Madurai & Meenakshi Amman Sundareswarar Temple, Travels & Tourism India

Breaking News: Tirumala Tirupati Lord Balaji Visited Madurai

2010-03-01T00:41:00.000-08:00

One among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu and also named by the people as "Heaven in Earth" (Boologa Vaikuntam) is Tirumala Tirupati. Lord Balaji, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu staying in this abode and bless the devotees daily. This is the one of the most famous temple in India because many devotees believed that their prayers are satisfied here.

Two years back, some devotee performed Lord Balaji Marriage (Celestial Wedding) in Madurai Tamukkam Ground. Lots of devotees attended the gracious occasion on that day. Likewise, the same thing happened in Kanyakumari District on Sunday, February 28, 2010. Before going to Kanniyakumari, Lord Balaji along with Sri Devi, Bhooma Devi, Alamelumanga Thaayaar, Aandal (Utsava Moorthies) visited Madurai on Saturday, February 27, 2010 by evening 4'0 clock. Almost four hours Lord Balaji stayed in front of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and departed from there by 7.30 p.m. That's really a great news. After hearing the news, lots of Madurai devotees reached Meenakshi Amman Temple and welcomed Lord Balaji and got His blessings. Madurai Devotees are very lucky indeed.

Will the world end in 2012?

2009-10-16T03:31:00.000-07:00

Recently I came across the websites which is mentioned that the Mayan calendar predicts that the Earth will end on December 21, 2012. Scientific experts from around the world are genuinely predicting that five years from now, all life on Earth could well finish. Some are saying it'll be humans that set it off. Others believe that a natural phenomenon will be the cause. And the religious folks are saying it'll be God himself who presses the stop button.

You people share your thoughts, suggestions and opinions in the comment section of the post. Please don't make it spam.

Happy Diwali 2009

2009-10-16T03:28:00.000-07:00

Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan Statue at Madurai Temple City

2009-10-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

A huge life-size bronze statue of height 2.6 meters for Actor Sivaji Ganesan is established at Madurai. The most prominent actor "Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan" statue unveiled on Sunday, October 04, 2009 near Raja Muthaiah Mandram, Madurai. Sivaji Ganesan is a well known popular actor in the tamil cinema industry who impressed many people in tamilnadu by his stylish action and rich tone voice. The Union Minister for Fertilizers and Chemicals Mr. M.K.Azhagiri opened the Sivaji Ganesan statue at Madurai. Actor's son Prabhu, Ramkumar participated in this statue opening ceremony. Also the most famous personalities of tamil cinema world Vijayakumar, Napolean, Kamal Haasan, Vadivelu, Manorama, Direcotr P. Vasu and Sasikumar grace this function.

Madurai Railway Station Gets A1 Grade

2009-09-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

The Madurai Railway Junction is refurbished as an International level "A1" Grade railway station with Rs.30 crores. The railway stations which generate earning of Rs.15 lakh daily will get A1 Grade, the Indian Railway department said. According to the survey, Chennai Egmore, Chennai Central, Madurai and Coimbatore Railway Junctions are getting A1 Grade.Extra features and facilities at Madurai Railway Junction

Junction main entrance is fully covered with glasses which looks royal, majestic and international level
First platform width is increased to 10 meter in order to avoid the congestion
Escalator facility is provided at 5th platform to connect 2,3,4 and 6,7,8 platforms
Carrieall Car service is provided inside the railway station for physically challenged and senior citizens

Meenakshi Temple Kumbabhishekam Video Clipping

2009-09-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

The world's famous Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Astabhandhana Maha Kumbabhishekam & Samprokshanam has performed recently on April 2009. I have just uploaded only photos and details of that event in my previous post. But most of the readers asked to put the video clip of the Kumbabhisekam event. As per the readers suggestion in the comments section, I have uploaded the video clipping of world's famous Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Astabandhana Maha Kumbabhishekam and Samprokshanam held in April 2009 in this post.

Maha Kumbabhishekam Video Clipping

Check out the photo gallery, pictures, photos collection and images of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Maha Kumbabhishekam April 2009 here

Lalitha Jewellery and City Center at Madurai

2009-09-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

The Chennai's leading jewellery shop "Lalitha Jewellery" will be opened its new branch in Madurai, Temple city. The grand opening ceremony will be on Sunday, September 20, 2009. The Central Minister, Son of Tamilnadu Chief Minister and Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mr. M.K. Azhagiri and Mrs. Gandhi Azhagiri would inaugurate the opening ceremony and preside over the function. The showroom is named as Lalitha Jewellery Mart India Private Limited.

"Lalitha Jewellery and City Center" showroom is constructed around 55,000 square feet situated at South Masi Street which is the heart and center of the Madurai Temple City. It is a four floor showroom on which two floors for Jewels selling consists of Gold, Diamond, Silver and Platinum and other floors for Textiles, Home appliances, Cosmetics and Stationery items trading. Apart from this, the showroom have sufficient space for customer's vehicles parking.

Thirumalai Naicker Mahal (Palace) Renovation and Creation of Eco-Park

2009-09-17T23:56:00.000-07:00

As we all know that Madurai city is famous for Meenakshi Amman Temple, an ancient heritage temple in South India. In spite of its temple features, Madurai city is well know for some tourism spots also. Among them, Thirumalai Naicker Palace (Thirumalai Naicker Mahal) is a famous one where tourists often visited this place while come for Madurai. In order to look the temple city grand and to beautify the mahal, Thirumalai Naicker Palace is renovated at a cost of Rs. 3 Crore and also constructing "Eco-Park" a.k.a. "Grass Paved Platform" surrounding the Palace. This will attract the tourists more and also make the palace with splendid appearance.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple History, Information and Other Details

2009-09-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Temple Picture:
Temple Name: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

Pre-Historic Name: Aalavai, Naanmada Koodal, Kadambavanam

Temple Deities: Lord Sundareswarar, Goddess Meenakshi, Mukkuruni Vinayagar, Subramaniyar, Nandi, Ellam Valla Sidhar, Durga, Dhakshinamoorthy, Kala Bhairavar, Bhadra Kali, Hanuman, Navagraham and more

Temple Holy Tree: Kadambam

Temple Holy Water or Theertham: Golden Lotus Tank (Potramarai Kulam), Vaigai, Theppakkulam, etc

Temple Opening time: 5.00 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and 4.00 P.M. to 10.00 P.M

Temple Pooja Schedule:
Thiruvanandal Puja - 5.00 A.M. to 6.00 A.M.
Vizha Pooja - 6.30 A.M. to 7.00 A.M.
Kalasandhi Puja - 7.30 A.M. to 8.30 A.M.
Thrikalasandhi Pooja - 10.30 A.M. to 11.30 A.M.
Uchikkala Puja - 11.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M.
Maalai Pooja - 4.30 P.M. to 5.00 P.M.
Ardhajama Puja - 7.30 P.M. to 8.30 P.M.
Palliarai Pooja - 9.15 P.M. to 10.00 P.M.

