Alagappan Nagar Moovar Temple, Madurai

Address

Sri Moovar Tirukoil,

Sundarar Street,

Alagappan Nagar,

Madurai-625 003.

Phone: 0452 2482258

Moolavar

Sokkanathar Swamy

Amman

Meenakshi Amman

Introduction

Moovar Koil is a Shiva temple located in Alagappan Nagar in Madurai district. The main deity of the temple is Sokkanathar Swamy, and behind this deity, the images of the three gods—Vishnu, Meenakshi Amman, and Shiva—are depicted, with Vishnu casting a thread on Shiva for the marriage of Meenakshi Amman. This gives the temple its name, Moovar Koil. Additionally, the temple also houses shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, along with the three goddesses Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, further reinforcing the name Moovar Koil.

Puranic Significance

The temple tells the story of three Lords:
- Lord Brahma
- Lord Vishnu
- Lord Shiva
All three Lords (Moovar) are present together in the temple.
Shrines for the consorts of the Lords:
- Saraswathi for Brahma
- Mahalakshmi for Vishnu
- Parvathi for Shiva
Lord Vinayaka is worshipped as Selva Siddhi Vinayaka, the one who grants prosperity to devotees.

Special Features

Lord Vinayaka to Hanuman: Every deity in the temple is depicted smiling, as if listening to devotees’ appeals with care.

Mother Kanaka Durga: Her shrine is reminiscent of the one in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Worshipping Her during Rahu Kala leads to success in endeavors.

Lord Nataraja’s Cosmic Dance: King Rajasekhara Pandya requested Lord Nataraja to change his legs during His cosmic dance to relieve pain. The Lord granted this, and a shrine called Velli Ambalam (Silver Stage) is built in the temple to represent this event.

Tiruvadhirai Day: Special pujas are conducted on this day in honor of Lord Nataraja’s cosmic dance.

Thevaram and Tiruvasagam Saints: Shrines are dedicated to saints like Tiruganasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, Manickavasagar, and Saint Vallalar, who propagated the philosophy of Samarasa Suddha Sanmarga.

Saint Tirunavukkarasar: A special puja is held on the last Sunday of each English month to honor him. He served the Lord by cleaning pathways to Shiva temples with a spade (Dasya Marga).

Devotees’ Participation: Devotees actively participate in the cleaning service, and a prize is awarded to those who contribute to the temple during the Vaikasi festival.

Temple with a Difference:

There is no hundi (donation box) in the temple.
- The temple administration bears the expenses of lighting lamps (deepas) in the shrines.
- Abishek is performed to all deities every day, along with changing their clothes.
- Cleanliness is prioritized, and others are not permitted to maintain the temple.
- The temple remains open during eclipse time and other times when untoward incidents occur.

Sanctum Sanctorum Design:

The design resembles the Meenakshi Sundareswarar wedding festival of Madurai.
- Behind the Shivalinga in the sanctum, Lord Vishnu, Mother Meenakshi, and Lord Shiva are depicted in a sitting form.

Special Pujas: