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

The Madanagopalaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located in Madurai City, Tamil Nadu, near the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, on West Masi Street. The temple is situated near the eastern gate of the Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple. The presiding deity, Madhana Gopala Swamy, is flanked by his consorts, Rukmini and Satyabhama. He is also known as Deivika Vasudevan, a form of Lord Vishnu revered for his musical prowess.

Puranic Significance

The Madanagopalaswamy Temple was constructed in the 16th century. A significant event in its history occurred in 1912 when Mr. Adelian Peppergibson, a U.S. socialite from Philadelphia, visited the temple. In 1938, he brought dilapidated stone pillars from the temple to Philadelphia, where he built a mandapam in a museum. According to legend, Lord Vishnu played a pivotal role in ending Lord Shiva’s deep meditation. Before ascending the throne as King Sundara Pandya, Lord Shiva, after marrying Mother Meenakshi, entered a meditative state that caused the heat from his body to threaten the world. The Devas sought Lord Vishnu’s help, and he played his flute so melodiously that it penetrated Lord Shiva’s ears, awakening him and saving the world. Lord Vishnu, pleased with the result, agreed to remain forever with Lord Shiva, playing his flute. This act of playing the flute in Madurai is remembered in the temple, where Lord Madanagopala Swamy is enshrined.

Mother Andal, on her journey to Sri Rangam, is also believed to have visited this temple with Saint Periazhwar. She is said to have worshipped Lord Madanagopala Swamy before merging with the divine body of Lord Perumal.

Beliefs

Devotees visit the Madanagopalaswamy Temple seeking blessings for excellence in music, as Lord Vishnu here is believed to bless those who wish to excel in the art. Many celebrate their 60th birthday, or Sadabisheka, here, praying for a prosperous life for their descendants. The temple also performs Rahu Kala puja on Fridays to alleviate the malefic effects of serpent planets and Mars. Devotees offer Vastras during the Tirumanjanam (holy bath) of the deity.

Special Features

Presiding Deity: The idol of Madhana Gopala Swamy is about 5 feet tall and is of exquisite beauty. The four-handed Lord Vishnu holds the Shanku (conch) and Chakra (disc) in two hands, while playing the flute with the other two hands. He graces devotees in a Vishwarupa posture from the sanctum sanctorum under the Ashtanga Vimana.
Mother’s Shrine: The consort of the deity, Mother Mathuravalli Thayar, has a separate shrine within the temple, along with the shrine for Mother Andal.
Other Deities: The temple houses several other shrines, including:
- Lord Vinayaka: Found at the entrance of the temple, sitting under an Arasu tree on the left side.
- Lord Rama: A shrine dedicated to Lord Rama.
- Sri Chakkarathzhwar: The deity of the Lord’s discus.
- Lord Lakshmi Narasimha: A shrine dedicated to this fierce form of Lord Vishnu.
- Hari Hara Sarpa Raja: Worshipped for protection against serpent-related afflictions.
- Panchamukha Anjaneya: A shrine for Lord Hanuman.
- Acharya Ramanuja: The revered Vaishnavite saint.
- Lord Navaneethakrishna: A form of Krishna playing his flute.

Additionally, the temple has shrines for Gajalakshmi, Saraswathi, Senai Mudalvar, Garuda Bhagwan, and several Azhwars, including Nammazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, and Periazhwar.

Festivals

The Madanagopalaswamy Temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, with important ones including: