Swami Malai, Swaminathaswamy temple

Swamimalai Swaminathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in Swamimalai dedicated Murugan 5 km from Kumbakonam on the banks of a tributary of river Cauvery, 212 km from Madurai and 250 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is one of the six holy shrines of Murugan called Arupadaiveedu. The shrine of the presiding deity, Swaminathaswamy is located atop a 60 ft (18 m) hillock and the shrine of his mother Meenakshi (Parvathi) and father Shiva (Sundareswarar) is located downhill. The temple has three gopuram (gateway towers), three precincts and sixty steps and each one is named after the sixty Tamil years. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Vaikasi Visagam festival is attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.

As per Hindu legend, Muruga, the son of Shiva, extolled the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (AUM) to his father at this place and hence attained the name Swaminathaswamy. The temple is believed to be in existence from the Sangam period from 2nd century BC and was believed to have been modified by Parantaka Chola I. The temple was greatly damaged during the Anglo-French war between Hyder Ali and British in 1740. The temple, in modern times, is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Swamimalai is one of the Arupadaiveedu, believed to be the six main abodes of Muruga, that mark the different phases of his life. According to Hindu belief, Swamimalai is where Muruga preached what as called as "Pranava mantra" to his own father, Shiva, at a young age, after arresting Brahma for not answering his question about Pranava Mantram. The teaching capabilities of Murugan is found as one of his identifying features. The cult of Murugan is of pride to the Tamil people who identify six with Murugan connating six directions and six chakras in human anatomy.

Thiruthani Murugan Temple

This temple is bit far from Madurai(8hrs), Since devotees would like to visit all 6 homes of Murugan i am adding up this in this blog.

Thiruthani Murugan temple is a Hindu temple, on the hill of Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to Lord Muruga. The hill has 365 steps indicating 365 days of the year. It is one of the Arupadaiveedu, the six holy abodes of Lord Muruga. The other five are Palani Murugan Temple, Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Tirupparangunram Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. Thiruthani is 87 kilometres (54 mi) from Chennai.

The origins of this temple, like most Hindu temples, are buried in antiquity. This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period work Tirumurugaatruppadai composed by Nakkeerar. It has been patronized by the Vijayanagar rulers and local chieftains and zamindars. The original animal mount of Murugan is believed to have been an elephant, compared to the peacock which is considered to be the most common mount. The white elephant, is considered a powerful, terror striking animal. The iconography is maintained only in two places, namely, this temple and Tiruttani Murugan Temple.

The temple is located on a hill named Thanigai hill reached with 60 steps. The temple has a five-tiered gopuram and four precincts. There are several water bodies associated with the temple. The temple has two shrines, namely, Murugan in the form of Shaktidharar and the shrines of Valli and Deivayanai in two other shrines.

Usually the temple is open from 5:45 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. On special days, the temple is open until midnight.

Marudamalai Subramaniyaswami Temple

Subramaniyaswami Temple, Marudamalai is a popular 12th century hill temple dedicated to Hindu god Murugan, situated near Coimbatore 5hrs from Madurai. It is considered as 7th House of Lord Murugan. Like most Murugan temples, the temple is situated upon a hillock, part of the Western Ghats about 12 km west from the city of Coimbatore. Thai Poosam and other Murugan festivals are celebrated.

The temple is atop a 600 ft (180 m) tall granite hill in Coimbatore. The presiding deity is addressed by multiple names like Marudhamalai Andavar, Marudachalapathi and Dhandayuthanpani. There are various water bodies around the temple, namely Maruda Theertham and Snake charmer's spring, which is believed to possesses medicinal properties.

The hoary past of the temple can be traced in such ancient works as Sage Kachyapar's PERUR PURANAM. The origin of the temple is rooted in legendary antiquity and dates back to the age of Surapadama, the demon destroyed by Lord Subramanya referred to in SKANDAPURNAM. The inscriptions found in Thirumuruganathaswami Temple, Thirumurganpoondi places the origin of the temple in the 12th century A.D.According to Perur puranam, Soorapadama, the scourge of the gods aided by his mighty brothers, Singamukha and Tharaka arrayed against them and struck terror in their already agitated minds by his sudden and surprising charges and depredations. Unable to bear the agony and anguish, the gods approached Lord Siva and sought His succour. Lord Siva comforted the Gods that Lord Muruga would come to their rescue, root out and destroy Surapadama and his retinue enmasse. The gods should hasten to the Marudhamalai Hills and await the advent of Lord Muruga, their Saviour! Perur puranam also alludes to a king called Kusathvajan, who, it is said, was blessed with a male issue, only after worshipping Marudhamalai Muruga.The Divine Cow Kamadhenu is reported to have grazed in the pastures of the hills of Marudhamalai.Perurpuranam lists the three neighbouring hills, vellingiri, Nili and Marudhamalai as the very manifestations of Lord Siva, Parvathi and Subramanya respectively and the three hills taken together as the very symbol of Somaskanda.

