Sri Thirunellaiappar Kovil at Thirunelvelli

This Shiva temple is located in the Thirunelvelli city in Tamil Nadu and is the largest in Tamil Nadu. It is located on the northern bank of river Thamira Barani. This Padal Petra Sthalam is revered by the Nayanmars - Sambandhar, Appar and Sundarar. This is one of the Pancha Sabhai sthalams where Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance. This sabhai (ambalam) represents the Thamira (copper) sabhai. The temple is more than 1500 years old. There were originally two separate temples for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In the seventeenth century a mandap known as sangili (chain mandap) was built. There are five temple chariots in this temple one each for Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga and Lord Chandikeshwar. Lord Shiva (Nellaiappar) chariot is the third largest in Tamil Nadu. In the connecting hall (sangili mandap) there are life size sculptures adoring the pillars. The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. The nandi in the nandi mandap is huge like in Rameshwaram and Thanjavur. In the mandap near the main mandap we come across two giant pillars each having forty eight sub pillars. There is a mandap known as oonjal mandap (swing mandap) and a thousand pillared mandap where the celestial wedding festival of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is held every year. The temple is spread over about 14 acres.

Mulavar: Nellaiappar, Veluvananadar, Vaimuthanadar, Nilvellinadar, Chalivadeeshwar, Vendavalarnadar

Devi: Kanthimathi, Vadiudaiamman

Kshetra Vruksha: Bambu

Sacred Teertha: Swarnapushkarini, Karumari Teertha, Sindupundurai Teertha

Special features:

The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. During abhishek we can have the darshan of Ambika at the center of Shiva linga. Lord Ganesha at this place is known as Mukkuruni Vinayaka. He has a modak on the right hand and a tusk on the left hand. 

In the navagraha shrine we come across an idol of Budha (Mercury) facing the north instead of the usual east direction.

Near the sanctum sanctorum the utsav murti of Lord Shiva is found to be carrying the Shiva Linga on his chest. During the pradosh, the pradosh puja is also performed for Nandi in the devi shrine. 

At midnight on the day of Shiva ratri, puja is performed for the Ambika along with Lord Shiva four times. This temple is considered to be one of the 51 shakti peeth known as Kanti peeth.

About the temple:

In south prakara of Lord Shiva’s temple we find the idols of Nayakar kings who have helped in constructing this temple.

In the eastern prakara we have to pass through a large number of halls to reach the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva. From the south we can reach the Kanthimathi Amman shrine. There is a shrine of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that he came here to perform the divine marriage.

There is a beautiful flower garden set up in the temple complex in 1756. 

According to legend, there is a tunnel behind Ravana’s statue which connects to Madurai. 

There are three circular parts (prakarams) around Nellaiappar temple. In the first prakaram we come across Lord Dakshinamurti, Lord Bhikshadanar, Lord Bhairav, Lord Chandikeshwar, Lord Brahma and Govinda (Lord Vishnu). There is a shrine for Durga and Mahishasuramardini. In the second prakaram, we have 63 Nayanmars, |Ashta Lakshmi, Lord Shanishwarar and Shasta Linga. In the third prakara, we have the shrine of Lord Subramanya with Valli and Deivanai. As in Madurai and Kanchipuram, we have to worship Kanthimati Amman first. Devi’s idol is very beautiful. She has flowers in one hand. She is also known Vadivannai. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in this temple tank and Lord Brahma as a Lotus. We have the Dhwajastambha and sculpture of Arjuna, Karna and Veerabhadra in the temple. There is a separate shrine for Shri Mulanadar, Anantashayanam (Lord Vishnu). Lord Nataraja and Goddess Shivagami. The last two idols are of copper. 

There is a shrine known as Chandanasabhapati Shrine near Thamira Sabha. Nataraja is known as Periyasabhapati. In the main prakara we come across shrines of Kanni Vinayaka, Nandi Dev, and Pandya Raja.

In the Nellaiappar Temple, we find the golden lotus pond with a mandap at the center. 

Mandaps in this temple. 

• Oonjal Mandap which has 96 pillars
• Mahamandap
• Navagraha Mandap
• Somawar Mandap
• Sangili Mandap
• Vasant Mandap
• 1000 pillar Mandap

Besides this we come across a lot of sculptures. The chariot in this temple is the third largest in India. 

