Unique Features of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai is one of the five sacred abodes where Lord Shiva is said to have performed his divine dance. Among the five cosmic halls (Pancha Sabhai), this is referred to as the “Silver Hall” (Velli Sabhai). Unlike in other places where Lord Nataraja is depicted dancing with his left leg raised, here he is seen with his right leg lifted, marking a unique distinction.
In the main sanctum, Lord Sundareswarar appears as a Shiva Lingam, said to be a self-manifested (Swayambhu) lingam that emerged under a Kadamba tree. This sacred spot was mentioned in the Thevaram hymns by the Tamil Saivite saint Thirunavukkarasar, during the rule of Kulasekara Pandyan.
Sundareswarar is also known by various names such as Sokkanathar, Somasundarar, and others. This Lingam is considered to be more prominent than the ones at Mount Meru, Velli Malai, Thiruketharam, and Varanasi, thus earning the name “Moola Lingam” (the original Lingam).
The idol of Goddess Meenakshi is made from emerald stone, which is why she is also called Maragathavalli. She is further known by names such as Angayarkanni, Thadathagai, Komalavalli, Pandiyarajakumari, Manikkavalli, and Sundaravalli.
It is believed that 64 divine plays (Thiruvilayadals) of Lord Shiva occurred at this temple. These are beautifully sculpted and depicted in the outer corridors of the main sanctum.
Centuries ago, a crystal Lingam was found in the Golden Lotus Tank (Pottamarai Kulam) and is still worshipped today at the Madurai Adheenam.
Lord Sundareswarar is associated with Mercury (Budhan) among the Navagrahas (nine planets), and therefore, devotees often perform special rituals for Mercury at this temple.
The temple is surrounded by streets named after Tamil months—Chithirai, Aavani, Masi, and Aadi—arranged in a square layout around the temple.
Traditionally, devotees first offer prayers to Goddess Meenakshi before proceeding to worship Lord Sundareswarar, a practice that has been followed for generations.
During the Thevaram period, this sacred place was referred to as Thiru Aalavai, and Lord Shiva is known as Sundareswarar in this temple.
Major Festivals
Numerous grand festivals are celebrated at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple throughout the year, based on the Tamil calendar. These festivals embody the temple’s deep spiritual significance.
- Chithirai: The Chithirai Festival held in this month is the most important. The Divine Wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar is celebrated with grandeur. On Chithirai Pournami (full moon day), the event of Kallazhagar entering the river is also celebrated on a large scale, attracting over 100,000 devotees from nearby towns.
- Vaikasi: The Summer Vasantha Utsavam and Thiruvathirai star day are celebrated with oil anointing rituals.
- Aani: During the Magham star days of this month, the Oonjal Utsavam (Swing Festival) is held. Devotees gather in large numbers to witness Meenakshi and Sundareswarar on a beautifully decorated swing.
- Aadi: Starting on the Aayilyam star day, the Mulaikottu Festival takes place for 10 days. The flag hoisting ceremony is performed exclusively for Goddess Meenakshi during this festival.
- Aavani: Celebrations such as Aavani Moola Utsavam and Moola Thirunal take place. During this time, both Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are taken on procession through the four Aavani streets.
- Purattasi: The Navaratri Kolu is held in this month. Every day, Goddess Meenakshi is adorned in a different beautiful form.
- Aippasi: The Kolattam Festival is celebrated from the New Moon (Amavasai) to the sixth day. Groups of young women from Madurai perform the Kolattam dance during this time.
- Karthigai: The 10-day Deepa Festival is held, where ceremonial sugarcane stalks are burned near the sanctums of both Amman and Sundareswarar.
- Margazhi: The day begins early at 5:30 AM, following the Dhanur month tradition, and Thiruvempavai hymns are sung before Manikkavasagar in the Velliyambalam (Silver Hall) of Lord Nataraja.
- Thai: The Float Festival (Theppotsavam) is held in the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a tank dug by Thirumalai Nayakar, where the divine couple is taken on a float procession.
- Masi: The Masi Mandala Festival, spanning 48 days, is celebrated on a grand scale during Masi and Panguni months.
- Panguni: The Panguni Uthiram and Saradha Navaratri fall on the same day, and from Panguni Karthigai star to Uthiram star, the divine couple appear seated in the Silver Hall, blessing the devotees.
Special Pujas
Daily pujas and rituals are conducted at the temple. On days especially sacred to Lord Shiva, special pujas are performed in accordance with long-standing traditions.