Happy New Year 2009

Wish you all a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2009

May the Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar brings health, happiness, joy and wealth to you and your family this 2009. At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, special puja is performed to the deities on this occasion.

Hanuman Jayanthi Festival

Hanuman Jayanthi festival will going to celebrate all over India on 27, December 2008. Sri Hanuman is worshipped all over India-either alone or together with Sri Rama. Hanuman is called as Rudhra Avatar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He was born of the Vayu Bhagawan and Anjani Devi. He is the living embodiment of Ram-Nam. He was a great devotee of Lord Rama and an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate. Also Hanuman is the best friend of Lord Rama. He possessed all the divine virtues. He is otherwise called as "Anjana Putra", "Vayu Putra", "Maruti", "Anjaneya", etc. There is no temple without Hanuman Statue or Idol. Mostly, Hanuman idols are available at Lord Vishnu temples and Shiva temples too. During Hanuman Jayanthi, Sri Hanuman is performed special abhisekams, pujas and aaradhanas. At Meenakshi Amman Temple special pujas and abhisekams offered to Sri Hanuman on this occasion. Sri Hanuman saves people those who have suffered from Sani Dhosam.

Jai Sri Ram! Jai Hanuman!

Ashtami Chapparam Festival: Chariot Procession

One of the prominent festival among the various festivals of Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is "Ashtami Chapparam Festival", chariot procession. The procession would be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 5.30 a.m. Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Priyavidai in one Chariot and Goddess Meenakshi in another chariot. The chariot is fully decorated with colorful clothes, various flowers and garlands. One of the notable feature of this festival is that Goddess Meenakshi's hair is fully decorated with "Thazhampoo", a kind of flower. The chariot is hand drawn by devotees itself. Another salient feature of the event is that the Goddess Meenakshi's chariot is hand drawn by women devotees alone. The chariot procession starts at 5.30 a.m. The temple priests will perform special pujas, aaradhanas and start the procession. The procession covered all the four veli streets of Madurai.

This festival is one of the Thiruvilayadal of Lord Sundareswarar. The feature of this festival is that Lord Sundareswarar provides foodstuff to all living beings on this day. The story behind this is festival is once upon a time, Goddess Parvathi played a small game with Lord Shiva to test His power. She picked an hungry ant and closed it in a box. Afterwards, She said to Lord Shiva, You are providing food to all living beings is it? Lord Shiva smiled and said Yes. Then what about this ant? This ant is so hungry. You did not provide any food to this being. Once again, Lord Shiva smiled and asked Gowri to view the ant. Maa Gowri viewed and surprised, a small piece of rice is in the box and ant is eating it. What a great miracle is! Ashtami Chapparam attracts devotees from far and near. Thousands of devotees gathered on the four veli streets of Madurai to view the "Ashtami Chapparam" of Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.

Hara Hara Sankara Maha Deva
Shiva Shiva Sankara Maha Deva
Soma Sundara Maha Deva
Meenakshi Sundara Maha Deva

Margazhi Thingal Festival - Mahotsavam - Maha Utsavam

Margazhi - It is the one of the most significant month among twelve tamil months. The Margazhi 2008 festival starts on Tuesday, December 16, 2008. Margazhi festival is celebrated at all temples in Tamilnadu and India. Mainly this festival is celebrated in all Vishnu temples and Shiva temples. Likewise, Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is also celebrating Margazhi Mahotsavam every year. Margazhi festival is otherwise called as Margazhi Utsavam, Margazhi Maha Utsavam, Margazhi Mahotsavam, etc., The holy pilgrimage to Sabarimala Swami Ayyappa Temple comes to the closing stage at the Margazhi end. The notable feature of this month are Bhakti and Music.

Significance of Margazhi Maha Utsavam

Margazhi month is an essential month among twelve tamil months, since it is the month for deities. During this month, all deities visiting the earth at early morning (ie. Brahma Muhurtham period - 4.30 a.m. to 6.00 a.m.). In Bhagavat Gita, Lord Krishna says, He is Margazhi among the twelve tamil months. Hence all the temples opened earlier and all people go to the temple at early morning during this month. The another importance of this margazhi is that the Tamil Holy Scriptures "Thiruppavai" and "Thiruvempavai" are read during this month.

