lord Subramanya deity is worshipped at Thiruchendur temple as Senthilandavan, Senthilkumaran. Situated near the sea, Thiruchendur Muruga Temple, sometimes referred as Tiruchendur Seashore Temple, is splashed by the waves from the Gulf of Mannar at its eastern perimeter wall.
Temple Structure:
Built about 300 years ago by Thesigamoorthy Swamigal of Thiruvaduthurai Adeenam, this Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam is located near Vira Magendragiri Hills. Usually, the Raja Gopuram is seen in the eastern side of the temples in Tamilnadu. But in Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Tiruchendur, it is seen in the western side. Western tower called as Mela Gopuram is 130 ft high and has nine storeys with nine Kalasams at the top of the Gopuram, representing the 9 tiers. The main entrance to the temple is facing south. The Shanmugha Vilasa Mandapam is in the front of the main temple.
Siddhi Vinayaga Peruman, 108 Mahadevars & Lord Ranganathar:
A small temple for Lord Vinayaga called Tundugai Vinayagar Temple is located near the Murugan temple. It is the usual practice of the devotees to first worship this Vinayagar and then Lord Murugan. There are three prakarams (corridors which surround the sanctum sanctorum) in the temple. Siddhi Vinayaga Peruman Temple is found in the first prakaram. Moving towards west one can see 108 SivaLingas which are called 108 Mahadevars. There is also a shrine dedicated to the author of Tiruppugazh, Arunagirinathar. On turning to north, a tall sized Vallapa Vinayagar facing west is seen. Going to the north end, on the east is the Perumal Sannidhi. There is also a Santhanasala rock where devotees can worship Lord Ranganathar in a lying posture and Goddess Gajalakshmi (one of the 8 forms of Goddess Lakshmi) by his side. The copper Kodi Maram (Holy Flag mast) and Kalyana Vinayagar shrine are found at the southern side.
Second Prakaram:
Vira Marthandar and Virakesari idols are seen at the entrance of second prakaram on both sides. The Kumaravidanga Peruman deity faces east at the entrance. Moving towards the west is the Lord Dakshina Murti temple and southwest corner is the sannidhi of Goddess Valliammai. The divine bedroom called Palli arai is found in that sannidhi. The Yaga Salai Mandapam is next to it where Yaga Pujas are done during the Skanda Shasti Festival. Lord Balasubramanian, a replica of Lord Murugan of the sanctum sanctorum, is seen facing the Yaga Salai.
Goddess Deivanai Sannidhi:
In the northwest corner there is a sannidhi for Goddess Deivanai. Other shrines found in this prakaram are Lord Sankara Narayanar, Lord Kasi Viswanathar, Vadhapuriswarar, Vedhapuriswarar, Ekambara Nathar, Mayuranathar who is facing north and Lord Chandeswarar facing south. There are also sannidhis for Lord Nataraja and Lord Baihravar. Lord Saneeswara is found facing south. Golden Kodi Maram is seen on the south.
Maha Mandabam:
On coming to the inner chamber (Maha Mandabam), the statues of Parvathi Devi and Kariya Manickavinayagar are found facing east. Lord Virabahu and Vira Mahendrar are found at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum on both sides. It is said that after defeating the demon, Soorapadma, Lord Murugan worshipped the Pancha Lingas (Five Sivalingas) with flowers at this spot and looked at the Devas.
Lord Muruga is seen in this divine posture in the sanctum sanctorum. He is carved in black granite. The Pancha Lingas that Lord Muruga worshipped are seen behind him. On moving towards east is Lord Jayanti Nathar and the Shanmugar is seen facing south.
Thiruchendur Muruga Temple History:
Soorapadma, a powerful demon, was harassing Devas and mankind. The helpless Devas pleased Lord Shiva to relieve them from the demon. As a result, Lord Shiva produced six powerful sparks of fire from His third eye called Netrikkan. This was carried by Lord Vayu (God of Air) and Lord Agni (God of Fire) to river Ganges who in turn took to Saravana Poygai, a holy pond. These sparks became six divine small male babies who were nursed by six Karthigai pengal. Goddess Parvati hugged the kids and made them into a single child with six faces and twelve hands (the reason why Lord Murugan is also called Arumugan). Nine shaktis appeared from Goddess Parvati’s anklets from where Veerabahu and lakhs of soldiers emerged. They became the warriors of Lord Murugan. Lord Shiva granted Lord Murugan a vel (spear) called Vetrivel and also gifted him with eleven Rudras which were changed into eleven arms.
Lord Murugan came to Thiruchendur with group and pursued war against Soorapadman which lasted for ten days. On defeating the demon, the Lord converted Soorapadma into a peacock and a cock. The peacock or Mayil became the vehicle of Lord Murugan and therefore He is also called Mayilvahanan. Seval or cock adorned his flag. As a result of the victory, Lord Brahaspati, Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and all the Devas worshipped him nine times (Nava Kala Pooja). Lord Murugan in turn worshipped Lord Shiva in the form Sivalinga.
Tiruchendur is also known by different names such as Thirubhuvana Maadevi, Thirucheeralaivai, Chathurvedi Mangalam, and Jayanthipuram.
Temple Timings & Daily Poojas:
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is opened for pilgrims from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 5.15 pm to 9.00 pm. Nine Kalams of pooja are performed daily to the deity.
Offerings:
Devotees endure severe fast and take Kavadi, Palkudam and offer Abishekam to fulfill their vows. Besides, Golden Chariot procession, Chandana Labanam, Dharabhishegam and Dharahomam are also performed by the worshippers.
Temple Festivals:
Vaikasi Visagam (May – June), Avani festival (August – September), Skanda Sasti Festival – 7 days (October – November) and Masi festival – 12 days (February – March) are the important festival celebrated at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. Of these, Skanda Sashti is celebrated in a large scale with a unique ritual called Soorasamharam.