Lord Vinayaka idol is known as Pillathandupillayar which was sculpted by a Pandya king. He is also known as Pollapilliyar. There is a stone window in this temple with twelve holes. People pray here for the child boon through this window.

About the shrines:

Nellaiappar temple: It is at the main entrance and has rajagopuram. At the entrance we come across the idols of Pavazhakodi, Alli. Manmada and Rati in the Somawar Mandap. In the Somwara Mandap we have a huge Dhwajastambha and white Nandi. 

We come across the sculptures of Veerabhadra, Arjuna, Bhima, Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga. 

Nandi Mandap: In this mandap we have idols of sixty Nayanmars, Tamil poet Sekkizhar and Lord Surya. In the main mandap we come across musical pillars and each of these pillars is surrounded by 48 small pillars. They produce musical notes when struck. The shiva linga is found in the bamboo forest and it has a cut on its surface. Hence Lord Nellaiappar is known as Veluvananadar.

Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are at the entrance. In a separate shrine we come across Lord Vishnu (as Nellai Govindan) in a reclining position. 

There is a small shrine of Thirumulandar (Lord Shiva) which is older than Nellaiappar temple. In the prakara we come across utsav murtis of Nellaiappar, Kanthimathi, Durga, Bhairava, Sapta Kannika, Sapta Rishi, Sixty Three Nayanmars and Ganapati. In a shrine we have an idol depicting Ravana lifting the Kailash. On the head of Ravana there is a Lord Shiva’s shrine. On the prakara, we have the idols of Ashta Lakshmi, Lord Shanishwar, Chakra Linga (Shiva Linga with thousand lingas), Kuber Linga, Lord Nataraja. And the idol of a devotee Ramakona. 

Kanthimathi shrine: It has a rajagopuram. There is a small shrine of Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga at the entrance. It has a Dhwajasthambha and Nandi. On the left side we find a thousand pillared hall. Kanthimati amman is in a standing posture with Lotus in her hand. At the entrance to a shrine we have Ganga and Kaveri idols. In the prakara we come across Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga and Lord Chandikeshwar and Shanmukha. 

The Karumari Teertha is in a big corridor. A king became an elephant due to the curse of Sage Durvasa. The elephant got rid of the curse to become a king again by bathing in this tank. There is a small shrine of Lord Ganesha near this tank.

The Thamira Ambala has intricate wooden artwork. There is a separate shrine for Lord Dakshinamurti. Lord Muruga shrine is known as Shanmukha (Arumugam in Tamil). Lord Kubera is in a separate shrine in the form of a linga. The entire sanctum sanctorum is of gold. 

Special features:

During ArdhaJam puja, KanthiMati amman is dressed in a white saree. In this attire she graces the devotees till 7 am next day. It is believed that this is done so that one and all reach her after death. 

In this temple there is a separate Rajagopuram for Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Pujas are performed separately at both places.

Wedding presents: As per the custom in India KanthiMathi Amman carries the presents to be given to the bride groom from the bride’s side after the divine wedding to her husband’s house.

In the month of Aippasi the first days of the 10 days brahmotsav, KanthiMathi amman does penance for getting married to Lord Shiva. On the tenth day she goes to the river bank. On the 11th day Lord Vishnu requests NellaiAppar to marry his sister. From the 12th day Oonjal festival is held for 3 days.

It is believed that Devi serves food to her husband NellaiAppar in the mid noon. This ritual is enacted by carrying various varieties of foods to Lord Shiva’s shrine to the accompaniment of musical instruments. After submitting to the Lord, the food articles are taken back to the KanthiMathi amman shrine for her naivedya.

In this temple there is no Margazhi puja. 

In this temple Goddess Vanadurga is mounted on a deer.

Kshetra Purana:

This place was known as Venuvalam during puranic days. Lord Shiva, to test the devotion of one of his staunch devotees named Vedapattar, made him lose all his wealth. But Vedapattar still continued his devoted worship of Lord Shiva. One day Vedapattar left some paddy in the sanctum of Lord Shiva and went for a bath in the river. Meanwhile it started raining and hence Vedapattar rushed back to save the paddy. To his surprise there was no rain around the paddy spread in the sanctum. The Lord had put a fence (cover) around it. He ran to inform the king about the miracle. From that day the place came to be known as Nelveli (i.e. in Tamil Nel means paddy and veli means fence). As time passed on, the name became Thirunelveli.