History of Margazhi Thingal

Margazhi Thingal denotes Margazhi month, in tamil "Thingal" indicates month. The story behind this Margazhi festival is that Goddess Lakshmi incarnated as "Andal" in the earth, which is now called as holy place "Srivilliputhur" (Thiruvilliputhur). One significant feature of this temple is that this temple tower is the "Emblem of Tamilnadu". After certain stage, Andal wishes to marry Lord Vishnu. So, She started Vrata called as Margazhi Nonbu (Pavai Nonbu) during this month. All the days in this month She wake up early morning and hum songs on Lord Vishnu called as "Thiruppavai" with her friends. Finally, She got married with Lord Vishnu. Some of the few lines of Thiruppavai Song,

"Margazhi Thingal Mathi Niraindha Nannalal
Neerada Podhuveer. . . . ."

Similary, one of the four major saint of Sri Saivam "Manickavasagar" chant songs on Lord Shiva called as "Thiruvempavai".
We could get the full grace of Holy Divine Beings either by reading or listening the holy scriptures "Thiruppavai" and "Thiruvempavai" on this month.

Important days and festivals in Margazhi month

The most important days and festivals in the month of Margazhi are:

• Hanuman Jayanthi
• Vaikunta Ekadasi
• Ashtami Chapparam
• Thiruvadirai Nakshatra or Star
• Arudhra Darshan
• Bogi Festival

Thiru Karthigai Deepam Festival - Tiruvannamalai Deepam

Thiru Karthigai Deepam is one of the famous festival celebrated by Hindus, which appeared in the tamil month of Karthigai and occuring during the Karthigai star. Hence this festival is called as Maha Karthigai or Thiru Karthigai festival. The festival is going to be celebrated on Thursday, December 11, 2008. This festival is celebrated with oil lamps and lights which denotes the removal of darkness (Ignorance) and enhancing of light (Intelligence). This festival is celebrated in all Hindu Temples. Especially, this festival is mainly dedicated to one of the holy place in South India Temple, Tiruvannamalai, abode of Lord Shiva which is called as Agni Shetram or Agni Sthalam (one of the five attributes called Panchaboothams). Hence, this festival is otherwise called as Tiruvannamalai Deepam, Maha Deepam, Arunachala Deepam, etc.

Video Clipping of Thiruvannamalai Maha Deepam

Also in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, this festival is celebrating every year very grantly. Lord Shiva and Meenakshi Amman take a procession in the decorated chariot in Rishaba Vahana. The most important thing behind this festival is "Chokkappanai". This chokkapanai will be burned in front of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi. After completion of the burning, the ash is taken and put in the forehead of Lord and Goddess. Finally the Deeparanda is performed to both Lord and Goddess.

Annabhisekam at Meenakshi Amman Temple

Annabhisekam - Lord Siva Lingam is fully decorated with Rice and Vegetables.

Lord Shiva is in the form of Siva Lingam in all temples. Lord Shiva has three eyes, the third eye is situated in the forehead and is very hot, so always abhisekam is performed to Lord Shiva to satisfy him and to quench the hot. Mostly abhisekams are performed on the following major occasions, (i) Prathosam (once in every 15 days) (ii) Maha Shivaratri and (iii) Annabhisekam. Hence Lord Shiva is otherwise called as Abhiseka Priyar. Every year in the tamil month of Aippasi, full moon day, Siva Lingam is performed abhisekam with various vegetables and rice. This festival is called as Annabhisekam and is celebrated all over India.

At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Lord Sundareswarar is performed "Annabhisekam" every year in the full moon day of Aippasi month. This year, the Annabhisekam festival will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008.

Madurai Thiruparankundram - Skanda Shasti Soorasamharam Festival

Thiruparankundram is the one of the six abodes (in Tamil: Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Subramaniya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. This temple is situated 5km away from Madurai Temple city. Skanda Shasti-Soorasamharam festival is one of the important festival celebrated in all the subramaniya swamy temples every year during October or November. Especially, Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple plays a vital role for this festival. Lord Senthil Aandavar destroy the devil Soorapadman in this place. This year the festival will be held on Tuesday, November 04, 2008.

Soorasamharam Festival

The importance of this festival is that Lord Subramaniyan has fought to destroy the evil demon Soorapadman. On this occasion, thousands of devotees will go to Lord Murugan temples and offer prayers. Also many devotees finished their fasting after the Soorasamharam Festival. Special Abhisekam and Aaradhanas will be performed to Lord Subramaniya on this day.

