Keelamathur Manikandeswarar Temple, Madurai

Address

Keelamathur,

Madurai District,

Tamilnadu– 625234

Moolavar

Manikandeswarar

Amman

Uma Maheshwari

Introduction

Keelamathur Manikandeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on Melkkal Road, Keelamathur, Madurai, near Vaigai River with a huge bell on the roadside. Here the Presiding deity is called as Manikandeswarar and Mother is called Uma Maheshwari. The temple Lingam is said to be more than 1000 years old.

Puranic Significance

There was a dispute between the Jains and sambandhar regarding fire-walking and walking on water. When sambandhar’s chariot reached Vaigai River, the chariot sank. On reaching the river, there was a commotion and thousands of lamps were lit up. Startled by this, both the king and sambandhar went to investigate. They went to the river bank where work was being done to build a hut, and there they found a miraculous occurrence – the sand was floating in the air along with the mud when digging the first pit.

When they dug the second pit, it filled up with water. When they dug the third time, it turned into clear water. When they dug deeper, it overflowed with blood. Seeing this miraculous sight, when they dug the ground attentively, they saw the Lord’s lingam in the pit.

Seeing this divine spectacle, sambandhar forgot himself and sang a hymn. Unable to remove the statue from there, the king, understanding that it was the divine will of the Lord to stay there, built a temple for the Lord there. Since then, until now, the Lord has been blessing everyone from there.

Special Features

Here, the divine name of Ishwara is Manikandeswarar. He blesses as Uma Maheswari from here. Here, there are many sanctums including Sundaramahalingam, Navagraha, Bairavar, Karuppar, Anjaneyar, Brahma Vishnu Lingothbavar, Dakshiamurthy, Kashi Vishalatchi. Musicians, before their performances and concerts, find success by first visiting Manikandeswarar. The verses sung by Thirugnana Sambandar in this shrine are divine teachings. Reciting them before the presence of Ishwara enhances one’s knowledge.

Lord Shiva appears in the form of Swayambu Linga as “Manikandeswarar.” He is present in the form of Dakshiamurthy in the yoga posture. The arrangement of the Lingothbavar here is of a unique nature. Vishnu and Brahma are also found nearby the Lingothbavar. Scenes from the Shivapurana are also depicted here.

Belief

This temple has been a very important place for music. It is believed by the people here that if you start learning music from the guru after hearing the sound of the bell in this temple, you will gain pure musical wisdom. It is also said that many years ago, grand veena music competitions were held at this place.