Anavarta Khan: At the southeast corner of parikrama there is a Shiva Linga which is known as Anavarta Khan. One of the wives of the Nawab who worshiped NellaiAppar performed some religious ceremonies in order to get rid of some incurable disease, as per the advice of a brahmin. She not only recovered but also gave birth to a male child. The boy was named as Anavarta Khan. She built a shrine with a shiva linga and named it as Anavarta Khan. An opening in the outer wall was made in the parikrama so that the Nawab and the son can take darshan from outside. 

Veluvananadar: Lord Shiva once took the form of a linga and came here. He made this palace his abode. The four vedas became Veluvanam (bamboo forest) around the shiva linga to protect and give shade to it. Hence Lord is known as Veluvananadar. Sage Agastya witnessed the celestial wedding of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva at this place. It is believed that the divine couple also gave darshan to Sage Agastya in their wedding glory in some other places like Thirumaraikadu, Thirunallur, Papanasham etc. 

Lord Vishnu as NellaiGovinda visited this place to officiate the divine marriage of NellaiAppar and KanthiMathi. Some 18 kilometers from this place at a village known as Manoor it is believed that Lord Rama killed demon Maricha and then worshiped Lord NellaiAppar. He also worshiped NellaiAppar to get Pashupatastra to fight demon Ravana. 

Festivals:

• Chithirai – Vasanth Mahotsavam (16 days)
• Vaikasi – Visakath Thiruvila (1 day)
• Ani – Bramotsavam (Ani Car Festival) (10 days)
• Adi – Pooram Thiruvilam (10 days)
• Avani – Moolathiruvila (11 days)
• Puratasi – Navarathiri Vila (15 days with Laksha Archanai)
• Aippasi – Thirukkalyanam (15 days)
• Karthikai – Karthikai Deepam and Somavara Thiruvila (1 day)
• Margali – Thiruvathirai Festival (10 days)
• Thai – Thai Poosam Thiruvila (10 days)
• Masi – Masi Maha Shivarathiri (1 day)
• Panguni – Panguni Uthira Thiruvila (10 days)

Courtesy: Following sites

1. https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/

2. https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/

3. http://www.indAiatemples.in/

Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai - Part 2

In last article, we covered first part of Shri Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, third temple in Pancha Sabhai temple series. In this article we are covering second part.

About the temple complex and the shrines in it:

The temple has four layered concentric closed courtyards (parikrama). There are two separate shrines for Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi. Each of them has two parikramas, Mahamandap. The shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi are surrounded by three enclosures and four minor towers. Goddess Meenakshi holds a green parrot in her right hand. The parrot is supposed to symbolize Andal, a vaishnava saint. Surrounding the sanctum sanctorum we have a mandap known as Kheeli Koonda (Kheeli - parrot, koonda - cage) Mandap or a parrot cage mandap. 

The rajagopurams are five tiered. At every entrance to the shrine we have shrines of Vinayaka and Subramanya. As the idol is of Emerald, Goddess Meenakshi is also known as Maragadavalli. The eyes of Goddess Meenakshi are large and beautiful and resemble the fish. Her other names are Pankajavalli, Kalyanasundari, Periyanayaki, Gnanambika.

Lord Sundaresha shrine is at the center of the complex. It also has a gold plated shikhar (tower of sanctum). Lord Shiva shrine has five gopurams which are either 4 or 5 tiers on the outer wall and one 3 tiers at center of the sanctum sanctorum. There four sculptures of Lord Shiva have episodes from various puranas. Inside this complex we have the shrine of Nataraja. This mandap is known as Rajata Sabha (velliy-ambalam i.e. silver sabha). Goddess Meenakshi shrine is to the southwest of Lord Shiva shrine. There is a lingam of Sundareshwarar which is swayambhu. The lingam got the name during the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. There is a tall idol of Ganesha outside Sundareshwarar shrine. It is known as Mukkuruni Vinayaka. This deity was found during the 17th century excavation in a nearby temple tank. 