Deepavali - Diwali - Lakshmi Puja

Deepavali or Diwali - Festival of Lights or Array of Lights or Row of Lights. Deepavali is the major Indian festival celebrated by all religious people. This festival is mainly celebrated by Hindus. Deepavali is celebrated as Lakshmi Puja or Lakshmi Pooja by North Indian people. This year Deepavali festival falls on October 27, 2008 (Monday). There are so many reasons to celebrate this Diwali. Major events associated with this festival are:

Killing of Narakasura - Narakasuran a devil destructing the world who is the son of Sathyabama an incarnation of Bhumadevi (Goddess of Earth). Purana says, Lord Krishna provokes his wife Satyabhama to kill Narakasuran by pretending to be injured by the demon. Narakasuran can only be killed by his mother. Narakasuran was killed by Lord Krishna himself on the day of Chaturdasi. People celebrated this day as "Naraka Chaturdasi". Before death, Narakasuran requested a boon from his mother, that everyone should celebrate his death with colorful lights. Also he requested that on this occasion, everyone should take oil bath (Naraka Chaturdasi Snanam or Ganga Snanam), wearing new clothes and dresses, intake sweets and fire crackers.

Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya - On this day, Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and a war between the devil Ravana and himself. People lit on the oil lamps when Lord Rama arrived Ayodhya.

Kedhara Gowri Vrata - Skanda Purana says Goddess Shakti observed 21 days of vrata to get half of the body of Lord Shiva. The completion day of this vrata is celebrated as Deepavali. Lord Shiva accepted Shakti into the left half of the form and appeared as Ardhanarishwara. Hence all the women in India believe this Kedhara Gauri Vrata in order to get half of the rights from their husbands.

Wish You A Very Happy Deepavali - Diwali 2008

Vijayadasami symbolizes the day of victory

Maha Ambe

Vijayadasami is the final day of Navratri festival. It will be on Thursday, October 09, 2008. Vijayadasami is celebrated as the day of victory, because if any work starts on this day, that will be achieved. The story behind this is Goddess Durga Devi, Lakshmi Devi and Saraswathi Devi combined into one form and incarnate as Lord Mahisasuramardhini to destroy the devil Mahisasuran, Purana says. Also, the world famous Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata specify the importance of this day. Lord Rama defeat and destroy Ravana on this day to protect his wife from him. The Mahabharata war also come to an end on this day, Pandavas killed the Gouravas. Such an important occasion is this Vijayadasami. Hence the people believe that when they start the education of their children on this day, the children become well-versed in life. So everybody be happy and enjoy your life on this occasion.

Saraswathi Pooja - Ayudha Pooja - Durga Pooja

Saraswathi Pooja and Ayudha Pooja

Saraswathi - God of Spiritual Knowledge and Intelligence sit in white lotus. Goddess Saraswathi is the wife of Lord Brahma, who is the creator of the whole universe and one of the divine deity of Trimurti. During Navratri Festival, Saraswathi Devi is worshipped by all devotees on the last three days of Navratri. The nineth day is celebrated as Saraswathi Pooja and Ayudha Pooja in South India. This year, Saraswathi Pooja and Ayudha Pooja is on Wednesday, October 08, 2008. There is a specific shrine for Goddess Saraswathi Devi in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple which is at the outer Pragaram of Lord Shiva's shrine. Special Pujas and Aaradhanas are perfomed to this deity on the Saraswathi Pooja festival occasion. Another important thing on this day is the Ayudha Pooja. All Educational institutions, Automobile shops and other companies will be perfomed Pooja on this day. At every home, Saraswathi Pooja is celebrating very grandly with various fruits and sweets. Similarly, in the north zone of India the festival is celebrated as Durga Pooja or Durga Puja.


Koothanoor Saraswathi

Koothanoor is an abode and dedicated temple to Goddess Saraswathi Devi. Generally there are no specific temples on the earth for Lord Brahma, since he tell lies he was cursed, Purana says. But the Goddess Saraswathi has a temple on the earth called as Koothanoor. The Purana says that Goddess Saraswathi Devi appears here to give divine blessings and grace to a dumb person who is later called as "Ottakoothar". Goddess Saraswathi Devi is performed by various Abhishekams and Deepa Aaradhanas on the Saraswathi Pooja festival occasion. Thousands of devotees visit Koothanoor on this festive occasion.

Saraswathi Maha Mantra

Saraswathi Namasthubyam Varade Kamarubini
Vidhyaarambam Karisyami Siddhir Bhavatume Sadha!

Chant this Maha Mantra on this festive occasion and get the plenty of divine grace of Goddess Saraswathi Devi.

Mahatma Gandhi Jeyanthi

Mahatma Gandhi - Father of Indian Nation who struggled for getting Independence of India. Gandhiji is otherwise called as M.K.Gandhi, Mohandass Karamchand Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhiji's birthday is often referred as Mahatma Gandhi Jeyanthi celebrated on 2nd October every year. This year, Mahatma Gandhi Jeyanthi falls on Thursday. Every Indian nationals should pay respect and homage to Mahatma Gandhi on this occasion.

Mahatma Gandhi Statue is situated at the front of the Meenakshi Amman Temple East Chithirai Street, between the entrance of Meenakshi Amman and Lord Sundareswarar (East Tower).

Navratri Kolu Utsavam - Nine Nights Utsavam - Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

During the Nine nights of Navratri, Goddess Meenakshi Amman is decorated with the various Alankarams at the Meenakshi Amman Kolu Mandapam. In this Mandapam, a small tank is there. Various beautiful and wonderful Rangoli (color kolam) is performed every day over the water fully filled in the tank. It is one of the speciality in this festival. Below are the list of Utsavams of Nine nights (Navratri) at Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.

30.9.2008 - Meenakshi as Raja Rajeswari, presiding deity of Sri Chakra, Mother of Love and Grace.
1. 10. 2008 - Meenakshi preaching Manickavasagar who is the saint of Saivam Religion.
2.10.2008 - Meenakshi teaching the spiritual knowledge to all four Vedas viz. Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharvana Vedas.
3.10.2008 - An incarnation of Thadathagai Pirattiyar (Meenakshi).
4.10.2008 - Meenakshi Amman Thirukkalyanam.
5.10.2008 - Meenakshi Offering food to Gundodharan (Leader of Boothaganams who are living in Kailash Lord Shiva's Place).
6.10.2008 - Meenakshi giving Shakti Vel to Lord Muruga.
7.10.2008 - Meenakshi as Mahisasuramarthini
8.10.2008 - Meenakshi performing Shiva Pooja
9.10.2008 - Vijayadasami, Worshipped with 108 Veenas (a traditional musical instrument of indians) in order to gain the educational benefits for children.

Apart from this everyday from 30.9.2008 to 8.10.2008 there are various cultural and spiritual programs are conducted and organised by the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Devasthanam located at the Kalyana Mandapam. Everyone is requested to visit the Navratri festival and gain the ample grace of Goddess Meenakshi.

Navratri Kolu Festival 2008 - Durga Puja - Dandia

Navratri Festival - Festival of Nine Nights (Nav - Nine Ratri - Night) often referred to as "Navratri Kolu Festival" major festival of Hindus celebrated by South Indian People. This festival is celebrated as "Durga Puja", "Dandia", "Dusshera or Dassera" by North Indian People. At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, this festival is celebrating splendidly nine days every year. This year Navratri Kolu Festival begins on 30 September 2008 and ends on 9 October 2008.

Navratri Kolu Festival - Festival of Dolls. In the Second Pragaram of Meenakshi Amman Temple, the left side is fully decorated with color lights and various dolls and on the right side so many vahanas referred as vehicles carrying God and Goddess during festivals or utsavams are standed. Apart from this the whole Meenakshi Amman Temple towers (Gopurams) and Golden Lotus Tank are illuminated with color lights which looks like the heaven in the earth.

Significance of Navratri:

1st day to 3rd day of Navratri - Dedicated to Durga Matha (Durga Puja), Goddess of Power and Energy
4th day t0 6th day of Navratri - Dedicated to Lakshmi Matha (Lakshmi Pooja), Goddess of Wealth
7th day to 9th day of Navratri - Dedicated to Saraswati Matha (Saraswathi Puja), Goddess of Knowledge and Intelligence
10th day - Vijayadasami, symbol of victory. On this occasion, Lord Rama killed Ravana. Goddess Durga killed the devil (Asura) Mahisasuran. Hence, most of the people wish to start the education of their children on this day which would bring the brainpower and knowledge.

