Sri Thenthiruvalavai Temple, Madurai

Address

South Masi Street, Madurai circle,

Madurai District,

Tamil Nadu 625 001

Phone: +91 452 2344360

Thiru Aalavayar / Sundareswarar / Then Thirunathar

Meenakshi.

Location:

Situated in South Masi Street, Madurai City, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.

Deity:

Presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Thiru Aalavayar, Sundareswarar, and Then Thirunathar.
The Mother is worshipped as Meenakshi.

Historical Significance:

The temple is believed to be 1500 years old.
It represents the Agni (fire) aspect of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Madurai, which are dedicated to the five elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire.
The temple marks the boundaries of Madurai, as described in the sacred epic Tiruvilayadal Puranam by Saint Paranjothi Munivar.

Puranic Significance:

The temple is closely linked to a legendary event involving King Koon Pandiyan (a Jain king), Queen Mangayarkarasi, and Prime Minister Kulachirayar.
The queen prayed to Lord Shiva to heal her husband from a debilitating condition. Following Shiva’s instructions, she applied sacred ashes from the temple on the king, which cured him and turned him back to Saivism.
This event signifies the transformative power of Lord Shiva and his blessings.

Devotional Beliefs:

Devotees visit the temple for healing from illnesses, especially those who are deemed hopeless by doctors.
People also seek blessings for mental peace, early marriage, children, academic success, and prosperity.
Devotees perform abhishekam with various offerings like milk, honey, oil, green coconut, sandal, and rose water.
Vastras (clothes) are offered to the Lord, and devotees also perform acts of charity such as feeding the poor and contributing to temple maintenance.

Special Rituals and Beliefs:

Devotees seeking longevity or healing are encouraged to walk around the sacred Arasamaram (Bodhi Tree) 108 times and pray sincerely.
60th and 80th birthdays are significant and celebrated with special rituals in the temple.
The temple is known for freeing devotees from the fear of death.

Key Features:

Sthala Vriksham: Arasamaram (Bodhi Tree), believed to have healing powers.
Theertham: Shiva Theertham.
Lord Yama (God of Death) is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.

Festivals:

The temple celebrates various festivals including those related to healing, prosperity, and longevity.
Special prayers are offered for those seeking academic excellence or success in their ventures.
The temple is also significant for the worship of Lord Shiva in the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams and is associated with the Agni (fire) element.

References