Mandaps in temple complex:

1. Kheeli koonda (parrot cage) mandap. 

2. Kambatadi: It has a seated Nandi inside it. Various manifestations of Lord Shiva are sculpted and painted. Paintings of Lord Shiva and Kali are found here. A golden dhwajastambha with 32 sections surrounded by various Gods, Durga and Siddhas.

3.Veeravasantraya Mandap - it is very large with huge corridors

4. Kalyana Mandap - It is to the south of Veeravasantraya Mandapam. Here Shiva-Parvati marriage is celebrated during Chitra festival

5. Oonjal Mandap - It is on the western side of the temple

6. Kolu Mandap - It is also on the western side of Meenakshi shrine

7. Noorukal Mandapam (mandap with 100 pillars). It was constructed by Meenakshi Nayakar in 1708. This mandap has all zodiac signs engraved in it. There is a sculpture of Lord Shiva as hunter and Meenakshi as his wife. 

8. Muthupillai Mandapam - Also known as eruttu (darkness) mandapam. On the koshta of Lord Shiva shrine, we come across Lord Dakshnimurti, Lingodbhavar and Durga Mandap. 

9. Celestial wedding hall. This lies to the south of Veeravasantrayar Mandapam. A golden chariot is kept in this mandap. 

10. Mangayarkanni mandap, 

11.Servaikarrar mandap, 

12. Muthurayar mandap

13. Nagara mandap, 

14. Puthu mandap (new hall) was built by Thirumalai Nayakar. It is situated opposite to east rajagopuram. We come across sculptures of 10 famous Nayakars and a lot of other sculptures. 

15. Theradi Mandap - it is on the east masi street. 

16. Ashtashakti mandap - also known as Ashtamatrika mandap. This houses the 8 forms of Goddess Shakti and are sculptured on the pillars of this mandap. At the entrance of the mandap we have idols of Vallabh Vinayaka and Lord Muruga. This is the first hall at the entrance to Meenakshi shrine. 

17. Pancha Pada mandap. 

Hall of 1000 pillars. It is near Meenakshi amman temple. It is at the junction of east adi street. According to Puran, once Meenakshi was challenged to a sword fight which she ignored by laughing at him. A dwarf insisted that he could defeat anyone else to fight with him. She asked her army chief to fight with the dwarf which the chief lost. She understood the magical power of the dwarf and challenged him to build a hall with 1000 pillars in a day. If he does that she will build a similar one. Dwarf studied the structure and started building by bringing the rocks from a nearby mountain. By dawn he had built 985 pillars. Meenakshi threw her earring into the sky which covered the sun. When the dwarf got up the time limit was over. As he could not complete 1000 pillars he accepted defeat and burnt himself into ashes. We have only 985 pillars in the hall instead of 1000. This hall houses the sculptures of Rati, Karthikeya, Ganesha, Lord Shiva as a mendicant, number of yalis (mythical lion), a lady playing veena, Nardana Ganapati, and a gypsy leading a monkey. 

Musical Pillar: There are five pillars, each carved from a single stone. When struck they produce musical notes, pleasing to the ears (heavenly notes), beyond the north tower. Each pillar has 22 similar pillars with intricate features, sculptures and idols. The entrance of the temple is covered with rectangular rocks. There are certain rocks with lotus flowers carved on them. When tapped they sound hollow. It is believed there are secret passages and cellars connected to these rocks. 

Painting of special lingam - This is on the ceiling of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar temple. When we view this from any angle, we find the spout of the lingam towards us. 

Goddess Meenakshi is also addressed as Pacchai  (green) devi, Maragada valli, Abhiram valli. 

There are sixteen main shiva kshetra, out of these Chidambaram, Kashi, Kalahasti and Madurai are considered to be more important. It is believed that one gets salvation by hearing the name of these four kshetras. As Goddess Meenakshi reigns as queen in Madurai, devotees are not allowed to have darshan during the abhishek of God mother. But they are allowed to have darshan after the alankar is completed. 

Kshetra Puran:

A Pandya king performed putrakameshthi yadnya as he had no child. At that time Umadevi manifested from the fire and gave him a female child with three breasts. A celestial voice stated that the third breast will fall on its own when the husband of the child comes to his palace. After the death of the king the kingdom was ruled by the princess. Hence it was known as Kanninadu. The princess did Digvijay (i.e. she captured adjoining kingdoms) and reached Kailash. The moment she saw Lord Shiva one of her breasts fell down. The sages, rishis and devas present at Kailash came to know that the princess was none other than Parvati devi. They performed marriage. From that very moment she was known as Meenakshi. 

MoorthyNayanar: He is one of the 63 Nayanmars who were born in a trader community. His job was to prepare sandalwood paste in a temple in Madurai. A king from adjoining Karnataka once captured Madurai. He prevented Nayanar from doing his duty. Nayanar used his forearm to grind the sandalwood into sandalwood paste so that he could continue his service to the Lord. Lord Shiva gave darshan to him and stated that he will rule Madurai as a king. The ruling king at that time in Madurai had no son. After his death, according to the tradition an elephant was paraded in the kingdom with a garland in its trunk to choose a king. After moving through the streets of Madurai the elephant chose Nayanar and he became a king. He rules Madurai in the attire of a shiva yogi instead of the usual dress of the king. 

Lord Shiva as Siddha: In the parikrama, around Shiva’s shrine, near Durga shrine, Lord Shiva graces as a Siddha. Lord Shiva was once roaming in the streets of Madurai as a siddha purush performing miracles. When the king came to know about this he ordered his guards to present the siddha in his court. But Lord Shiva refused to accede to the orders of the king but instead stated that the King should come to meet him as it was his request. Anticipating the King's arrival, the siddha sat in Yoganishtha near the Durga shrine. The king wanted to test whether he was a true siddha. He asked the siddha to make a stone elephant, that the king was carrying in his hand, to eat sugarcane. Lord Shiva instructed the stone elephant to eat the sugarcane by signaling with his eyes.  He also made the elephant pull the pearl necklace worn by the king. The king begged for forgiveness and got a child boon. 

Secret of the parrot in Goddess Meenakshi shrine: When Indra came to Madurai to get rid of his sin he found a lot of parrots hovering around the shiva linga known as Chokkanadar reciting Lord Shiva’s name. Immediately he felt that Lord Shiva was present there and he worshiped Lord Shiva (shiva linga) and got rid of his curse. By this act of Indra, the parrots got importance at this place. It is believed that the parrots repeat the prayers of the devotees to Goddess Meenakshi from her hand. 

Importance of puja being performed 8 times: It is believed that Goddess Meenakshi manifests 8 times in a day in different forms at this place. She manifests as 1. Mahashodashi 2. Bhuvana 3. Matangi 4. Panchadashakshi 5. Bala 6. Shyamala 7. Shodakshi 8 Meenakshi. Hence she is worshiped 8 times in a day.

Festivals:

Puja is performed eight times in a day with a accompaniment of musical instrument

Important festival is Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar wedding known as Thirukalyanam, held in April

The following is a list of festivals held according to Tamil month

Chithirai - 12 days. First day flag hoisting, 8th day coronation of Meenakshi, 9th day Goddess Meenakshi’s procession, 10th day wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar, 11th day chariot festival, 12th day teertha festival, on this day Lord and Goddess go around masi street

Vaikasi - 10 day festival on the moola nakshatra, procession of 63 Nayanmars

Aani - 10 days Oonjal festival, 10th day fruit puja is performed, abhishekam of Nataraja and Shivakami on Uttara nakshatra, procession of pancha sabha Nataraja murti

Adi - 10 days festival known as mulaikottu festival only for devi and she is taken in procession along Adi street accompanied by musical instruments

Avani - 18 days festival. 6 days are devoted for Lord Chandrasekharar and the remaining 12 days for the panchamurti. On the seventh day, the coronation of Sundareshwarar. During these days the 10 miracles performed by Lord Shiva are enacted by Shiva acharya.

Purattasi - Navaratri festival. Kalpa puja and Lakshaarchana are performed daily for Devi. On all the 10 days cultural festivals are held.

Aippasi - Skanda shashthi festival for 6 days. A special festival on the day of Diwali. On Purva Phalguni nakshatra special swinging Meenakshi Amman festival is held

Karthigai - 10 days of light (Deepam) festival. Lord Shiva’s procession is taken in Adi streets. On the day of krittika nakshatra 1 lakh lamps are lit.