Sarva Mahalaya Paksha Amavasya 2008

Sarva Mahalaya Paksha Amavasya - Dedicated to departed ancestors. Amavasya is nothing but the New Moon day. Mahalaya Paksha means the fourteen days of Mahalaya. This year, Mahalaya Amavasya falls on 28th September, 2008, Mahalaya Paksha ends on this day. This is the most important Amavasya than any other, since our departed ancestors (Pithru) are ready to bless their family on this occasion. During this period, thousands of people who lost their parents took a holy dip in various rivers and sea like Rameshwaram (Holy Pilgrimage) and offering Pithru Tharpanam to satisfy the ancestors. Praying and offering Tharpanam on this occasion are the best ways to get the grace and blessings of the departed ancestors. Another important thing in this Amavasya is that to provide food and water to others (Annadhanam). As we all know, the fundamental necessities of human being are food, cloth and shelter. Rather than donating cloth and providing shelter, donating food is great. To survive in this world, we need air, food and water, hence donating food is the best way to get the blessings of the Supreme Lord and departed ancestors and also bring it to you in the right path after your death.

Vinayagar Chaturthi - Ganesh Puja Festival 2008

History

Vinayagar Chathurti - Celebrating as the sign of the birthday of Lord Ganesh (Elephant Headed Hindu God) who is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The purpose of birth of Lord Ganesh is to destroy the devil “Gajamugasuran”. Goddess Parvati created the Lord Ganesh with her sweat and energy along with the soil and sandal in order to guard her when she takes bath. Trying to guard his mother's bath, Lord Ganesh was beheaded by Lord Shiva who later was persuaded by Parvati to revive him. Finally Lord Shiva promised always the first pooja will be performed to Lord Ganesh before any auspicious things to be done.

Vinayagar Chaturthi in Meenakshi Amman Temple

Vinayagar Chaturthi Festival is celebrated every year in the Tamil Month of Avani starting on the shukla chaturthi, fourth day of the waxing moon period. This festival is celebrated all over India and in other countries on Wednesday, September 03, 2008. In Meenakshi Amman Temple, this festival is devoted to “Mukkuruni Vinayagar”. Mukkuruni means three times of six. This idol has recovered while the King Tirumalai Nayacker digged the land for constructing a tank which is popularly known as “Mariamman Tank” now. Ganesh Puja is well being performed with the new Ganesh idol and fruits by everybody. Even though, we offer pray with several fruits and other things, the most favorite dish of Lord Ganesh is “Kolukattai” a famous south Indian dish. Hence the Meenakshi Amman Temple devotees offered a huge kolukatti to Mukkuruni Vinayagar. As its name implies, the kolukattai is prepared with the 3*6 times ie. 18kg of rice. No other temple proposed such a huge prasadam to Lord. This festival is celebrated as “Ganesh Puja” in the North zone of India.

On this occasion, all of us should pray and get the ample grace of Supreme Lord Ganesh. May the Lord gives you the health and wealth for your entire family.

"Wish You All a Very Happy Vinayagar Chaturthi and Ganesh Puja Festival"

Puttu Thiruvizha 2008

Puttu Thiruvizha (Festival) is the one among the 64 Thiruvilayadals of Lord Sundareswarar. It is celebrated at Puttu Thoppu in Madurai city every year in the Tamil month of "Avani". In this year, this festival will be going to celebrate on September 04, 2008. The Meenakshi Amman Temple will remain closed on this occasion, since the deities will be taken out for the festival.

Story behind the Puttu Thiruvizha

Puttu Thoppu is situated on the south bank of River Vaigai. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva performed one of his Thiruvilayadals. The Lord gave salvation to Manickavasagar and Vanthiammai, an old lady here on the river banks. The Pandya King ordered every citizen of Madurai to build a massive bund at the banks of River Vaigai in order to protect his kingdom from the natural disasters like floods in Vaigai. The old lady Vanthiammai was ordered by the guards to carry baskets of soil for the work. But she was unable to carry out the command. So she planned to offer Puttu for those who help her. Nobody come up to help her. Suddenly, Lord Shiva appeared as a youngster and offered to work for her. Upon eating a fistful of the delicious puttu, he then slept off by the river bed while worked on. The king monitoring the progress of the work. At that time, the king watched the youngster (Lord Shiva) who slept off at the river bank. The King got angry and struck him with a cane. And a miracle is believed to have occurred. The blow on the lad landed on everyone's back including the ruler's. It is believed that Lord Shiva performed the Thiruvilayadal to give 'Mukthi (Moksha)' to the old woman.

