Sri Thenthiruvalavai Temple, Madurai

Address

South Masi Street, Madurai circle,

Madurai District,

Tamil Nadu 625 001

Phone: +91 452 2344360

Moolavar

Thiru Aalavayar / Sundareswarar / Then Thirunathar

Amman

Meenakshi.

Introduction

Then Thiru Aalavai Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in South Masi Street in Madurai City in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thiru Aalavayar / Sundareswarar / Then Thirunathar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. The Temple is believed to be 1500 years old. Of the 64 divine events (Tiruvilayadal) described in the sacred epic Tiruvilayadal Puranam by Saint Paranjothi Munivar, this temple is about marking the boundaries of Madurai. Pancha Bhoota Sthalams of Madurai refers to five temples dedicated to Shiva, each representing a manifestation of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. Pancha indicates five, Bhoota means elements, and Sthalam means place. Of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams in Madurai, this temple represents Agni-fire.

Puranic Significance

During the mid 7th century, Tamilnadu, Madurai in particular was the centre of an intense religious battle between Jainism and Saivism, the former indulging in many tactics to influence their philosophy with political backing engaging them to crush Saivism. King Koon Pandiyan (hunchback pandiayan) embraced Jainism while Queen Mangayarkarasi and Prime Minister Kulachirayar were staunch saivites. The queen prayed to Lord Shiva to turn her husband to Saivism. Koon Pandiyan could not bear the heat in the body when Jain Monks tried their best with their Tantras to cure him. Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of the queen and advised her to perform Abishek to the Lord of Then Tiru Aalavai and bring the sacred ashes blessed with the hymns (Tiruneettru Pathigam) of Tirugananasambandar and apply it on the body of the king. The queen followed the directions of the Lord. The king was totally cured and turned back to Saivism knowing the grace of Lord Shiva. His hunchback also straightened and became majestic of a king. He surrendered to the feet of the Lord.

Beliefs

Majority of devotees come here for remedy from illness and for early discharge from hospitals. They experience mental peace. Mother Meenakshi graces the devotees with early and happy wedding and children. People offer Vastras to the Lord. They also pray for academic excellence and for profitable results in the endeavors they take on some aims. Devotees perform abishek to Lord with milk, honey, oil, green coconut, sandal and rose water. They offer Saris to Mother. Feed the poor and offer contributions in cash suiting their purse for the maintenance and renovation of the temple. If a patient, left by the best doctors as hopeless, go around the sacred tree – Arasamaram – 108 times and submit his/her prayers sincerely, they are cured marvelously. It is experienced even today. Also, those desirous of longevity follow this procedure. 60th and 80th birth days are celebrated in this temple. Of the Pancha Boodha places in Madurai, those praying to the first and ancient Chokkanatha are blessed with prosperity, while Immayil Nanmai Tharuvar (God gracing in this birth itself) attain good positions. Then Tiru Aalavai Lord frees the devotee from the fear of death.

Special Features

Presiding Deity is called as Thiru Aalavayar / Sundareswarar / Then Thirunathar and Mother is called as Meenakshi. Sthala Vriksham is Arasa Maram (Bodhi Tree). Theertham associated with this Temple is Shiva Theertham Lord Yama the God of Death worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Of the Panchabhudha places in Madurai, this temple represents Agni-fire. Of the 64 divine events (Tiruvilayadal) described in the sacred epic Tiruvilayadal Puranam by Saint Paranjothi Munivar, this temple is about marking the boundaries of Madurai.