Margazhi - 9 days oil anointing ceremony. Procession of Goddess Meenakshi along Chitra street. Arudra darshan festival. Procession of Pancha sabha Nataraja murti along masi street. On ashtami, procession of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi in a bullock cart. A special festival known as Thiruvempavai festival for 10 days

Thai - float festival for 12 days. Procession of Lord and Goddess Meenakshi along Chitra street.

Masi - Mandala puja for 48 days. 6 days for Vinayaka. 6 days for Karthikeya, 3 days for Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, 6 days for Chandrasekhar. During this period the procession of deity is taken out. Panchamukhi festival will be held for 10 days. Silent festival will be held for 9 days of which 3 days for Chandrasekhar, 3 days for Lord Shiva and 3 days for Chandikeshwar. On the 10th day the flag will be lowered and accounts will be read.

Panguni - summer and spring festival for 9 days. Procession of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi is held along Chitrai street. Uttaram festival. 

Religious significance:

Lord Nataraja is enclosed in a huge silver Ambalam (altar) known as Velli Ambalam (silver abode)

Here Nataraja has his right leg raised instead of the usual left leg

Temple timing: 5 to 12.30 , evening 4 to 10 pm

Address: Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Kovil, Madurai 625001, Tamil Nadu

Courtesy: tamil blog

Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai - Part 1

This is the third temple in Pancha Sabhai Sthalam. This sabha is known as Rajat Sabha (Silver Sabha).

This is also Shiva temple is 245th of the Padal Petra Sthalam. The temple was revered by the shaiva saints Sambandhar, Manikvachagar, Thirunnavukkarasar. The temple is located at Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Madurai city itself is 2500 years old. This is a twin temple known as Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple. The temple covers an area of 45 acres. The origin of the temple dates back to 1600 BC. This temple was rebuilt a number of times from 1600 BC. The present shrine was rebuilt in 1600 AD. The temple attracts about 20000 visitors everyday. This temple is one of the most beautiful and recognized temples of South India. People have to enter from the east gate facing the deity. This temple is on the banks of river Vaigai (presumed to be about 3000 years old). 

Mulavar: Meenakshi Sundareshwarar, Chokkanathar, Somasundarar

Devi: Meenakshi, Angaiyarkannai

Kshetra Vruksha: Kadamba Tree and Bilva Tree

Puranik Name: Alavai Koodal, Nanmadakudal, Kadambavanam

Present Name: Madurai, Tamil Nadu

The temple complex has 14 gopurams whose height varies from 150 to 170 feet. The southern tower is 170 feet and is the tallest. There are two golden shikhars or kalashas over the sanctum sanctorum of main deities. The renovation of this temple was done by various pandya kings from time to time. This place is considered to be the most important for the worshipers of Lord Shiva. 

The temple is one of the 65 shaktipeeths and is known as RajaMatangi Shyamala Peeth. There are 4 main streets surrounding the temple which are named after the month Aadi, Chitrai, Masi and Avani.

The twin temples have a large number of carvings, paintings and sculptures. The tower has gold plated viman. 

Special features:

According to Puran, the vimanam for the shrine of Lord Sundaresha was gifted by Lord Indra. To atone sins committed by him, Lord Indra was on a pilgrimage to various Shiva temples. When he reached the kadambavanam he came across a swayambhu Shiva Linga. At that very instant his sins disappeared. As a token of gratitude he built this temple. 

Mother Meenakshi’s idol is made of pure Emerald. 

One of the 18 siddhas, Sundarnadar lived here. 

This place is revered as Bhulok Kailash. It is stated in scriptures that by chanting the very name of Madurai, one can get salvation.

Saint Kumarguruparan revered this place as a Shiva Rajdhani.

According to Puran, Lord Shiva created the golden lotus pond at the request of Nandi and other devas by hitting the earth with his trident. This is the first of the holy springs in the temple complex known as Shiva ganga. Lord Indra obtained a golden lotus flower from this pond to worship Lord Shiva. On the walls of the pond all 64 leelas related to Lord Shiva performed for his devotees are painted here. 

There is a sphatik lingam at this place.

