Sholavandan Sri Moolanathaswamy Temple, Madurai

Address

Sri Moolanathaswamy Temple, Sholavandan, Madurai District – 625 207

Deity

Moolanathaswamy Amman: Akilandeswari

Introduction

• Location: Thenkarai Village, near Sholavandan Town, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, referred to as Moolanathaswamy, with the consort being Akilandeswari.
• Historical Significance: The temple is located on the southern banks of the Vaigai River and was constructed between 946-966 CE during the reign of Cholan Thalai Konda Veerapandian. The village of Thenkarai is uniquely shaped like a Swasthik, with the temple at its center.

Puranic Significance

• King Veerapandian’s Contribution:
  • Inscription records indicate that King Veerapandian expanded the temple significantly after being cured of Venkushtam disease (leprosy) by bathing in the temple’s holy pond.
• Historical References:
  • The area was originally known as Bhilvaaranya Kshetram, named after the Bilva tree, whose leaves are sacred to Lord Shiva. The Vaigai River, flowing north to south, is referred to as Dhakshina Vahini.
  • Mythical Accounts: Goddess Akilandeswari undertook penance to marry Lord Moolanathar.
• Evolution of Names:
  • Initially named Kallur, it evolved through various names: Katti Kallur, Sendhaneri Katti Kallur (after Sendhan Lake dug during the Pandya rule), and Parakrama Pandiyapuram during the reign of King Parakrama (1087-1104 A.D.).
  • Kulasekerapuram was established during Jada Varman Kulasekaran I’s rule in 1190 A.D., and later, during Thirumalai Naicker’s reign, it was named Thenkarai for its location on the river’s southern bank.
• Temple Rebuilding:
  • King Veerapandian’s original temple lasted for 100 years before falling into decay. In the 11th century, Parakrama Pandian reconstructed it, completing the work in 1090 A.D. Subsequent contributions came from rulers like Srivallabha Pandian, Kulasekara Pandian, and later Naicker rulers. Notable inscriptions from Tirumalai Naicker (1629 A.D.) and Chokkanatha Naicker (1673 A.D.) detail their contributions.

Special Features

• Temple Architecture:
  • The temple boasts a Rajagopuram (tower) and two praharams (circumambulatory paths) constructed from hard granite in accordance with Agama Sastra.
  • The sanctum is flanked by intricately carved Dwarapalaka statues from the 11th century.
• Idols and Deities:
  • Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramanya are positioned on either side of the Dwarabalakars.
  • A small Nandhi (sacred bull) faces the sanctum, where Moolanathaswamy appears in Linga form.
  • Niche idols include Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhavar, Brahma, Ganesha, and Durga surrounding the sanctum walls.
• Goddess Akilandeswari:
  • A separate temple is dedicated to Akilandeswari, enclosed by a large compound wall similar to that of Moolanathaswamy.
• Additional Shrines:
  • The temple complex includes shrines for Lord Vishnu with his consorts, Juradevar, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas, and Bhairavar.
• Theertham and Medicinal Water:
  • The temple’s theertham (sacred water) is the Swarna Pushkarani or Swarnapjini, located in front of the Dwajasthambam (flagstaff) of Goddess Akilandeswari.
  • This water is believed to have medicinal properties, as demonstrated by King Veerapandian, who cured his leprosy by bathing in it for 48 days.
• Sthala Vriksham:
  • The sacred tree of the temple is the Vilwa Tree.

Festivals

• The temple celebrates numerous festivals, including:
  • Vaikasi Visakam
  • Aani Uthiram
  • Adi Pooram
  • Vinayaka Chaturthi
  • Navarathri
  • Kandha Sasti
  • Karthika Somavaram
  • Tirukarthikai
  • Thiruvadirai
  • Ashtami
  • Shivarathri
  • Masi Maham
  • Panguni Uthiram

These festivals are celebrated with great fervor each year, attracting many devotees.

Century/Period/Age

946-966 CE

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Sholavandan

Nearest Railway Station

Sholavandan

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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