Elathur Madhunadagaswami Temple – Thirunelveli

Address

Elathur Madhunadagaswami Temple – Thirunelveli

Elathur village, Thirunelveli district,

Tamil Nadu – 627803

Moolavar

Madhunadagaswami

Introduction

• Located in Elathur Village, Tenkasi Taluk, Thirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Madhunadagaswami.
• Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) is the Tamarind tree, and the Theertham (sacred water) is the Hanuman River.
• The temple is 4 km from Tenkasi, and accessible by bus from Tenkasi to Sambavar Vada Karai village.
• Nearest railway station: Tenkasi; nearest airports: Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Puranic Significance:

• Name Origin: On the day of Lord Shiva’s wedding to Mother Parvathi at Mount Kailash, the Earth lost its balance due to the weight of rishis. Lord Shiva sent Sage Agasthya to the South to restore balance. On his journey, Sage Agasthya bathed in the Hanuman River and created a Shivalinga from sand under a tamarind tree. Honey dropped from the tree, solidifying the Linga. The sage named it Madhunatha (Madhu = Honey). The place was called Elaithur (Ilai = leaf) due to honey falling from the tree, later shortened to Elathur.
• Hanuman River: Created by Lord Hanuman’s blow on a rock while chanting Lord Rama’s name, the river is believed to have quenched the thirst of Lord Rama’s army. The river still flows, and the tank before the temple never dries up, even in summer.

Beliefs:

• Devotees pray at the temple for relief from issues related to Saturn (Shani). Special poojas are conducted on Saturdays for Sani Bhagwan.

Special Features:

• The presiding deity, Madhunadagaswami, is believed to have been created by Sage Agasthya.
• Lord Dakshinamurthy and Sani Bhagwan are prominent deities in the temple.
  • Dakshinamurthy Shrine: Unlike other Shiva temples, the Dakshinamurthy shrine is located below the Vimana (roof structure) in this temple, making it unique.
  • Sani Bhagwan: Unlike other temples where the shrine for Sani is located in the corridor, here devotees can circumambulate (Pradikshina) the shrine in a clockwise direction. Sani Bhagwan is depicted with an Abhayahastha (right hand in a blessing gesture), symbolizing grace and the removal of Saturn-related problems.
• The temple is believed to be 1500 years old.
• Pradikshina for Agni Bhairava: Devotees can circumambulate the shrine of Agni Bhairava.
• Dharma Sastha: The deity is worshipped in the form of a Linga with a bow and arrow, and an elephant under his legs.
• Vishnu Shrine: Lord Vishnu, known as Sundarajan Perumal, is worshipped here with his consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Garudazhvar and Vishwaksenar accompany Perumal.

Festivals:

• Navaratri in Purattasi (September-October).
• Kumarasashti.
• Thiruvadirai in Margazhi (December-January).

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Elathur                               

Nearest Railway Station

Tenkasi

Nearest Airport

Madurai & Thiruvananthapuram.

Location on Map

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