Aavani Moola Festival

Every year, in the Tamil month "Avani", the Avani Moola Festival is being celebrated by the Meenakshi Amman Temple Devasthanam. This year, the festival will begin on Tuesday, 26th August, 2008. The special feature of this festival is that Lord Sundareswarar (Incarnation of God Shiva) going to start ruling the Madurai (also known as Kadambavanam) from this month onwards. Lord Sundareswarar Pattabhishegam will be on 8th September, 2008. Most of the people knows that Madurai is ruled by Goddess Meenakshi. Meenakshi ruled the Madurai only four tamil months (from chitirai to Aadi). Afterwards, Lord Sundareswarar starts ruling. Like this, God and Goddess alternatively ruling and protecting the Madurai and its people.

In this Month, Aavani Avittam is a famous programme for Hindus. This will happen every year in the Full Moon of the month of Avani. In this year, this festival is occured on Saturday, 16th August, 2008. During this day, all the Hindus wear a holy thread in their body and doing Chants, Mantras, Poojas and Aaradhanas to satisfy the deities. Also in this day, Lunar eclipse going to occur.


Festival Details:
1st Day - Karunkuruvikku Upadesam Seidha Leelai
2nd Day - Naaraikku Mukthi Kodutha Leelai
3rd Day - Manickam Vitra Leelai
4th Day - Dharumikku Porkizhi Alitha Leelai
5th Day - Ulavaa Kottai Aruliya Leelai
6th Day - Baananukku Angam Vettiya Leelai
7th Day - Valaiyal Vitra Leelai & Lord Sundareswarar Pattabishekam
8th Day - Nariyai Pariyaakiya Leelai
9th Day - Puttukku Mann Sumandha Leelai
10th Day - Viragu Vitra Leelai

Aadi Festival in Meenakshi Amman Temple

In Tamil months, Aadi Month plays an vital role. More people feel that this month is unauspicious for marriage and any other important functions. Nobody knows the importance of this month. This month is very famous for Goddess. Every friday of this month is festival in Amman Temples. It is not an exception for Meenakshi Amman Temple. Yes, of course, Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple also celebrates Aadi Mulaikattu Festival during this month very grantly. In this year, this festival will be going to start on 1st August 2008 and ends at 13th August 2008. During this period, Meenakshi Amman will take procession in different chariots.

Special and Important occasions of Aadi Month:

• Aadi Krithigai - Dedicated to Lord Muruga
• Aadi Amavasya - Pray to anchestors on this occasion
• Aadi Pooram - Famous for Goddess Aandal Nachiar
• Aadi Perukku - This festival is celebrated at the holy rivers
• Aadi Thapas - Goddess Ambigai start Tapas on this day to destroy the devil. This festival is celebrated grantly at Sankara Nainar Temple.

Chithra Festival: Azhagar Festival 2008

Yethir Sevai Program



Close-up shot of Shri Azhagar



Arulmigu Azhagar to Vaigai River



Azhagar Devotees

Meenakshi Thirukkalyanam on April 20 2008

Goddess Meenakshi (incarnation of Parvathi) took birth in Pandya kingdom. After certain period, she wish to marry the Lord Sundareswarar (God of beauty - incarnation of Lord shiva). Such occasion can be celebrated as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam (marriage) by Madurai people. All of you are welcomed to this festival occasion. It will be held on Friday, April 20, 2008. The Madurai and neighborhood cities and also other state people are coming to participate this festival occasion every year.

Madurai Chitra Festival 2008

Every year Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and Azhagar temple together celebrates the chitra festival occasion. In Meenakshi Temple, the Chitra festival starts on 9th April 2008 by flagging the Temple symbol. From that day onwards, Lord Sundareswarar and Meenakshi Amman takes procession in four masi streets of Madurai both morning and evening.

