Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Madurai

Address

Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Melamasi Street, Madurai Madurai District– 625 001, Phone: +91 452 234 9363 Mobile: +91 94871 80207 / 94431 81793

Diety

Madhana Gopala Swamy Amman: Rukmini and Satyabhama

Introduction

Madanagopalaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Madurai City in Madurai District of Tamilnadu. The temple is very close to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple and is located on West Masi Street, near the eastern gate of Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple. Presiding Deity is called as Madhana Gopala Swamy flanked by his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. The Lord here is also known as Deivika Vasudevan.

Puranic Significance

Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple was built in 16th century A.D. In 1912, Mr. Adelian Peppergibson (Philadelphia – U.S, Socialite) visited Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Madurai. In 1938, he built a Mandapam in the museum of Philadelphia, with the dilapidated stone pillars taken by him to his country from Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple. Lord Vishnu awakened Lord Shiva from meditation by playing flute: Before ascending the throne in Madurai as King Sundara Pandiya after his wedding with Mother Meenakshi, Lord Shiva performed Puja to a Linga. He plunged deep in meditation. The heat and the flames that emanated from his body began to burn the world. Shocked and threatened, the Devas surrendered at the feet of Lord Vishnu for protection. Lord Vishnu knew that the flames could be brought down only if the meditation of Lord Shiva came to an end. He began playing his flute so melodiously that penetrated into the ears of Lord Shiva awaking him. Meditation ended. The world was saved. Pleased Lord Shiva asked Lord Vishnu that he should ever be with him playing the instrument. Lord Vishnu too was only happy to accept the offer. In the name of Lord Madanagopala Swami, he is in Madurai West Masi Street spreading his musical wind near the Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Shiva Temple. Mother Andal visit to this Temple: On her way to Sri Rangam, Mother Andal visited this temple with Saint Periazhwar travelling in a palanquin and worshipped Lord Madanagopala Swami before merging in the divine body of Lord Perumal.

Beliefs

Those aspiring to excel in music pray to Lord here. People also celebrate their Sadabisheka 60th birth day and believe that their descendants will have a prosperous life. Mother Naga Devi is worshipped as Harihara Sarpa Raja. Rahu Kala puja is performed here on Fridays for relief from adverse aspects of serpent planets and of planet Mars. Devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Perumal offering Vastras.

Special Features

Presiding Deity is called as Madhana Gopala Swamy flanked by his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. The Lord here is also known as Deivika Vasudevan. The idol is of bewitching beauty and the idol is about 5 feet tall. The Lord has four hands, holding Shanku and Chakra in two hands, and playing a flute with the other two. Lord in Vishwarupa posture graces the devotees from sanctum sanctorum under the Ashtanga Vimana. The Maha Mandapam with beautiful sculptures depicting Ramayana scenes on both northern and southern sides is seen in front of the Sannidhi (sanctum). Mother is called as Mathuravalli Thayar. Mother Mathuravalli and Mother Andal grace the devotees from their respective shrines. Sthala Vriksham is Plantain. Lord Vinayaka blesses the devotees at the entrance of the temple sitting under the Arasu tree on the left side. Passing through the sanctum sanctorum, devotees have Lord Rama gracing them from a shrine. Sri Chakkarathzhwar the deity of Lord’s discus, Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, Hari Hara Sarpa Raja and Panchamukha Anjaneya also grace the devotees from their respective shrines. Acharya Ramanuja and Lord Navaneethakrishna playing his melodious flute also have shrines. There are shrines for Gajalakshmi, Saraswathi. Senai Mudalvar, Garuda Bhagwan, Nammazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar and Periazhwar in the temple premises.

Festivals

The temple celebrates a festival each month. Sri Krishna Jayanthi in August-September; Vaikunda Ekadasi and Pavai Nonbu in December-January are important among them.