Monday, August 20, 2018

Then Thiru Aalavai Temple, Madurai

Then Thiru Aalavai Temple, Madurai
Then Thiru Aalavai Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in South Masi street in Madurai City in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thiru Aalavayar / Sundareswarar / Then Thirunathar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. Of the 64 divine events (Tiruvilayadal) described in the sacred epic Tiruvilayadal Puranam by Saint Paranjothi Munivar, this temple is about marking the boundaries of Madurai.

Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Madurai refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Pancha indicates five, Bhoota means elements, and Sthalam means place. Of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams in Madurai, this temple represents Agni-fire. Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Madurai are as follows;
·        Sellur Aappudayar Temple (Water)
·        Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, West Masi Street (Land)
·        Theppakulam Muktheeswarar Temple (Air)
·        Simmakkal Chokkanathar Temple (Sky)
·        Then Thiru Aalavai Temple South Masi Street (Fire)
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Thiru Aalavayar / Sundareswarar / Then Thirunathar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. Sthala Vriksham is Arasa Maram (Bodhi Tree). Theertham associated with this Temple is Shiva Theertham.

Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Madurai, known as city of temples is also known as city of festivals. Six-day Skanda Sashti in October-November (Aipasi) with special pujas and abishekam to Lord Muruga and Annabishekam on the full moon day in the same month, Aadi Pooram in July-August, Abishek with conches – Sankabishekam – on Karthikai Mondays (November-December), Pujas with lamps – Vilakku on each full moon days, Aadi Fridays (July-August) and Thai Fridays in January-February are the important festivals celebrated in the temple very devotionally. Also, Pongal falling almost on January 14, Deepavali in October-November, Vinayaka Chaturthi on August-September, Tamil and English New Year days are celebrated in the temple with special poojas, abishek etc. Crowd of devotes is usually large on all such festival days.
Prayers
Majority of devotees come here for remedy from illness and for early discharge from hospitals. They experience mental peace. Mother Meenakshi graces the devotees with early and happy wedding and children. People offer Vastras to the Lord. They also pray for academic excellence and for profitable results in the endeavors they take on some aims. Devotees perform abishek to Lord with milk, honey, oil, green coconut, sandal and rose water. They offer Saris to Mother. Feed the poor and offer contributions in cash suiting their purse for the maintenance and renovation of the temple.
If a patient, left by the best doctors as hopeless, go around the sacred tree – Arasamaram – 108 times and submit his/her prayers sincerely, they are cured marvelously. It is experienced even today. Also, those desirous of longevity follow this procedure. 60th and 80th birth days are celebrated in this temple. Of the Pancha Boodha places in Madurai, those praying to the first and ancient Chokkanatha are blessed with prosperity, while Immayil Nanmai Tharuvar (God gracing in this birth itself) attain good positions. Then Tiru Aalavai Lord frees the devotee from the fear of death.
Contact
Then Tiru Aalavai Temple,
South Masi street, Madurai
Madurai District – 625 001
Phone: +91 452 2344360
Connectivity
The Temple is located on the eastern corner of the South Masi street. The Temple is located at about 400 meters from Palace Road Bus Stop, 450 meters from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 1 Km from Koodal Azhagar Temple, 1.5 Kms from Periyar Bus Stand, 6 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 2 Kms from Madurai Railway Junction, 9 Kms from Thiruparankundram and 11 Kms from Madurai International Airport. Town buses are available from Periyar Bus Stand and from Mattuthavani Bus Stand. 
Location