Madurai Chitra Festival Video clippings

Meenakshi Amman Festival



Meenakshi Amman Chariot Festival



Azhagar Festival

Most Important Festivals Celebrated in Madurai

The most important festival associated with the temple is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam (The divine marriage of Sri Meenkashi) that is celebrated in April or May every year. Both the marriage and the Vishnu's pacification are still celebrated as the biggest festival in Madurai, called Chithirai Thiruvizha also called as Azhagar Thiruvizha.

During that one month period, in which most Tamilnadu temples celebrate their annual festivals, there are a number of events including the Therottam a.k.a. Thiru Ther (Chariot festival) and Theppa Thiruvizha (Float festival) are celebrated. Apart from this, major Hindu festivals like Navaratri, Shivaratri are celebrated in a grand manner. Like most Shakti temples in Tamilnadu, the Fridays during the Tamil months of Aadi (July 15 - Aug 17) and Thai (Jan 15 to Feb 15) are popularly celebrated with thousands of devotees thronging to the temple.

Golden Lotus Tank in Meenakshi Amman Temple

Potramarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Tank), the sacred pond inside the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a very holy site for the devotees and people go around the lake before entering the main shrine. The etymology for the word means, the Pond with the Golden Lily and as the Lily that grows in it has a golden color. According to the legend, Lord Shiva promised to a stork that no fish or other marine life would grow here and thus no marine animals are found in the lake. In the Tamil legends, the lake is supposed to be a judge for judging a worth of a new literature. Thus, authors place their works here and the poorly written works are supposed to sink and the scholastic ones are supposed to float.

Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai

The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple (In Tamil: மீனாக்ஷி அம்மன் கோவில்) is a historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamilnadu, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar or Beautiful Lord) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi or Fish-eyed Goddess). The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai, home of the Tamil language.

According to Hindu legends, Lord Shiva, in the form of Sundareswarar, with his divine group of followers, appeared here in Madurai to marry Pandya King Malayadwaja Pandya's daughter, Meenakshi, believed to be an incarnation of Hindu Goddess Parvati. This temple is one of the most sacred abodes of Parvati. Also we can say it as "First Sakthi Peedam".

The temple has a stunning architecture and it was a frontrunner in the election for the modern seven wonders of the world for its architectural importance. The complex houses 12 magnificent gopurams or towers that are elaborately sculptured and painted. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is believed to have been built only recently in the early 17th century.

Photo Gallery and Pictures of Madurai Tourism Spots

Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple South Tower (Highest Tower)
Koodal Azhagar Temple Tower (Astaanga Vimanam)Athisayam - Amusement Theme Park

Azhagar Koil

Kallazhagar Temple Mountain Hill

Mahatma Gandhi Museum

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakkulam

Mariamman Temple Tank Boating

Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple
Kutladampatti Waterfalls
Thiruparankundram Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple
Thirumohur Arulmigu Kalamega Perumal Temple
Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Madurai City Tours and Travels Places

In Madurai, there are many important places to visit:

• Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple - Abode of Lord Shiva and Sakthi
• Thirumalai Nayak Palace
• Mahatma Gandhi Museum
• Mariamman Teppakulam
• Azhagar Kovil - Abode of Lord Vishnu
• Thiruparankundram - Abode of Lord Muruga

Apart from this, there are so many temples are available in and around Madurai viz., Thiruvadavoor, Thirukkoodal, Thirumogur, Inmaiyil Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, etc.,

About Madurai: Temple City of Tamilnadu

India is the place of worship. In India, there are so many holy places are available. Among them, Madurai plays an important role. Its well developed structure, culture and civilizations show the prosperity of Madurai city. Madurai is popularly known as "Temple city", since it has so many temples. It has another name (i.e.,) Non-sleeping city. It is the second biggest city of Tamilnadu state. Madurai city is famous for Jasmine Flowers. It is the one of the South India's greatest temple town and is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple situated on the banks of river Vaigai. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.




The Pandyan King Kulasekarar built a great temple and created a lotus shaped city around the temple. On the day the city was to be named, as Lord shiva blessed the land and its people, divine nectar (Madhu) was showered on the city from his matted locks. This city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. As far as Madurai is concerned, its structure looks like a Lotus. Of course, the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is situated at the center of the city. This is the center part of the lotus. Around the temple, the city has been developed. Every street around the temple is named the Tamil month calendar name. Today the city is well developed with the latest technologies and become the spot for Information Technology Park. Now Madurai is becoming Tier II city.