Anayur Sri Iravadeeswarar Temple, Madurai

Address

Anayur Sri Iravadeeswarar Temple, Madurai

Anayur village, Madurai district,

Tamil Nadu 625 017.

Phone: 93450 42860

Moolavar

Iravadeeswarar, Agneeswaram Udayar

Amman

Meenakshi

Introduction

• The Anayur Iravadeeswarar Temple is a Shiva temple located in Anayur, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India.
• The presiding deity is Iravadeeswarar (also known as Agneeswaramudayar) and the Goddess is Meenakshi.
• The temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old and is situated 45 km from Madurai and 7 km from Usilampatti.

Puranic Significance

• The region was once ruled by a hunter community king in a place known as Valandur. The area near the temple was known as Kattrazhaikadu.
• The legend tells that elephants (Iravadam) were seen carrying water from the Pottramarai tank and entering the jungle. The king ordered the area cleared, and they discovered a spot where blood began to ooze, leading to the finding of a Swayambulingam (self-manifested Shiva Linga).
• Sage Durvasa had presented a garland from his Shiva puja to Indira, but Indira placed it on the elephant’s back. The elephant stamped it, leading to a curse that caused Iravadham (Indira’s elephant) to fall from grace and become a wild elephant. Iravadham worshipped Lord Shiva and was relieved of the curse, hence the temple’s name Iravadeeswarar.
• Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested form), facing west. A five-hooded serpent made of copper is placed above his head.
• Sun Rays: On the Pradosha days in the Tamil months of Chithirai (April-May) and Aadi (July-August), the rays of the sun directly fall on the Linga, symbolizing Lord Shiva performing puja himself.
• An idol of Lord Vinayaka in the Artha Paryangasana form is also present, with three eyes and an interesting posture of one leg folded and the other sitting.
• The temple also features deities like Sri Jeshtadevi, sister of Sridevi, with her son Rishaban and daughter Agnimadha.

Beliefs

• Devotees visit the temple to realize their wishes and seek relief from sins.
• People often perform abishekam (ritual bathing of the deity) and Vilwa archana as offerings. They also offer saris to Mother Meenakshi and contribute towards the temple’s renovation.

Special Features

• Iravadeeswarar Linga is a Swayambumurthi, facing west.
• The sun rays falling on the Linga during Pradosha days in Chithirai and Aadi signify Lord Shiva performing puja.
• The sculptures in the temple reflect the architectural style from the era of the early kings of Tamil Nadu.

Festivals

• The temple does not have regular priests, so devotees conduct pujas and fulfill their prayer commitments.
• Special pujas are performed on Pradosha days.
• Other important festivals include:
  • Aipasi Annabishekam (Poornima day) in October-November.
  • Tirukarthikai in November-December.
  • Shivrathri in February-March.

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Anayur

Nearest Railway Station

Madurai Junction

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

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