Temple Festivals:
Chithirai Brahmotsavam (Chitra Festival)
Vaikasi Vasantham Festival
Aani Unjal Festival
Aadi Mulaikottu Festival
Avani Moola Utsavam Festival
Purattasi Navaratri Festival
Ayppasi Kolattam Festival
Karthigai Kolattam Festival
Margazhi Thiruvathirai & Thiruvempavai Festival
Thai Theppotsavam
Masi Mandala Utsavam Festival
Panguni Summer Vasantham Festival

Temple Address: Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai 625 001

Temple Place: Madurai

Temple State: Tamilnadu

Temple Phone: +91-452-2344360

Temple Fax: +91-452-2341777

Viragu Vitra Leelai

2009-08-31T22:17:00.000-07:00

The tenth day of Avani Moola Maha Utsavam is going to be held at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Old Thirukkalayana Mandapam at 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 01, 2009. This is the one of the interesting Thiruvilayadal performed by Lord Sundareswarar in Madurai to preserve a famous vocalist in the Pandiyan Kingdom. The Leela is known as "Viragu Vitra Leelai" (Lord Sundareswarar Himself traded Firewoods in Madurai streets to save His devotee Baanapathiran).

Story of Viragu Vitra Leelai

During the Varaguna Pandiyan ruling period in Madurai, a singer named Hemanathan from north side visited Madurai and sung various songs and got prizes. Hemanathan said to King with bigheaded voice, is there any vocalists in this kingdom to beat me. Suddenly, Asthana Pandithar Paanabathirar striked to King's mind. King also accepted the Hemanathar's challenge, but Paanabathirar felt that he was not suitable to beat Hemanathan, so he surrendered Lord Shiva and requested to preserve him and Pandiya Kingdom. Lord Sundareswarar accepted his request and came to Madurai city streets as a Firewood trader humming songs. At night, Lord Sundareswarar (Firewood Trader) sung songs at Hemanathar staying place. Hemanathar forget himself on receiving Lord's songs. Then Hemanathar asked the Firewood Trader, from whom you learn the songs. Firewood Trader replied that the great vocalists "Asthana Pandithar Baanapathirar" taught me. Hemanathar shocked and immediately left that place and also written in a leaf that he and his abilities everything bestowed to Paanabathirar and Pandiyan Kingdom.

Puttukku Mann Sumandha Leelai

2009-08-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

The nineth day of Avani Moola Festival is "Puttukku Man Sumandha Leelai" (Lord Shiva carried soil for earning puttu in order to help out a old lady) on Monday, August 31, 2009. Puttu is a delicious and soft food famous in South India. This Thiruvilayadal will be happened at Puttu Thoppu near Madurai and also the deities Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar will be taken out to there to perform this leelai. Lord Subramaniyan along with His wife Deivanai from Thiruparankundram temple will participate in this festival. To know more about the history of this leelai, check out the following link:
http://maduraimeenakshitempleforu.blogspot.com/2008/08/puttu-thiruvizha-2008.html

Nariyai Pariyaakiya Leelai

2009-08-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

The eighth day of Meenakshi Amman Temple Avani Moola Festival is "Nariyai Pariyaakkiya Leelai" on Sunday, August 30, 2009. Nari -> Fox and Pari -> Horse. Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) always performed various Thiruvilayadal to save His devotees and saints from the critical problems and dangers. Likewise, He transformed the foxes into horses to save one of His devotee and major Nayanmar "Manickavasagar". During the period of Arimarthana Pandiyan ruling in Madurai, King gave gold to Manickavasagar and asked him to buy horses. Manickavasagar went to buy them, but on the way Lord Shiva came in the form of Lord Dakshinamoorthy and preached Upanishads and Vedas to him. Afterwards he spent his whole time in chanting Mantras and devotional songs about Lord and forgot to buy the horses. King was waiting for the horses, but nothing happened. So he asked his soldiers to contact Manickavasagar and asked him about the horses. Then only Manickavasagar remember about it, immediately he surrendered Lord Shiva. God never ignored His devotees. At that time, Madurai was a dense forest (also known as Kadambavanam) fully consists of wild animals and foxes. Finally, Lord Sundareswarar convert the foxes into horses and brought them to the King's palace and protect His devotee Manickavasagar.

Book Trade Fair & Expo - Book Exhibition cum Sale at Madurai Tamukkam Ground

2009-08-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

The 4th "Book Festival" starts from today (Saturday, August 29, 2009) at Madurai Tamukkam Ground. The south india book publishers and sellers jointly conducting this festival. There will be 227 book stalls and around 1 crore books available. All kinds of books which could help from childhood to senior citizens like science books, technical books, general books and everything will be available. This festival is both for the book exhibition and book sale. Offers 10% discount for the buyers.

Valaiyal Vitra Leelai and Lord Sundareswarar Pattabhisegam

2009-08-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

The seventh day of Avani Moola Mahotsavam is "Valaiyal Vitra Leelai" which is to be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009. Another important function is Lord Sundareswarar's Pattabhisekam will be held on Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple tonight between 7.30 p.m and 7.50 p.m. As I have discussed earlier in my previous post, Meenakshi Amman rule Madurai from the tamil month of Chithirai to Avani and Lord Sundareswarar rule from Avani to Chithirai. So today onwards, Lord Sundareswarar starts to rule Madurai after the Meenakshi Amman ruling. The notable feature of this Thiruvilayadal is that Lord Sundareswarar himself sold bangles. This event will be happened at Madurai Valaiyalkara street at 10 a.m. After that, special pujas will be made to bangles and bring them to the Lord's shrine.

Baananukku Angam Vettiya Leelai

2009-08-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

The sixth day of Avani Moola Utsavam festival is "Baananukku Angam Vettiya Leelai" held on Friday, August 28, 2009. During the Kulothunga Pandiyan period in Madurai, there was a couple named Virudha Veeran who was very old teaching various fights to students and beautiful young-age Manicka Maalai. At that time, Siddhan alias Baanan joined there to learn fights. He wished to become a great coacher like his tutor. Guru's wife should be treated as mother, but he had a lust on his Guru's wife instead. So, he asked his Guru to battle with him. Due to his body conditions and aging, Virudhaveeran not able to battle with him. Hence the couple surrendered Lord Sundareswarar, God came in the form of old-age Virudhaveeran and fought against him and demolished Baanan's body parts individually. Hence this Thiruvilayadal is called as Baananukku Angam Vettiya Leelai.

Ulavaa Kottai Aruliya Leelai

2009-08-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 27, 2009 - Today is the fifth day of Meenakshi Amman Temple's Avani Moola Festival. Lord Sundareswarar will be performed "Ulavaa Kottai Aruliya Leelai" on this occasion.

Story behind this Thiruvilayadal

Once upon a time a farmer and his wife named Dharmakeerthi and Dharmaseelai respectively lived in Kadambavanam which is now called as Madurai. "Service to Humanity is Service to God", as per the proverb, both of them offer food (Annadhanam) to Sivacharyas and Lord Shiva Saints as a divine service daily. Suddenly the famine and poverty surrounded them, but never disappointed. They sold their house, property and continued their service to Sivanadiyars. At last, they didn't have enough money to provide food for the Saints. So they decided to commit suicide. Immediately, Lord Sundareswarar appeared there and saved them. He said to them He performed Thiruvilayadal. Then, He presented "Paddy in Ulavaa Kottai" (similar to Amudha Surabhi) to them and asked them to continue their divine service through this paddy.