Palani Murugan temple

Palani Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani temple is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. It is located in the town of Palani in Dindigul, 100 kilometres (62 mi) northwest of Madurai(2.5hrs from Madurai) and southeast of Coimbatore in the foot-hills of the Palani hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Palani temple is considered synonymous with Panchamirtam, a sweet mixture made of five ingredients.

As per Hindu legend, Sage Narada visited the celestial court of Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to him a fruit, the gyana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge). He decided to award it to whichever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Karthikeya started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined, circumambulated them and won the fruit. Karthikeya was furious and felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit to Palani. The idol of the Muruga in Palani was created and consecrated by sage Bogar, one of Hinduism's eighteen great siddhas, out of an amalgam of nine poisons or navapashanam.

The most common form of worship at the temple is the abhishekam - anointment of the idol with oils, sandalwood paste, milk, unguents and the like and then bathing it with water in an act of ritual purification. The most prominent abhishekams are conducted at the ceremonies to mark the hours of the day. These are four in number - the Vizha Poojai, early in the morning, the Ucchikalam, in the afternoon, the Sayarakshai, in the evening and the Rakkālam, at night, immediately prior to the temple being closed for the day. These hours are marked by the tolling of the heavy bell on the hill, to rouse the attention of all devotees to the worship of the lord being carried out at that hour. On a quiet day, the bell can be heard in all the countryside around Palani. In addition to worship within the precincts of the temple, an idol of the Lord, called the Uthsavamoorthy, is also carried in state around the temple, in a golden chariot, drawn by devotees, most evenings in a year. 

As of 2016, the temple was the richest among temples in the state with a collection of 33 crore during the period of July 2015 to June 2016.

Thiruchendur Murugan temple

This temple is located in the eastern end of the town Thiruchendur in the district of Tuticorin, 3.5hrs from Madurai. The temple complex is on the shores of Bay of Bengal.

Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Murugan situated in Tamil Nadu, India. The puranic name or historical name for this temple is Jayanthipuram. It is also one of the Arupadaiveedu , the six major abodes of Murugan. It is the only one among the six sacred temple complexes to be situated near the sea shore.

This is one of the largest temple complexes of India and it is one of the most visited temple complex in India. This temple is the fourth Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu to get ISO certification.

Early Cankam poetry refer to the Murugan seashore shrine at Tirrucciralaivay, which is thought to refer to the Thiruchendur Temple. The earliest existing inscription at the temple is sated 875 AD, and talks about a Pantiyan called Varekuna Maran. The Murugan temple at Thiruchendur was occupied by the Dutch East India company between the years 1646 to 1648, during the course of their war with the Portuguese. The local people tried during these 2 years to try and free their temple, with several futile attempts. The Dutch finally vacated the temple on orders from the Naik ruler. The Dutch removed some idols when they vacated the temple, which were returned after many negotiations with the Madurai Naikaar in 1651. In 1868, 3 priests led a movement to rebuild the temple, and collected funds for the same. The rebuilt temple was consecrated in 1941. A further gopurram was added and consecrated in 1971.

The temple has a eleven tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower facing the East. The tower by built by Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam under the aegis of the pontiff Desikamoorthy Swami around 1650.There are three precincts in the temple, with the third precinct on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The entrance of the temple faces the South and has pillared halls leading to the sanctum. The first hall from the entrance is called the Shanmugha Vilasa Mandapam. There are separate shrines of Valli and Devyani, the consort of Muruga in the second precinct. There are shrines of Viswanatha and Visalakshi on the western side, while a cave on the northern side has the shrine of Valli. The image of the presiding deity, Subramanian Swamy is housed in the sanctum, sported with four hands. The image of the festival deity is sported with six faces and twelve hands. There are eight lingams in the temple, which is believed to have been worshipped by Muruga before waging the war with Surapadma. He is believed to have created a well named Skanda Pushkarni with his spear after the war. The water in the well is believed to possess medicinal properties.

