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.