Dharumikku Porkizli Alitha Leelai

2009-08-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

The fourth day of Avani Utsavam is “Dharumikku Porkizli Alitha Leelai” will be going to happen at the Meenakshi Amman shrine on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 around 10 a.m. This is the one of the Thiruvilayadal of Lord Sundareswarar which is a very interesting story.

Story of Tharumikku Porkizhi Alitha Leelai

Madurai was ruled by the Pandiyan King long ago. A doubt has arisen in his mind regarding the fragrance of women's hair is natural or artifical. So he announced that 1000 gold coins given as prize for the people who clarifies his doubt. Tharumi was a poet in his kingdom, but he was very poor in his wealth. So, Tharumi approached Lord Shiva to make him get the prize. Lord Sundareswarar immediately appeared in the human form and gave a poem to Tharumi and asked him to take it to the King. When this poem read in the court, Poet Nakkeerar found fault with it and stopped the giving of the prize. Tharumi gets disappointed and looked for the person whom he get the poem. Again Lord Sundareswarar appeared before him as the human being and asked the situation. Thereupon, Lord Shiva himself came to the court and challenged Nakkeerar. But Nakkeerar could not accept that poem. Though the divine poet asked him if the hair of Ganapoongodai, the consort of Lord Kalathinathar, whom Nakkeerar worshipped did not have the natural scent, the undaunted Nakkeerar asserted that it was so. Suddenly the Lord Shiva opened his forehead ey which emitted fire and looked at Nakkeerar to show the poet who he was. Even then, Nakkeerar persisted in his statement. As he could not bear the scorching heat, emanating from the divine eye he jumped into the water of the Golden Lotus Tank (Potramarai Kulam). Then at the request of the Pandiyan King and other poets, the Lord took Nakkeerar out of the tank, forgave him and praise his duty consciousness.

Manickam Vitra Leelai

2009-08-25T01:34:00.000-07:00

The third day of the Avani Moola Maha Utsavam is the “Manickam Vitra Leelai” (Lord Sundareswarar sold Ruby Gemstone) on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. Madurai was ruled by the Pandiyan families. King Veerapandiyan was one among the Pandiyan Vamsa ruled the Madurai city long ago. The King had no child and he gave birth to a male child by the blessings of Lord Meenakshi Sundareswarar. Unfortunately he was attacked by a tiger when he went for hunting in the forest and he died. At last, Ministers in the Kingdom had planned to give the king’s place to his son. But the Dhasi’s sons stolen the King’s Ruby Stone crown. Without crown, cannot put the child to King position. So, Ministers prayed to Lord Sundareswarar to wipe out this problem. Immediately, Lord Sundareswarar comes in the form of Diamond and Gemstone Merchant and gave variety of precious diamonds & gemstones and asked them to make the crown using these stones and disappeared immediately. After that, the Ministers identified that the Gem stone merchant is Lord Shiva. As per Lord Shiva suggestion, they made the new crown with these stones. Finally, the Ministers put the crown to King Veerapandiyan son’s head and placed him as the King of Madurai.

Naaraikku Mukthi Kodutha Leelai

2009-08-25T01:32:00.000-07:00

The second day of Avani Moola Utsavam festival is the “Naaraikku Mukthi Kodutha Leelai” (Lord Sundareswarar grant Moksha to water bird Crane) on Monday, August 24, 2009. Due to its Bhakthi, God appears and offer Mukthi to it.

Avani Moola Festival: Karunkuruvikku Upadesam Seidha Leelai

2009-08-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

Every day is the festival at Meenakshi Amman Temple. Avani Moola Festival is one among them which is celebrating every year in the Tamil month of Avani. This festival is also called as "Avani Moola Utsavam" is celebrated for 10 days and going to start on Sunday, August 23, 2009. Avani Festival is fully dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar as Chitra Festival to Meenakshi. In the Tamil month, Chithirai to Avani Goddess Meenakshi ruling Madurai and from the month Avani to Chithirai Lord Sundareswarar ruling Madurai. Hence the Avani Moola Festival is celebrated in a grand manner like Chitra festival.

The first day of this festival is "Lord Sundareswarar Preached Black Sparrow" (in Tamil: கருங்குருவிக்கு உபதேசம் செய்த லீலை). The story behind this leelai is that there was a luxurious person in the previous birth and he again took rebirth as "Black Sparrow" due to his Karma (sins) in the previous birth. The wild birds always annoying the sparrow, so considering safety and protect itself against from the wild birds it started to stay in the trees. On that time, the sparrow keenly watched some of the Sivacharyas under the tree were talking about the importance of the Potramaraikulam (Golden Lotus Tank) in Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. Then it started to do the holy dip in the Potramaraikulam and perform pooja to Lord daily. Finally, Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar appeared before the sparrow and asked to attain “Moksha” (Sivaloga Pathavi) after this birth. Also Lord Sundareswarar preached “Maha Mrithyunjaya Mantra” to protect its life from the wild birds till the end of the birth.

Anil Ambani visited Madurai Meenakshi Temple today

2009-08-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

One of the Indian billionaire and major shareholder in Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group Mr. Anil Ambani visited Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple today. The temple devasthanam board received him in a grand manner. Later, he made darshan to Goddess Meenakshi, Lord Sundareswarar and other major deities in the temple.

Happy India's Independence Day 2009

2009-08-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Every year, August 15 is celebrated as India's Independence Day. The great Father of our Nation Mahatma Gandhi and other major freedom fighters had struggled against British Government and finally got independence on this day. So it's everyone duty to salute that Eminent Personalities and India on this day. This year Independence Day is observed on Saturday, August 15, 2009.

Happy Independence Day! Bharath Maa Tuje Salaam!
Proud to be an Indian.... Jai Hind!

Carrieall Car Service at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple for Tourists

2009-08-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Madurai Corporation and Tamilnadu Tourism Department jointly introduced a new vehicle service called Carrieall Car Service for the tourist folks at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is a off-road Electric Vehicle (EV) and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). This service would bring happy and joy for the tourists especially for the senior citizens where it traverse the four chithirai streets of Madurai in order to view the four temple towers. They charged Rs.10/- for the adults and Rs.5/- for the children. This service has started after the Maha Kumbabhishekam of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. Also the Devasthanam Board of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple take care of doing various projects to make the temple more sumptuous and stunning. Thanks to the Madurai corporation and Tamilnadu Tourism Department for providing such a wonderful service.

Lord Sri Krishna Jayanthi - Gokulashtami & Janmashtami Festival Celebration

2009-08-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

Gokulashtami is the major festival celebrated by the Hindus across the globe on account of the birth of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is the human form and avatar of Lord Vishnu incarnated in the earth to demolish his maternal uncle Kamsa. His major objective of incarnation is to preserve "Dharma" and devastate "Adharma". He was born more than 5000 years ago in the Madhura City.