Ramanathaswamy(Shiva) Temple, Rameshwaram

Ramanathaswamy temple is located in Rameshwaram which is 3.5hrs from Madurai. Rameshwaram is kind of small island located beween India and Srilanka. This temple is famous all over India, said as Kasi of South India.

Ramanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to the god Shiva. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples.It is one of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite saints), Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar, have glorified the temple with their songs. The temple was expanded during the 12th century by Pandya Dynasty, and its principal shrines sanctum were renovated by Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan and his successor Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan of the Jaffna kingdom. The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. The temple is located in Rameswaram considered a holy pilgrimage site for Shaivites, Vaishnavites and Smarthas. The presiding deity, the Lingam of Ramanathaswamy (Shiva), is believed to have been established and worshiped by Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, to absolve the sins created during the Ramayana war at Sri Lanka.

According to the Ramayana, Rama, the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu, prayed to the god Shiva to absolve him of the sin of killing a brahmin, committed during his war against the demon king Ravana in Sri Lanka. Rama wanted to have a large lingam to worship Shiva. He directed Hanuman, the monkey lieutenant in his army, to bring a lingam from the Himalayas. When Hanuman was delayed in bringing the lingam, Sita, the wife of Rama, built a small lingam out of the sand available in the sea shore, which is believed to be the lingam in the sanctum.

Temple Tanks(Tirthas of Rameswaram)

Agni Theertham - the primary sea shore associated with the temple
There are sixty-four Tīrthas (holy water bodies) in and around the island of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. According to Skanda Purana, twenty-four of them are important. Bathing in these Tīrthas is a major aspect of the pilgrimage to Rameswaram and is considered equivalent to penance. Twenty-two of the Tīrthas are within the Ramanataswami Temple. The number 22 indicates the 22 arrows in Rama's quiver. The first and major one is called Agni Theertham, the sea (Bay of Bengal).

Sri Kalamegaperumal temple, Thirumohoor

    This is one of the 1000+ years old temples, Perumal(Balaji) is the main god here, located 12km from Madurai city, opens from 7am to 12pm & 4pm to 8pm. 

Sudarsanar (Chakkarathalwar) has 16 hands with 16 weapons, rolling feet and the idol bears holy mantra letters. This is the only temple where Sudarsanar has all these special aspects. Though there are Sudarsanar shrine in other famous Vaishnava temples as Srirangam, Kancheepuram and Srivilliputhur, this is the only shrine where He appears with such holy letters. Behind the Chakkarathalwar is Yoga Narasimhar known as Narasimha Sudarsanam. The shrine is very famous as the expectations of the devotees for business development and marriage alliances end in success.

Abishek (bathing) Chakkarathazhwar in curd is a very important prayer commitment. Devotees offer clothes to Perumal and Thayar (Mother Goddess) and also apply butter. People also offer garlands made of Tulsi and other flowers. Prasads – Nivedhanas are prepared, offered to the lord and distributed to the visiting devotees. Those who could afford do Annadhanam (feeding) to the visiting devotees and the poor.

During the churning of the milk ocean, the devas and the demons picked up a quarrel.  The devas went to the Lord and appealed for freedom from the demons.  Lord Vishnu took the form of an enchanting woman and lured the demons and gave the nectar to the devas.  Moham in Sanskrit means passion or desire.  As Vishnu took the Mohini form, the place was known as Thirumohanavur, which later came to be known as Thirumohur.  The great Vaishnavite saint Nammalwar prayed to all Perumals in the 108 Divyadesas, but Kalamegaperumal of this temple only took the Alwar to salvation.  Hence, once a devotee prays to Kalamegaperumal in this temple, his /her seat in the other world – Vaikunta – is ensued.  The Chakkarathazhwar is a powerful and graceful deity here.

Sundara Mahalingawami temple, Chaturagiri

    This temple is located on the hills, 53km from Madurai city, remains open from 6am to 11am & 4am to 8am.

Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthy gracing in slanting position. As there are four hills here in a square shape in each of the four directions (16 hills in total), the place is called Chaturagiri. This connects Madurai, Saptur and Virudhunagar. Earlier, the temple was under private administration.  Now it is under the control of Hindu Religious and Endowment Charities. Devotees come to the temple from all parts of India for worshipping the Lord.  There are two ways to reach the temple from Saptur and Vathirayiruppu.  The temple is illuminated on Aadi new moon day with generator power.

The hill is home of all creatures as birds, snakes, trees, herbal plants etc.  Besides Sundara Mahalingaswami temples, there are also temples for Lord Sundaramurthy, Mother Anandavalli, Palavadi Karuppannaswami and Sandana Mahalingaswami.