There are six peethas of Lord Vinayaka in Tamil Nadu. And this is a fourth amongst them.

About the temple complex:

There are five entrances to this temple instead of the usual 1 or 4 entrances. The east entrance is for the mulavar Lord Shiva. The rajagopuram for the Devi and Lord Shiva are of gold. Other four entrances have 4 rajagopuram. Near the lotus pond on the northern side there is a seven tiered gopuram. There are about 3 crores of sculptures in the temple complex. Devi Meenakshi graces here in a graceful standing position with a parrot in her hand. Lord Shiva as Sundareswarar is a swayambhu linga. At this place, the shrine of Lord Shiva is to the left of Goddess Meenakshi indicating that she reins (rules) supreme at this place. A golden chariot was constructed in 1981 for the chariot festival. 

Salient features:

This is the place where Lord Shiva danced by changing his leg. He danced by raising the right leg instead of the usual left leg at the request of the King Rajasekara Pandiyan who was himself a great dancer. Lord Shiva himself manifested as a siddha. Lord Indra and Lord Varuna worshiped Lord Shiva. Shaiva saint Kumraguruparan who was born dumb got his speech back due to the grace of Lord Muruga. Lord Shriram and Lakshmana worshiped at this place. This is a silver sabha of the Pancha Sabhai. 

Various names of this place: 

1. Madurai - place where Lord Shiva sprinkled amrut (madhu) to remove the poison of serpent. 

2. Alavai - this is the place where the serpent on Lord Shiva’s neck showed the direction. 

3. Kadamba vana - as the place was abundant with kadamba trees. 

4. Naan maada koodal - Lord Shiva saved this place from the attack of Lord Varuna who sent seven clouds to destroy this place. Lord Shiva converted four (naan) of these clouds into madas (covers) and saved the place. 

Sri Chidambaram Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram

This is the second temple in Pancha Sabhai Sthalam, representing Kanak Sabai (Golden Sabai). This Shiva temple is one of the largest Shiva temple in the world (about 40 acres). It is also the Pancha Bhoota sthala temple representing the element “Aakash”. It is also one of the 275 Shiva temples revered by Shaivaites Nayanmars. It is situated at Chidambaram in Kadalur district of Tamil Nadu. 

It is one of the place where Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance (Pon ambalm i.e. Golden Sabai). It is Aathara-sthala representing Ajnyachakra. Chidambaram is also referred as THILLAI (a type of mangrove), as this place was abundant with these type of plants. The temple is also known as Chidambaram Nataraja temple and it is about 2000 years old. 

Mulavar: Thirumulanadar, Koothanadar  Devi (Consort): Umayambika, Shivagamsundari Kshetra Vruksha: Thillai plant Sacred Teertha: Shivaganga, Vyaghrapada Tirtha, Anant Tirtha, Bramha Tirtha and about a number of others totaling about 10.

The presiding deity is Thirumulanadar which is a swayambhu linga. The ruling deity is Lord Nataraja. On the Western side of Thirumulanadar Shrine, there is a tree made of stone. The shrine of Lord Vishnu (Govindraj Perumal) and the shrine of Thillai-Kali are close by. From the mandap, in front of Lord Nataraja shrine, we can have darshan of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva at the same time. This temple is also known as Chittrambalam.

At this temple, we can have darshan of Lord Shiva in 3 forms namely in an idol form as Nataraja, formless as Aakash and as a spathika linga. Sage Vyaghrapada and Sage Patanjali did penance here for the darshan of Lord Shiva. Responding to their severe penance, He appeared here along with 3000 munis (sages) and gave darshan to them. This day, Tamil month Thai (Jan-Feb) on Pushya nakshatra is celebrated here. It is stated that for salvation, one should be born at Thiruvarur or live in Kanchi or think of Thiruvannamalai or die at Kashi. Similarly it is stated that if one worships Lord Nataraja or Lord Thirumulanadar, he is definite to get salvation. A Srichakra was installed by Aadi-Shankaracharya in the Ambika shrine. 

