Sunday, December 27, 2015

Meenakshi Amman Temple – Temple’s Speciality

Meenakshi Amman Temple – Temple’s Speciality 
According to the legend, the Vimana in the shrine of Sundareswarar is gifted by Indira the King of Devas. He was on a pilgrimage to various Shiva temples to cleanse him of killing his sin. His sins disappeared when he found a beautiful Swayambulinga in this place praised as Kadamba Vanam – a forest dense with Kadamba trees. It is said that as a token of his gratitude to Lord Shiva, he built this temple with Indira Vimana.
This temple enjoys a special importance among the 51 Shakti Peetas in the country, named Rajamadhangi Shyamala Peetam. The idol of Mother Meenakshi is made of pure emerald stone – Maragatham stone. This is also the land of Sundaranandar, among the 18 Siddhas.
This is the first temple among the 366 Shiva temples in Tamilnadu in the name of Meenakshi Sundareswarar. The land – Madurai – is revered as Kailash on earth – Bhooloka Kailasam. Chanting the very name of Madurai ensures salvation to the devotee.
In his celebrated Meenakshi Amman Pillai Thamizh, Saint Kumaraguruparar, mentions this place as Dwadashantha Sthalam and Shiva Rajadhani, capital of Shiva Kingdom.
According to legend, Pottramarai Kulam (Tank of Golden Lotus) was created by Lord Shiva by hitting the earth with his trident responding to the request of Nandhi and other Devas. This is first among the holy springs of the temple, also called Shiva Ganga. Indira got the golden lotus from here only for his Shiva puja.

The devotee will achieve all his wishes if he/she has a dip in the tank especially on holy days as new moon day, first day of Tamil months and the eclipse day and worship the Lord. All the 64 incidents related to Lord Shiva’s grace to his devotees are painted on the walls around the tank. And this is the tank where the Sangam Seater (Sanga Palakai) appeared in recognition of the Tamil Veda the Thirukkural.