Sundara Mahalingaswami is a Swayambu Linga.

One Pachaimal was grazing his cows in this area and was making a livelihood by selling the milk.  One of the cows did not yield any milk.  He found that the cow was pouring its milk at a particular place while returning home.

Pachaimal hit the cow with the cane he had on hand but the cow ran away.  In its place there was a Shiva devotee bleeding in the head. He immediately rushed and brought some herbals and treated the devotee.  The bleeding stopped but the scar stayed.  Lord Shiva in the guise of the devotee told the farmer that He was there and directed him to build a temple and worship him promising all benefits to them and disappeared.

Accordingly the residents of the place built this temple.  Later many Siddhas as Gorakkar Siddha stayed here and did wonders.  Such spots in the temple region are named after them.

Thirumarainathar (Shiva) temple, Thiruvathavur

This is a well known, oldest(1000 to 2000 years) Shiva temple in South India famous for curing the stroke in patients. There is a belief that visiting this temple three times in subsequent weeks and doing certain procedures(Abisekam) to god and applying the blessed oil on affect parts like leg and hands will give relief to the stroke. Shiva is appearing as Shuyambu Moorthi here.

Temple is located 25Km from Madurai city,
Public transport facility available from Mathutavani bus stand, Madurai.

Temple opens from 6am to 11am and 4pm to 8pm.

Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar (Siva) temple

    This is a oldest Shiva temple aged 1000 to 2000 years. Here Shivalinga is facing west. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi are behind the Linga. The place is praised as Kailash(Heaven) on Earth.

Special pujas are dedicated to Lord Bhairava in the temple on new moon fortnight Ashtami (eighth day after full moon), Karthika Shamba Sasti in November-December and Margazhi Ashtami days. Sri Veerabadra in this shrine is facing west. A strong Puliyodharai (Tamarind rice) prepared with rice and chillies in 1:3 ratio respectively is offered as nivedhana to Lord Bhairva. Lord Siddhi Vinayaka graces the devotees in the temple.

While we have the Darshan of Lord Shiva, Shivalinga from the front side, we have the darshan from the rear in this temple.  According to rules, Shiva Puja should be performed by sitting westward. Lord Shiva along with Mother is performing the Linga Puja this way, hence the devotees have the rear side darshan.

When the coronation festival is celebrated in Sri Meenakshmi Amman Temple in the city, Lord and Mother visit this temple first.  They are placed facing the sanctum sanctorum.  Pujas and Deepa Aradhana are offered to Lords Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar, Lord Meenakshi Sundareswarar and Mother Meenakshi simultaneously.  It is said that Lord Shiva Himself is performing this puja.

Mother Madhyapuri Nayaki graces from a separate shrine. As the temple is at the centre (Madhya) of Madurai city, She is so named. She is also praised as Mangalya Vara Prasadini as those praying to Her for timely marriage, are blessed with happy matches. Mother Madhyapuri Nayaki appears in a standing posture on a lotus designed peeta. The peeta is adored with a Sri Chakra carved in stone.  Generally, Sri Chakra is drawn on copper sheets and installed in temples. This is a difference in this temple.

Lord Lingodhbava is under a Bodhi tree (Arasa Maram in Tamil) behind Mother Madhyapuri Nayaki shrine. Virgins facing delays in marriage worship here with milk abishek to Lord Lingodhbava, offering a skirt, mangal sutra, turmeric and kumkum seeking a good match for them.

Lord Shiva wedded Mother Meenakshi, daughter of Malayadwaja Pandya. He took charge as the king of Madurai then.  As a rule, Shiva Puaja should be performed before assuming any responsible and high positions.  Hence, He installed a Linga and performed the puja. Based on this event, Lord Shiva – Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar-appears in worshipping posture.  Though generally it is believed that reliefs for the sins committed in this birth will come only in following births, it is granted in this birth itself by Lord Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar.

Muktheeswarar Temple

Lord Muktheeswarar (Shiva) temple is one of the oldest temples in Madurai. This temple is linked with Meenakshi Amman temple in terms of building and it is also said there is a underground path between these two temples which was used by Kings to safe themselves during wars. This temple has the biggest Teppakulam of madurai in front of it.