Birth History of Lord Krishna
A Rishi told Kamsa that his death happened by the eighth male child of Devaki and Vasudeva. So, Kamsa arrested both the Devaki & Vasudeva and put them in jail and started to kill every child. At last, Devaki gave birth to Lord Krishna as the eighth child at midnight in the Ashtami Thithi, on the eighth day in the month of Shravana on the Rohini Star. As per the Lord's instruction, Vasudeva put his child in a basket and leave the child in the Yasodha's House and bring Yasodha's female child back to its place. That child was the "Goddess Durga" who is called as "Maha Maye". Finally Kamsa began to kill that eighth child, despite he confused and surprised after seeing female child instead male one. While he throw that child, child flies away from him. Later, he made various attempts to kill Lord Krishna, but his efforts failed each time. After a long time, Kamsa was killed by Lord Krishna.

Sree Jayanthi Celebration
Sree Krishna Jayanti is generally celebrated in the month of August-September according to the Christian Calendar. Janmashtami is celebrated for over two days as “Rohini” nakshatra and Ashtami may not fall on the same day. The first day known as Krishnashtami as the birth of Bhagwan Krishna falls on the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan and the second day is known as Kalashtami. This year Sri Krishna Janmashtami festival is observed on Thursday, August 13, 2009. On this occasion, devotees will perform fasting, bhajans, pujas and many other rituals. Special Abhishekams and Aaradhanas will be performed to Lord Krishna by the priests at various temples.

Avani Avittam Festival - Raksha Bandhan - Poonal Kalyanam

2009-08-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

Avani Avittam is the exclusive festival for the Brahmin Community. This is the famous South Indian festival associated with the Hindu Festival which comes in the month of Shravan (August-September) and in the tamil month of Avani on the full moon day. The importance of this festival is that on this auspicious day, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Hayagriva who is called as the God of Knowledge. Hence this day is called as Shravan Purnima, Rakhi Poornima, etc. This Avani Avittam festival is mainly celebrated in the South Indian States like Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and in some parts of Orissa. In 2009, the Avani Avittam festival is observed on Wednesday, August 05, 2009. Also Lunar Eclipse will take place on this day.

On this special day, Brahmin boys are bestowed with the Sacred Thread which denotes the beginning. They remove the old thread and wear new one which indicates that they take away their old sins. So they first take a holy dip and wear a new holy thread called Yajnopavitam or Janeyu and offer libations of water to the ancient Rishis and elders. This ritual is called as Yagnopaveetha Dhaarana, Thread wearing ceremony, Holy Thread ritual, Sacred Thread ceremony, Holy Thread Upanayanam, (in Tamil: Poonal Kalyanam), Upakarmam, etc. Special Puja and Homa will be conducted on this occasion. Gayathri Maha Mantra is chanting on the day after Avani Avittam.

The North Indian people is celebrating this Shravan Poornima as Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi festival which symbolizes the sacred relation of a brother and a sister. Every sister tie the Rakhi band to their brother's hand and also other's hand if she treat them as brother to notify their sis-bro relationship on this Raksha Bandhan day.

Aadi 18 Perukku - Pathinettam Perukku Festival

2009-08-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

Aadi Perukku is one of the important festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi. This festival falls on the 18th day of tamil month of Aadi, hence it is called as Aadi 18 Perukku a.k.a. Aadi Pathinettam Perukku (Monday, August 03, 2009). This is a "Nature Worship" festival dedicated to Cauvery river and mainly celebrated by women. Perukku means rising which indicates the rising water in rivers. Due to south west monsoon, the South Indian rivers streaming on this month. Hence the people residing along the river banks offer prayers and pujas to the rivers just like saying thanksgiving to them. This festival is mainly celebrated by the people residing along the Cauvery River banks. Similarly, the Madurai people also celebrated this Aadi 18 Perukku festival at the river bank of Vaigai. On this occasion, women performed various pujas to the rivers in order to attain health, happiness and wealth in their life. On this day, Special Pujas and Aaradhanas are performed to Goddess Meenakshi at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Varalakshmi Vratham Festival - Varalakshmi Puja, Tulasi (Tulsi) Pooja

2009-07-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

In Hindu culture, different kinds of festivals are celebrating for various deities. One among them is the "Varalakshmi Vratam" which is the most important festival and pooja performed by many women in the South India States of Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi who is an eternal energy and wife of Lord Vishnu. Varalakshmi Vratam a.k.a Varalakshmi Puja, Varalakshmi Vrata, Tulasi Pooja, Tulsi Puja, Varalakshmi Nonbu. On this occasion, people who planting Tulsi, they clean the Tulsi pot with water and decorate with turmeric and kumkum. After that, chant vedic hymns & slogas and perform pujas & aaradhanas to Goddess Lakshmi. Also people offer fruits, different types of sweets to Goddess Lakshmi. Hindus believed that Goddess Lakshmi dwell in Tulsi plant, so they performed Tulsi puja on this occasion.

This festival comes in the Tamil month of Aadi, which corresponds to the English month of July-August. The prescribed day for the pooja is the friday of the month of Sravan in the fortnight known as Sukla paksha, preceding the full moon day. Today (Friday, July 31, 2009) is the Varalakshmi Vratam Festival. This is the festival for married women and girls because Goddess Lakshmi is the female form of God. Hence, women and girls observe fasting and performed pooja on this event. Also they tie yellow threads around their wrists and they give Thamboolam to other Sumangalis a.k.a. married women on this special day.

"Om Mahadevyai sa Vidhmahe Vishnu Pathni sa Dheemahi
Dhanno Lakshmi Prachodayat"

- Lakshmi Gayathri Mantra

Significance of Aadi Amavasya - Aadi Amavasai

2009-07-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

Amavasya or Amavasai is the tamil version of New moon day. The new moon day is considered something special in almost all civilizations. Some people believed that this day relates to demonic qualities and some other think as auspicious and benevolent. In Hindu community, the two Amavasya considered most important are "Aadi Amavasya" and "Thai Amavasya". This year Aadi Amavasya falls on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. Aadi Amavasai is dedicated to dead forefathers and ancestors, so the Hindus perform "Tharpanam" on this auspicious day. Taking a holy dip in a river is considered a pre-requisite for performing a Tharpanam, as it is believed that all one’s physical as well as mental impurities are washed away by doing so. Devotees take a holy dip in the various sacred rivers, seas and sacred ponds or Teerthams on this day. Especially, most of the devotees thronged Agni Theertham a.k.a Rameswaram (Rameshwaram - Ramanatha @ Ramalinga Swamy Temple) on this auspicious day to take a holy dip and offer Tharpanam to their ancestors. They were given sesame seeds to throw into the sea. After taking a dip in the holy sea, they went to the temples to pray for their forefathers. Lots of thousands of devotees go to temple on this day. Special poojas and abhishekams are conducted at all temples especially at Lord Muruga temples.

