Arimalam Meenakshi Sundaresvarar Temple, Pudukkottai

Address

Arimalam Meenakshi Sundaresvarar Temple, Pudukkottai

Arimalam, Pudukkottai district

Tamil Nadu – 622201.

Phone: +91 96294 57337

Moolavar

Sundaresvarar

Amman

Meenakshi

Introduction

• Location: Arimalam, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deities: Presiding deity is Sundaresvarar (Lord Shiva), and the goddess is Meenakshi.
• Sun Rays: From 19th to 21st March, the rays of the Sun fall directly on the presiding deity.

Puranic Significance

• Arimalam: The name comes from “Ari” (Chandra – Moon) and “Mala” (child). Chandra, after being cursed and losing everything, was blessed by the deity here, who placed the moon on his head and lifted the curse.
• Vidyavathi’s Story: Daughter of Gandharva Vishwavasu, a devotee of Mother Shymaladevi (who embodies Meenakshi), wished to have Meenakshi as her daughter in the next life. She was born to King Surasena and married Malayadwaja Pandya, the King of Madurai. Meenakshi emerged from a yajna and became the ruler of Madurai.
• Shiva and Meenakshi: Meenakshi met Lord Shiva in Kailash, and he came to Madurai to marry her, also taking charge of the kingdom.
• Temple Origin: The temple was built around 1000 years ago and underwent Kumbhabhishekam (consecration) in December 2018.

Beliefs

• Adoption Ritual: Parents with concerns about their children’s planetary aspects offer their children to Lord Shiva and Mother Meenakshi for blessings.
• Devotional Practices: Special abhishekas (ritual baths), Deepa Arathi (light offering), and presenting new vastras (clothes) are common practices.

Festivals

• Float Festival: Celebrated grandly during the Tamil month of Chithirai, with a procession of deities.
• Other notable festivals include regular rituals and worship events throughout the year.

4o mini

Century/Period

1000 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Arimalam

Nearest Railway Station

Pudukottai

Nearest Airport

Pudukottai

Location on Map

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