Timings: The temple is opened from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

As Sun God himself is worshipping the Lord with his rays submitted at His feet, there is no special shrine for the Navagrahas- 9 planets.  It is also believed that a direct prayer to Lord Muktheeswara would relieve the devotee from the adverse effects of the planets. There are Vinayaka shrines in Northeast and Northwest. There are four varieties of Vilwa trees here called Nelli, Kiluvai, Mavilangai and Vilwa.  The Vilwa tree and the Vinayaka in the Northwest grace the devotee his needs who commences lighting a deepa before this Lord on any bright moon day and come round thrice and continue it for 48 days.

History

King Thirumalai Naicker committed to build a tank for Mother Meenakshi and the land chosen was in front of the Muktheeswarar temple, hence the temple could not be extended further.  As there was no Rajagopuram (main tower) for the temple, the one constructed in the centre of the tank, which would look as a tower built for Muktheeswara Temple if viewed either from within the temple or from the eastern side.

Indira’s vehicle Iravadham the white elephant was relieved of its curse in this shrine.  Of the Panchabhutha shrines in Madurai (Panchabhudhas – Air, Fire, water, earth and space making this universe), Muktheeswarar temple represents Vayu-Air.  This is one of the temples worshipped by Sun.

It is noteworthy that the rays of Sun falls on the Presiding Deity Muktheeswarar during the days from 10/11 to 22/23 in the month of March and again between September 18 to 30 and these rays remain for about 20 minutes each day.

The Thiruvilayadals (miracle deeds) of Lord Shiva are very beautifully sculpted in the pillars of the temple, besides the scenes of penance of Rishis.   There is also an idol of Ekabadramurthy combining the forms of Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva with only two feet.

Festivals

Navarathri (9 days festival) in Purattasi – September-October, Adipooram and Krithika month Mondays with Sandal paste bathing, Thiruvadhirai in Margazhi-December-January, Fridays in the months of Adi-July-August and Thai-January-February are the important festivals celebrated in the temple. Pradosha days (13th day from the New Moon or Full Moon days) each month, Pongal, both English and Tamil New Year days, Ganesh Chaturthi, are also observed devotionally in the temple.

Location: Muktheeswarar temple is located 7KM from the Madurai Railway Station, Located nearer to the Vaigai shore and Maariyamman Temple.


Transport: Plenty of buses available from the Periyaar bus stand (nearer to Railway station).

Bus Number Series	Fare
4series, c4, 31series	around 10rs

Pillaiyarpatti

Pillaiyarpatti is a small town twelve kilometers from Karaikudi, near Madurai, in the Sivagangi District of Tamil Nadu. The town is named after the Ganesa Temple that adorns it. Here, Lord Ganesa is known as Pillaiyar, Tamil for revered and noble son, and ‘Karpaga Vinayakar’, Lord who offers his blessings like the celestial tree Kalpaka whose specialty is ‘ you ask and it will be given’.

Heritage

Pillaiyarpatti temple is an ancient rock cut temple of about 1,600 year old. As Vinayagar ( Ganesha in Tamil) satisfies the wishes of his devotees like Karpagam tree, he is also known “Karpaga Vinayagar”. Over 15 inscriptions are found within the temple, that help establish the age of the temple. The Stalapuranam published by the temple classifies the growth of this temple into three distinct stages.  It is said to gave built by the early Pandiya kings.  This temple is the only one in TamilNadu which deserves pride for having a 6 feet rock-cut Vinayak idol.

History

Ganesha were carved out of a stone by a sculptor called Ekkattur Koon Peruparanan who put his signature on a stone inscription found even today in the sanctum. He put his signature in Tamil Language which was in use between 2nd and 5th century AD.  It can be concluded that the icon of Karpaga Vinayaka must have been carved around 4th century AD.   The deity of this temple is known as “Marudeeswarar” as Marudha tree (In Sanskrit Arjuna Virutcha,Tne Botanical name is Termanalia Arjuna) worship is followed in this temple which indicates that this temple in an ancient temple. The sculpture of pasupatheeswarar, “A cow worshipping Lord Siva by offering his milk” is the special feature of this temple. Also Kuber, the Lord of wealth had worshipped at this temple.

Location: The temple is located about 12 km’s from Karaikudi on the Thirupathoor -  Madurai road, Tamilnadu India.  This temple is situated 71 kms from Madurai.


Transport: Take Karaikudi Buses that are available from Mathutavani Bus Terminal, bus stop: pillayarpatti. Bus Fare is around 30Rs.

Pandi kovil

 Pandi kovil was located in Madurai, the main lord of this temple "pandi muniswarar" he was the savior(Kaaval theivam) of Madurai. The lord pandi was actually an ancient ruler of Madurai who related with the Tamil epic "Silapathikaram". People worship the lord for their wellness.