Madurai Thiruparankundram Vaikasi Visakam Festival

2009-06-02T01:26:00.000-07:00

Vaikasi Visakam (Vaigasi Visagam) is the festival celebrated in all six abodes of Lord Muruga / Subramanya Temples and the temples all around the world. This festival comes in the tamil hindu calendar month of Vaikasi in the star Visakam. Hence this festival is called as Vaikasi Visakam. Vaikasi Visakam falls on Friday, June 05, 2009. The notable feature of this festival is that Lord Subramanya took birth in this world. Lord Murugua is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati incarnated in this earth to demolish the devil Soorapadman and save the earth from the demons. At Madurai Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Temple, devotees take out procession carrying milk pots to perform Abhishekam to Lord on that day. Also, some devotees take kavadi on the day. Thousands of devotees visit Lord Muruga shrine on Vaikasi Visakam, especially at Tiruchendur and Thiruparankundram.

At Madurai Koodal Azhagar Temple, Lord Sridevi Bhoomadevi sametha Koodal Azhagar Perumal will take Chariot procession aka Car Festival on that auspicious day.

Pothys: Aalayam of Textiles opened in Madurai Temple City

2009-05-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

Pothys is the famous textile shop in chennai has started its another branch in West Masi Street of Madurai Temple city. Pothys is called as the Aalayam of Textiles. This is the one stop textile shop which consists of all ager's favorites from children to senior citizen. Though lot of textile shops available at Madurai, huge crowd moved towards Pothys on the opening day. Let the Temple city welcome this Textile Temple.

We're back: School Children says with dry expression

2009-05-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation is the long leave for the school children where they enjoyed a lot with their friends and family members by playing, traveling tourist places, etc. The summer vacation for the school children comes to an end today. Most of the schools in Madurai city will be reopened from tomorrow onwards 1st June, 2009. One interesting thing is that the parents feel happy now, but the children seem to be sad and dull.

Mandala Puja of Meenakshi Amman Temple Kumbabishekam

2009-05-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

As you all know that the world's famous Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Astabandhana Maha Kumbhabhishekam was held on last April 8th, 2009. After 48 days, Mandala Pooja is being performed by Siva Acharyas in the Meenakshi temple premises. The Mandala Puja is to held on Monday, May 25, 2009. Expecting lots of devotees thronging the temple on this occasion. A special security force and necessary arrangements are made to control the crowd. The Mandala Puja indicates that the finishing of the Maha Kumbabishekam. One Mandalam denotes 48 days, hence after 48 days, this puja is performed.

Madurai Constituency: General Lok Sabha Election Voting Results 2009 - India

2009-05-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

The final result of the 15th Indian general lok sabha elections 2009 for Madurai constituency is announced today. The DMK candidate M.K. Azhagiri won at Madurai Constituency, who is the son of the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Mr. M. Karunanidhi. After the final result declaration, M.K. Azhagiri went to the collector office to receive the certificate.

Congratulations!

The final and 5th Phase Polling of Indian General Lok Sabha Elections 2009 at Madurai

2009-05-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

The 15th general lok sabha elections polling is going on for the past one month. The final and the fifth phase polling of indian general lok sabha elections 2009 is to be held at 7 States viz Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and 2 Union Territories viz Pondicherry and chandigarh on Wednesday, May 13, 2009. In Tamilnadu, all the 39 constituencies polling will be going to held on that day.

At Madurai Parliamentary Constituency, a total of 12 candidates contesting the 15th general lok sabha elections 2009. Among them four candidates from major parties like DMK, CPM, DMDK, BSP and eight from the independent parties. Madurai has six lok sabha constituencies and one parliamentary constituency. The Madurai lok sabha constituency is composed of the following assembly segments as Madurai North, Madurai South, Madurai East, Madurai West, Madurai Central, Melur.

The following candidates pariticipating for 2009 lok sabha elections for Madurai Parliamentary Constituency:

M.K. Azhagiri from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
P. Mohan from Communist Party of Marxist
K. Kaviarasu from Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam
Dharbar Raja from Bahujan Samaj Party

The declaration of the voting results and the winning candidates of the 15th General Lok Sabha Elections 2009 will be announced on Saturday, 16 May, 2009.

Tamilnadu Government Chithirai Exhibition at Madurai Tamukkam Ground

2009-05-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Tamilnadu Government is conducting Chithirai Exhibition at Tamukkam Ground Madurai every year from April to June on account of the summer holidays and Chitra festival. Exhibition include various entertainment things like giant wheel, mini train, gift materials, chat corners, news and media, drama, songs, etc. There are also 24 stalls of private sector and 35 small shops. Especially, this exhibition would bring happiness and joy to the children.

Lord Kallazhagar Vandiyur Festival video

2009-05-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

Lord Kallazhagar Vaigai Entry Video Clipping

2009-05-09T04:46:00.000-07:00

Thirumaliruncholai Arulmigu Kallazhagar Entry into the Vaigai River

2009-05-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Chitra Festival is the world's famous festival celebrated in Madurai every year. The festival starts with the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and ends with the Azhagar arrival and return. Yes, Azhagar Festival is one of the part of the Chithirai Festival. The important part of the festival is that Lord Kallazhagar entry into the vaigai river. Another notable feature is that Lord Kallazhagar entry in the full moon day of tamil month of Chithirai which is called as "Chitra Pournami" (in tamil: சித்ரா பௌர்ணமி) or "Chitra Purnima".

What is the purpose of Lord Kallazhagar entry into vaigai river?
A great saint (Maharishi) was cursed as a frog and survived in the pond of Vandiyur near Madurai. Hence the Maharishi is called as "Manduga Maharishi". In order to remove the curse and bless the Manduga Maharishi, Lord Kallazhagar enter into the vaigai river and reach the vandiyur.

Azhagar Festival Photo Gallery

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thiru Ther Festival Video Clips

2009-05-06T01:03:00.000-07:00

Arulmigu Swamy Sundareswarar Thiru Ther

Arulmigu Annai Meenakshi Amman Thiru Ther

Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam Video Clipping

2009-05-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

Chithirai Brahmotsavam Festival 2009

2009-04-26T07:28:00.001-07:00

The much awaited Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Chithirai Brahmotsavam Festival start today. Chitra Festival is the world famous festival in South India. This festival indicates the cooperation of Saivism (religion depict to Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavism (religion depict to Lord Vishnu). In tamil, we say சித்திரை பெருவிழா (Chithirai Peruvizha), சித்திரை திருவிழா (Chithirai Thiruvizha), etc. On this occasion, Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi would take procession on four masi streets both morning and evening.