Temple Structure:
Built about 300 years ago by Thesigamoorthy Swamigal of Thiruvaduthurai Adeenam, this Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam is located near Vira Magendragiri Hills. Usually, the Raja Gopuram is seen in the eastern side of the temples in Tamilnadu. But in Arulmigu Subramaniaswamy Temple, Tiruchendur, it is seen in the western side. Western tower called as Mela Gopuram is 130 ft high and has nine storeys with nine Kalasams at the top of the Gopuram, representing the 9 tiers. The main entrance to the temple is facing south. The Shanmugha Vilasa Mandapam is in the front of the main temple.
Siddhi Vinayaga Peruman, 108 Mahadevars & Lord Ranganathar:
A small temple for Lord Vinayaga called Tundugai Vinayagar Temple is located near the Murugan temple. It is the usual practice of the devotees to first worship this Vinayagar and then Lord Murugan. There are three prakarams (corridors which surround the sanctum sanctorum) in the temple. Siddhi Vinayaga Peruman Temple is found in the first prakaram. Moving towards west one can see 108 SivaLingas which are called 108 Mahadevars. There is also a shrine dedicated to the author of Tiruppugazh, Arunagirinathar. On turning to north, a tall sized Vallapa Vinayagar facing west is seen. Going to the north end, on the east is the Perumal Sannidhi. There is also a Santhanasala rock where devotees can worship Lord Ranganathar in a lying posture and Goddess Gajalakshmi (one of the 8 forms of Goddess Lakshmi) by his side. The copper Kodi Maram (Holy Flag mast) and Kalyana Vinayagar shrine are found at the southern side.
Second Prakaram:
Vira Marthandar and Virakesari idols are seen at the entrance of second prakaram on both sides. The Kumaravidanga Peruman deity faces east at the entrance. Moving towards the west is the Lord Dakshina Murti temple and southwest corner is the sannidhi of Goddess Valliammai. The divine bedroom called Palli arai is found in that sannidhi. The Yaga Salai Mandapam is next to it where Yaga Pujas are done during the Skanda Shasti Festival. Lord Balasubramanian, a replica of Lord Murugan of the sanctum sanctorum, is seen facing the Yaga Salai.
Goddess Deivanai Sannidhi:
In the northwest corner there is a sannidhi for Goddess Deivanai. Other shrines found in this prakaram are Lord Sankara Narayanar, Lord Kasi Viswanathar, Vadhapuriswarar, Vedhapuriswarar, Ekambara Nathar, Mayuranathar who is facing north and Lord Chandeswarar facing south. There are also sannidhis for Lord Nataraja and Lord Baihravar. Lord Saneeswara is found facing south. Golden Kodi Maram is seen on the south.
Maha Mandabam:
On coming to the inner chamber (Maha Mandabam), the statues of Parvathi Devi and Kariya Manickavinayagar are found facing east. Lord Virabahu and Vira Mahendrar are found at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum on both sides. It is said that after defeating the demon, Soorapadma, Lord Murugan worshipped the Pancha Lingas (Five Sivalingas) with flowers at this spot and looked at the Devas.
Lord Muruga is seen in this divine posture in the sanctum sanctorum. He is carved in black granite. The Pancha Lingas that Lord Muruga worshipped are seen behind him. On moving towards east is Lord Jayanti Nathar and the Shanmugar is seen facing south.
Thiruchendur Muruga Temple History:
Soorapadma, a powerful demon, was harassing Devas and mankind. The helpless Devas pleased Lord Shiva to relieve them from the demon. As a result, Lord Shiva produced six powerful sparks of fire from His third eye called Netrikkan. This was carried by Lord Vayu (God of Air) and Lord Agni (God of Fire) to river Ganges who in turn took to Saravana Poygai, a holy pond. These sparks became six divine small male babies who were nursed by six Karthigai pengal. Goddess Parvati hugged the kids and made them into a single child with six faces and twelve hands (the reason why Lord Murugan is also called Arumugan). Nine shaktis appeared from Goddess Parvati’s anklets from where Veerabahu and lakhs of soldiers emerged. They became the warriors of Lord Murugan. Lord Shiva granted Lord Murugan a vel (spear) called Vetrivel and also gifted him with eleven Rudras which were changed into eleven arms.
Lord Murugan came to Thiruchendur with group and pursued war against Soorapadman which lasted for ten days. On defeating the demon, the Lord converted Soorapadma into a peacock and a cock. The peacock or Mayil became the vehicle of Lord Murugan and therefore He is also called Mayilvahanan. Seval or cock adorned his flag. As a result of the victory, Lord Brahaspati, Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and all the Devas worshipped him nine times (Nava Kala Pooja). Lord Murugan in turn worshipped Lord Shiva in the form Sivalinga.
Tiruchendur is also known by different names such as Thirubhuvana Maadevi, Thirucheeralaivai, Chathurvedi Mangalam, and Jayanthipuram.
Temple Timings & Daily Poojas:
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is opened for pilgrims from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 5.15 pm to 9.00 pm. Nine Kalams of pooja are performed daily to the deity.
Offerings:
Devotees endure severe fast and take Kavadi, Palkudam and offer Abishekam to fulfill their vows. Besides, Golden Chariot procession, Chandana Labanam, Dharabhishegam and Dharahomam are also performed by the worshippers.
Temple Festivals:
Vaikasi Visagam (May – June), Avani festival (August – September), Skanda Sasti Festival – 7 days (October – November) and Masi festival – 12 days (February – March) are the important festival celebrated at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. Of these, Skanda Sashti is celebrated in a large scale with a unique ritual called Soorasamharam.
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