Legends from Puran: 

Sage Vashishta advised one of the sons (Maadyandinar) of his relative to worship the swayambhu lingam at Thillaivanam for getting complete wisdom. He could not pick the flowers before sunrise. They were considered as impure if picked-up after sunrise as honey in the flowers was sucked up by bees. He prayed to Lord Shiva that he was not in a position to pick the flowers in darkness as he could not climb the tree in darkness. Lord granted him the legs of the tiger so that he could climb trees and gave sight which could see in darkness. Lord blessed him and stated that he would be known henceforth as Sage Vyaghrapada. 

The main legend is that, Lord Shiva appearing in Thillai vanam to teach a lesson to the rishi who felt that they can control God by their rituals and mantras. Lord Shiva appeared there as Bhikshadanar and Lord Vishnu appeared as Mohini (a beautiful lady) as His consort. The wives of rishis were enchanted by the beauty of Bhikshadanar and Mohini. The rishis who got enraged tried various ways to destroy Lord Shiva. They invoked a fierce tiger on Him. He tore the skin of the tiger and tied it around his waist. A fierce elephant which was invoked by the sages, was also killed and hence Lord Shiva is known as Gajasamhar murti. A demon who was invoked by the rishis was immobilized by Lord Shiva’s anand-tandav. Finally the rishis, surrendered to Lord Shiva and realized the truth that he is beyond magic, rituals and mantras. 

The Shrines in the temple:  

1. Thiruadimulanadar and Umaiyala – The Linga swaroop worshiped by sages Vyaghrapada and Patanjali.

2. The Shrines of 63 Nayanmars

3. Shrine of Shivagamsundari

4. Shrine of Vinayaka

5. Shrine of Lord Muruga

Besides these there are a number of smaller shrines. 

The halls (sabha, ambalams) – There are 5 halls namely, 

1. Chitrambalam – This sanctum houses Lord Nataraja and Goddess Shivagamasundari

2. Ponnambalam or Kanaksabai – The rituals are conducted from here

3. Nrityasabai – This is the 56 pillar hall near the dhwajastambha. Here Lord Nataraja out danced Kali and established his superiority

4. Rajasabai – This is a 1000 pillar hall which symbolizes the yogic chakra, sashastraram. This hall is open only during festival days. 

5. Devasabai- This houses the panchamurtis, Lord Ganesh, Lord Somaskandha, Goddess Shivanandnayaki and Lord Chandikeshwar.

Significance of the temple – 

1. Of the 5 Pancha Bhuta sthalams, Shrikalahasti, Kanchipuram and Chidambaram stand on a straight line at exactly 79’41” East longitude. Thiruvannaikaval is located around 3’ to the South and 1’ to West of Northern tip of this axis whereas Thiruvannamalai is mid-way between these two.

2. The nine entrances of the temple signifies the 9 orifices in the human body. 

3. In the Ponnambalam, the sanctum sanctorum represents the heart which can be reached by the 5 steps, which represents the Panchakshari mantra - SI VA YA NA MA. The entrance to this sabai is from the side and not from the front as in usual manner. The roof of the sabai is supported by 4 pillars representing the 4 vedas. 

4. Ponnambalam is supported by 28 pillars representing 28 agamas (methods of worship). 64 beams of the roof represents 64 forms of arts. The cross beams represents the blood vessels in the body. 21600 golden tiles of the roof represent 21600 breaths. The tiles are fixed by 72000 golden nails representing the nadis in the human body. The 9 golden kalash represents the nine forms of energy. The artha-mandap has 6 pillars representing the 6 shastras.

5. The hall next to artha mandap, has 18 pillars representing 18 puranas. 

Festivals: 

There are 6 major festivals performed in a year for Lord Natraja. 

1. In the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) – Thiruvaadhirai festival is celebrated.

2. On the 14th day of the new moon in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-March) festival is held

3. In the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May) – the festival is held on Thiruvonam

4. In the Tamil month of Ani (June-July) – festival is held on Uttiram nakshatra

5. In the Tamil month of Avani (Aug-Sept) – festival is held on Chaturdashi

6. On Chaturdashi day of the tamil month of Puraṭṭāsi (Oct-Nov) festival is held

The first 2 are considered to be the most important festivals of the year. 

7. Natyanjali is celebrated in February. Dancers gather to present Bharatnatyam to Lord Nataraja as a mark of respect

Courtesy: Following sites

1. https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/ and

2. https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/

3. http://www.indAiatemples.in/