Chitra Festival Agenda:

26.04.2009 - Flag hosting and Start of the Festival
03.05.2009 - Goddess Meenakshi Pattabhishekam
04.05.2009 - Arulmigu Meenakshi Thikku Vijayam
05.05.2009 - Celestial Wedding of Lord Sundareswarar With Meenakshi (Meenakshi Thirukkalyanam)
06.05.2009 - Car (Chariot) Festival, Therottam, Thiruther
07.05.2009 - Theerthavari, Festival Ending
08.05.2009 - Arulmigu Kallazhagar Edhir sevai
09.05.2009 - Arulmigu Kallazhagar at Vaigai River in Golden Horse

Tamil New Year 2009 to 2010 - Virodhi

2009-04-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

In Tamil Calendar, there is a 60 year cycle denoted as a Tamil Year starts from Prabhava, Vibhava, Sukla, . . . , Krodhana, Akshaya. Tamil New Year is celebrated by all Tamil people and espeicially by Hindus all over the world. Most of the Hindu festivals are based on the Tamil Calendar. Tamil New Year falls in the mid of the April month. Now the tamil year "Sarvadhari (in Tamil: சர்வதாரி)" ends on Monday, April 13, 2009 and starts with the year "Virodhi (in Tamil: விரோதி)" on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. After the completion of sixty years, the calendar starts a new with the first year and this corresponds to the Hindu Century.

During Tamil New Year, at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Meenakshi Amman is caped with Diamond Crown. Special Pujas and Aaradhanas is performed on the occasion of Tamil New Year. On this day, lots of thousands of people go to Temple at early morning to avail the blessings of the Lord.

Tamil Week Days - ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை (Sunday), திங்கட்கிழமை (Monday), செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை (Tuesday), புதன்கிழமை (Wednesday), வியாழக்கிழமை (Thursday), வெள்ளிக்கிழமை (Friday), சனிக்கிழமை (Saturday).

Every Tamil Year has 12 month and each month varies between 29 and 32 days.

Tamil Months - சித்திரை (Chithirai), வைகாசி (Vaikasi), ஆனி (Aani), ஆடி (Aadi), ஆவணி (Aavani), புரட்டாசி (Purattasi), ஐப்பசி (Aippasi), கார்த்திகை (Karthikai), மார்கழி (Margazhi), தை (Thai), மாசி (Masi), பங்குனி (Panguni).

Wish You All A Very Happy Tamil New Year

Panguni Uthiram Festival in Madurai

2009-04-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

Every Tamil month has its unique features. The last tamil month "Panguni" also plays important role. "Panguni Uthiram" is the special and important occasion on this tamil month, because the marriage of Parvati and Parameshwara, Muruga and Devasena (Deivanai) and Andal and Rangamanna took place on this day. The significance of this day is that the star "Uthiram" and "Pournami (full moon)" occuring together.

Importance of Panguni Uthiram Festival

At Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Panguni Uthiram festival is celebrated in the name of "Summer Spring Festival" (in Tamil: Kodai Vasantha Thiruvizha). This is the nine day festival at the Velliyambala Mandapam. Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar would be taken procession along the chithirai streets on this occasion.
Also, the celestial wedding of Lord Koodal Azhagar Perumal (Lord Vishnu) and His Consort Madura Valli Thaayaar (Goddesss Mahalakshmi) happens on this Panguni Uthiram day, which is called as "Koodal Azhagar Thirukkalyanam".

Thiruparankundram Panguni Uthiram Festival

Especially, Panguni Uthiram festival is dedicated to Lord Muruga, celebrated in all six abodes of Lord Subramaniah. Thiruparankundram Lord Subramaniah Swamy Temple is celebrating Panguni Uthiram festival in a grand manner every year. One among the festival is the celestial wedding of Lord Subramaniya and His Consort Deivanai (Lord Subramaniah Thirukkalyanam) would be held on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Another one is "Thiru Ther - Therottam" which is called as "Car Festival" or "Chariot Procession" would be held on Sunday, April 12, 2009. The Meenakshi Amman Temple deities Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar will be taken out to attend the celestial wedding of Lord subramaniah and His Consort Deivanai at Thiruparankundram.

Meenakshi Temple Kumbhabhishekam Exclusive Photo Gallery

2009-04-08T02:28:00.000-07:00

Kumbabishekam - Yagasala & Festooned Towers Collection

2009-04-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Meenakshi Temple Astabandhana Maha Kumbabishekam & Samprokshanam

2009-03-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

The world's famous and ancient Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple's "Astabandhana Maha Kumbabishekam" and "Maha Samprokshanam" is going to be held on Wednesday, April 08, 2009. The Kumbabishekam ceremony starts with the Vigneswara Pooja performed on 26th March 2009. In order to remove the obstacles, Vigneswara Pooja is performed. A special Yagasala is arranged at the North Aadi street of Temple. Various Pujas and Homas are performed for the upcoming Kumbabishekam. Special attention is made for the renovation of Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Towers and inner parts of the temple. Around 12 crores spent for the renovation of Meenakshi Amman Temple. The whole temple towers are glittering with colorful paintings which impressed many.

Program schedule for Astabandhana Maha Kumbabishekam

March 26 2009 - Vigneswara Pooja
March 27 2009 - Ganapathy Homa
March 28 2009 - Navagraha Homa
March 29 2009 - Dhana Pooja
March 30 2009 - Shanthi Homa
March 31 2009 - Murthi Homa
April 02 2009 - Yagasala Pooja Starts
April 06 2009 - Kumbabishekam to be performed for Parivara Murthies
April 08 2009 - At 9.15 a.m. Astabandhana Maha Samprokshanam and Kumbabishekam to be performed for all the major towers of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. At 9.30 a.m. Kumbabishekam to be performed for Meenakshi Amman Tower and at 9.45 a.m. Kumbabishekam to be performed for Sri Sundareswarar Swamy Tower.

On behalf of Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, the whole Madurai is proudly welcoming all devotees for this special ceremony.

Happy Holi - Festival of Colors

2009-03-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

Holi - The most colorful event in our life

Wish You All Very Happy and Colorful Holi

Masi Magam Festival

2009-03-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Masi Magam - This is the very most special and important occasion comes in the Tamil month of Masi in the star "Magam". Sometimes this day comes on the full moon day of Masi month. Twelve years once, Masi Mahamagam Festival is celebrated in the Kumbakonam. On this occasion, lots of thousands of devotees visit the Kumbakonam and participate in the Mahamagam festival and take a holy bath at Mahamagam Theertham.

Another important feature is that Lord Shiva burnt "Manmadhan (Kama)" on this day. Kama, God of Love who is represented as a winged youth bearing bow and arrows. Kama uses the cane of sugarcane as the shaft of his bow and a line of buzzing bees as his bowstring. Manmadhan disturbed the meditation of Lord Shiva, so He got angry and burnt him. In Madurai, this festival is celebrated in the name of "Kaama Thaganam". On this occasion, Lord Shiva burnt him at the four corners of Masi streets of Madurai.

Maha Shivaratri - Shivratri Festival

2009-02-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

Sri Maha Shivaratri - The Night of Universal Lord Shiva. Shiva means "Auspicious". This is one of the famous festival celebrated by all Hindus in honor of Lord Shiva. The festival would be on Monday, February 23, 2009. The ceremonies mainly take place at night in all shiva temples. The legend says Lord Shiva married Parvati Ma on this occasion. On the auspicious occasion, devotees observe fast and keep vigil whole night. Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava. The devotees offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves otherwise called as Vilva leaves to Lord Shiva Linga on this day. Bel leaf is the favorite of Lord Shiva.

Legend of Maha Shivaratri

A tiger was chasing a man and the man out of fear ran and ran and finally climbed a tree and sat on its branch. He did not know the tree which he climbed was the bel (Vilva) tree. The tiger was also following the man and sat just under the tree. A Shiva Linga was available under the tree. The man out of fear started plucking the leaves (bel leaves) and dropped them one by one just below the Shiva Linga the whole night. Next day morning, Lord Shiva appeared before the man and blessed him. The man attained moksha which means soul liberation. Hence the people believed that observing fast and performing abhisekams & pujas on Shiva Linga during the Shivaratri occasion will facilitate the soul liberation.

Shivaratri at Meenakshi Amman Temple

At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Sri Maha Shivaratri festival is celebrated in a grand manner every year. During Shivaratri festival, Lord Sundareswarar is performed four time abhisekams and pujas the full night. The first puja will be at 10 p.m., the second puja will be at 12 a.m., the third puja will be at 2 a.m., and the fourth puja will be at 4 a.m. Devotees are requested to participate in the Shivratri festival and attain the Lord's grace on this occasion. Specifically, Shivaratri festival is celebrated in all twelve Jyothirlinga temples in a splendid manner. More than thousands of devotees visit the Jyothirlinga temples on this occasion.

Jyothirlinga Temples

Somchandra
Mallikarjuna
Mahakaleshwara
Omkareshwara
Vaidhyanathan
Bhimashankar
Rameshwar
Nageshwar
Viswanath
Triambakeshwar
Kedareshwar
Grishneshwar

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited Madurai Temple City

2009-02-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

Honourable Gujarat State Chief Minister Narendra Modi visited Madurai today to meet the sourashtrian community. In Madurai, various kinds of people are living like Tamil, Sourashtra, Telugu, Rajasthan Marwadi, etc. Among them Sourashtra community is the one third of the population of Madurai city. These sourashtra community people hailed from the Sourashtra region of Gujarat during the ruling period of King Thirumalai Naicker in order to help him. Their major occupation is the weaving silk and cotton textiles. During Thirumalai Naicker period, they weaved the Silk Dhoties and Sarees for the King Thirumalai Naicker family. The King was very much impressed by their artful weaving and felt very happy. So he planned to provide them gift as shelter to all Sourashtrians around the palace area.

A great get-together function for the Sourashtra people held in Madurai at K.L.N. College of Engineering today. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest for this sourashtrian community function. He arrived at the spot at 2.30 p.m. and addressed a gathering of 5,000 people from Sourashtrian community in Madurai. Thousands of sourashtra community people participated in this function. Later Chief Minister Narendra Modi launched a Research Institute of Sourashtra Heritage & Immigration (RISHI), a project in association with Sourashtra University, Rajkot. Also he unveiled the statue of K.L.N. Krishnan, founder of K.L.N. Sourashtra Engineering College, Madurai.

Thai Poosam - Theppotsavam Festival Video Clippings

2009-01-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Theppotsavam - Theppa Thiruvizha

Mariamman Teppakkulam (Mariamman Tank), Madurai

Palani Temple Thai Poosam Festival

Melmaruvathur AdhiParasakthi Siddhar Peetam Thaipusam Festival

Thaipusam: Thai Poosam and Theppotsavam Festival

2009-01-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

Thaipusam (Thai Poosam) is a festival celebrated by the Hindus all over the world. This festival is mainly dedicated to Lord subramanya (son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi) and Amman on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai (January - February) particularly on Pusam star. This festival is pointing to the celebration of the birthday of Lord Subramanya. Thai Poosam is celebrated at all temples, especially at the following temples in a grand manner. At Palani Temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, Thaipusam is celebrated as a ten-day festival with great passion. People and devotees from various countries and cities come here during this festival. At Melmaruvathur AdhiParasakthi Sakthi Peetam, Thai Poosam festival starts with Thaipusam Jyoti and celebrated with a ten-day festival.

Thaipusam at Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

At Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, the deities Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar will be taken out to attend the Theppam Festival at Marriamman Theppakulam. The temple will remain closed on this occasion and Pujas and offering will not be made on that day at the Sree Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. This festival is called as the "Float Festival" (in Tamil: Theppa Thiruvizha, Theppotsavam).

Thai Amavasya - Thai Amavasai

2009-01-19T06:59:00.000-08:00

Thai Amavasya or Thai Amavasai is the new moon day in the Tamil month of Thai which is mainly dedicated to ancestors, forefathers, parents and other relatives who have died. Special prayers are offered to the ancestors and forefathers who have died on this day. Generally devotees visited Lord Shiva temples on the Amavasya day. Especially Thai and Aadi Amavasya are very important Amavasya than any other Amavasya. On this day, more devotees from various parts of the world take a holy dip in the various Theerthas-Thirthas (Holy Rivers and Seacoast). At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thai Amavasya is celebrated every year. Special Pujas and prayers offering to Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi. The day is of great importance at the Rameshwaram Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. Thousands of people take holy dip at Rameshwaram Agnitheertham (seacoast) in the morning to offer pithru tharpanam and pujas to the dead ancestors and forefathers. People believed that the souls of forefathers and ancestors who have died visit the earth on this Amavasya day to bless their children.

Kanu Mattu Pongal Festival and Famous Alanganallur Jallikattu

2009-01-13T07:52:00.000-08:00

The third day of the Pongal Festival is the Mattu Pongal Festival mainly dedicated to the worship of cattles like Cows, Bulls and other farm animals. People pay thanksgiving and worshipped the cattles on this festival, since they help for the cultivation. Indian people believed that the Cow as the manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi and Bull as Nandi, who is the gate keeper of Lord Shiva. So, People offer prayers and Pongal to the Cow, Bull and other farm animals. At the early morning, the cattles are bathed, decorated and the horns are sharpened and painted with various colors. Also the cattles are fully adorned with garlands and tinkling bells. Special prayers offered to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvathi on this occasion. At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, special prayers, pujas and deeparadhanas would be performed to Nandi during the Mattu Pongal Festival. Another notable feature of the Mattu Pongal Festival is the Jallikattu popularly known as Manju virattu.

Significance of Alanganallur Jallikattu

Jallikattu is a kind of sport played by the Tamilnadu People as a part of a Pongal celebration. This heroic sport is held at Alanganallur, near Madurai which is called as the world's famous bull fight. Bundles of money are tied to the horns of bulls which the villagers try to retrieve. Only men take part in this game and those who control the horns of the bull will get a money bundle which is tied to the horns of it. During this valiant game, many people might get injured and even death also occur.

Sabarimala Makara Jyothi Darshan - Video Clippings

2009-01-12T10:06:00.000-08:00

Thai Pongal Festival - Makara Sankranti Festival

2009-01-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

As we all know, agriculture is the main and major occupation of India. In order to pay thanksgiving to Sun, Earth and Cattles, Pongal Festival is celebrated every year in the mid of January, the first day of tamil month calendar of Thai. Hence the festival is called as "Thai Pongal Festival" or "Makar Sankranti Festival". It is the most important and popular Hindu Festival. Festivals are the occasions would bring the happiness and joy to the people. The significance of Makar Sankranti is the day on which the sun begins it journey northwards. During the Pongal Festival, the fresh and newly rice cooked along with jaggery, cashew-nuts, ghee, etc. and offered to Sun God. Rangoli plays an important role in Pongal Festivals. Every home is decorated with various colorful kolams in all the three days of Pongal Festival. During this occasion, every family members, relatives and friends will share and exchange the Pongal Gifts and Greetings among them. The Pongal Festival is celebrated three days viz.

First day - Bogi Festival, dedicated to the worship of Lord Indran
Second day - Pongal Festival, dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya, Sun God
Third day - Mattu Pongal Festival, dedicated to the worship of Cattles

Pongal Festival at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

At Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, special pujas and aaradhanas to be performed to the deities on the Thai Thingal Festival. Another important feature of this temple related with the Pongal Festival is that Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi would present the sugarcane to the "Stone Elephant" on this occasion. This is the one among the 64 Thiruvilaiyadals (Miracles) of Lord Sundareswarar which is called as "Kal Yaanaikku Karumbu Alithal". This elephant is situated at the center of the Madurai city near the banks of River Vaigai and the place is now called as "Yanaikal".

Wish You All A Very Happy, Prosperous and Sweet Pongal
Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum

Important Days of Thai Thingal

2009-01-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

The following are the important occasions of the Tamil month calendar of "Thai".

Thai Pongal Festival
Makara Sankranti Festival
Sabarimala Makara Jyoti Darshan
Mattu Pongal Festival
Thai Amavasya
Republic Day
Thai Poosam - Theppa Thiruvizha - Theppotsavam

Bogi (Bhogi) Festival: First Day of Pongal

2009-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Bogi or Bhogi Festival is the first day of Pongal Festival. It is celebrated to pay the vote of thanks to Lord Indran, who is the God of Clouds and Rains. This is the one of the famous festival celebrated by the South Indian people, especially Tamilnadu people. Hence the festival is called as Tamilar Festivals. The Bogi Festival is occurred at the last day of tamil month of Margazhi.

On this occasion, the houses will be cleaned and whitewashed. The homes are decorated with Rangoli known as Kolam. This festival is otherwise called as the first day of harvesting festival. Before cutting the paddy, the farmers performed puja to the Lord for the successful harvesting. Another importance of Bogi festival is that burning the unwanted & old things and apply the the new ones. In tamil, a proverb says related to this Bogi Festival as

"Palaiyana Kazhithalum Pudhiyana Puguthalum"

Another notable event of this festival is that Lord Krishna lift the "Govardana Mountain" with his little finger to save the people and living beings from heavy rains on this occasion. Hence the people prayed to Lord Krishna on this day.

Arudhra Abhishekam & Darshan - Thiruvadirai Star

2009-01-04T03:20:00.000-08:00

Arudhra Darshan is otherwise called as Arudhra Festival. This festival is fully dedicated to Lord Nataraja nothing but Lord Shiva performed cosmic dance. Arudhra Darshan falls on the full moon day and in the Thiruvadirai star in the Tamil month of Margazhi and the Darshan would be on Saturday, January 10, 2009. The Arudhra Abhishekam would be performed to Lord Nataraja on Friday, January 09, 2009 night.

Philosophy behind Lord Nataraja

The cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja represents Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction.

Arudhra Darshan at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

In Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, inside the shrine of Lord Sundareswarar, on the right hand side a huge, good-looking and fully silver adorned Nataraja is there. He is called as "Velliyambala Nataraja". There is a small difference between the Nataraja idol in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and other Nataraja idols, if you noticed clearly. Generally, Lord Nataraja raised his left leg in all temples, but at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Lord Nataraja raised his right leg because of the prayer offered by Pandiya King. This is the one of the speciality of this Lord. Various Abhishekams, Special Pujas and Aaradhanas would be performed to Lord Velliyambala Nataraja whole night on January 09, 2009. Come and participate on the Arudhra Darshan Festival and attain the grace of Lord Nataraja.

Sarva Vaikunta Mukkoti Ekadasi: 108 Mangalasasana Divya Desams

2009-01-03T23:16:00.000-08:00

Vaikunta Ekadasi - One of the major festival celebrated in all Vishnu temples every year. The occasion would be on Wednesday, January 07, 2009. This is the most important and special Ekadasi among 24 Ekadasi in a year. Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on the eleventh day in Margazhi Shukla Paksha in Tamil Calendar. This Ekadasi is otherwise called as "Sarva Vaikunta Mukkoti Ekadasi", "Mokshada Ekadasi". On this occasion, a special event is performed in all Vishnu temples called as opening of "Vaikunta Dwara" (the door of heaven), especially in all 108 Divya Desams. In tamil, Vaikunta Dwara is called as "Sorga Vasal" or "Paramapatham Vasal".

In Madurai District alone, three Divya Desams are there viz., Koodal Azhagar Temple, Azhagar Temple, Thirumogur Temple. Special Abhisekams, Pujas and Aaradhanas would be performed to Lord Vishnu on this occasion. At Madurai Koodal Azhagar temple, the Vaikunta Dwara will be opened at 7.00 p.m. on this occasion. Similarly, at Sri Rangam temple, it will be opened at early morning 4.00 a.m. The main observance of this day is fasting (avoiding food made of rice) and chanting Narayana Mantra whole night without sleeping. It is believed that venerating Lord Vishnu on Vaikunta Ekadasi will help to free soul from cycles of rebirth and grant moksha.

Madurai Koodal Azhagar Perumal - Vaikunta Ekadasi Utsavam

108 Divya Desams: An overview

Sri Ramanujar, a great saint worshipped Lord Vishnu had established 106 temples for Lord Vishnu in the earth called as Divya Desams. Azhvaars composed the songs "Mangalasasanam" on the Lord and temples which are called as "Mangalasasana Divya Desams". Among 108 Divya Desams, 106 are in the earth and other two "Vyuham" (Thiruparkadal) and "Sri Vaikuntam (Thiru Paramapatham)" are out of this earth. The first divya desam is "Sri Rangam" and the last divya desam is "Tirumala Tirupati". Chant Narayana Mantra on Vaikunta Ekadasi and free from the birth cycles.

Om Sri Mathe Ramanujaya Namaha!
Om Namo Narayanaya Namaha!

Happy New Year 2009

2008-12-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-07T01:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-09T05:26:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-02T04:45:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-06T01:35:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-29T05:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-14T01:55:00.000-07:00

Yethir Sevai Program

Close-up shot of Shri Azhagar

Arulmigu Azhagar to Vaigai River

Azhagar Devotees

Meenakshi Thirukkalyanam on April 20 2008

2008-04-15T01:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-15T01:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Meenakshi Amman Festival

Meenakshi Amman Chariot Festival

Azhagar Festival

Most Important Festivals Celebrated in Madurai

2008-03-03T09:37:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

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.