History

Two hundred years ago a group of people immigrated to Madurai from near karur (a small town in India ) and they tented on a place which is today's pandi kovil. An old couple named valliammal and periasamy was also in the group, in the night valliammal had a dream. In that dream, a long beared saint appeared and said that he was the ancient ruler Pandiya Neduncheliyan who gave misjudgment to kovalan. For that i was born again a human, i always did thavam(a kind of meditation or yoga) and prayed the lord Shiva. The lord accepts my prayers and i surrendered his feet and this place once my palace . Dig here, my idol is there in eight feet depth and built a temple for me. I will save you and your group from all your problems, then he disappeared . Valliammal awakened and told about her dream to everyone, they dig the place and found the idol of pandi muniswar and built a temple there and worshiped him. Their successors are still taking care of the temple.

Nature of god

The main lord pandi was vegetarian, so people only sacrifice him the rice and fruits. Most of the people in the nearer area are named "pandi" the savior lord's name.

At first the temple was a small hut, then it was developed as what today the temple. There are some other interesting lords like "samaya karuppar", people sacrifice animals( cocks,goats) , liquor , cigars and some times 'kanja' (opium kind of thing) to this lord . people sacrifice when their needs fulfilled.

Location: Just 2KM from Mathutavani Bus Terminal.

Transport: Many buses available to pandi kovil. Fare is around 10rs.

Sri Narasingam Perumal Temple

This rock-cut temple for Sri Narasinga Perumal is situated at the foot of Aanaimalai hills in its Northern side, which is at a distance of about 12 km north of Madurai. The main God and Goddess of this temple are Sri Narasinga Perumal and Sri Narasingavalli Thayar. This temple is known for "Girivalam' meaning circumnavigating the hills. The presiding deity Sri Narasinga Perumal seen in seated posture and doing penance is the special feature of this temple. Narasingam Patti is the birthplace of Poet Perungoushiganar known for his literary work 'Aatru Padai' in "Paththuppattu". According to legends, once Saint Romasanmar penanced near the holy pond Chakra theertam, wishing for a child and darshan of Sri Perumal in Narasinga incarnation. Satisfied by the penance, Lord Narasingar appeared before Romasanmar. Unable to withstand Narasingar's flame of anger, Devas brought Pragaladhan. When Goddess Lakshmi embraced Narasingar's bosom, his anger settled down and he blessed Romasanmar. Later Sri Narasinga Perumal penanced here. A temple was formed at this site for Yoga Narasingar.

Location: At the distance of 8KM from Madurai.

Transport: Buses available from periyaar Bus stand. Bus Fare is around 10rs.

Madapuram Kaali Temple

Maari or Maariamman ("Mother Mari"), or simply Amman ("mother") is the South Indian Hindu goddess of disease and rain. She is the main South Indian mother goddess, predominant in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Māri is also closely associated with the Hindu goddesses Parvati and Kali. Māri originated as an ancient village goddess related to fertility and rain. And she was the smallpox goddess before this disease was eradicated. Now she cures all so-called heat-based diseases like rashes and chickenpox. People also pray to Mariamman for progeny, a good spouse, etc. Most Mariamman temples are humble shrines in villages, where non-Brahmins act as priests. In many rural shrines, the goddess has no form and is represented by a granite stone with a sharp tip, like a spear head. This stone is often adorned with garlands made of limes and with red flowers. These shrines often have an anthill that can be the resting place of a cobra. Milk and eggs are offered to propitiate the snake (compare my gallery: Naga Cult - Snake Worship - in Tamil Nadu, India.

Location: Located 21Km west of Madurai in the place named Tiruppuvanam.

Transport: Buses available frequently from Periyaar bus stand. Bus Fare is around 20rs.

Maariamman Temple, Teppakulam, Vandiyur

Maariamman Teppakulam is a huge 16-acre water tank situated at about 5 km distance from the Meenakshi Amman Temple.  Located in the region of Vandiyur, the tank has a Vinayaka temple at the center, which can be accessed only by water. Near the tank is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Maariamman and hence the name ‘Maariamman Teppakulam’ (Teppakulam meaning water tank in Tamil)

Maariamman Teppakulam significance: Also known as Vandiyur Maariamman Teppakulam owing to its proximity to the Vandiyur village and Maariamman temple, the Teppakulam is one of Madurai’s most popular tourist hubs. A man-made water tank, the Teppakulam is the largest in South India and is as big as the  Meenakshi Amman Temple in its area and is surrounded by well laid out roads on all four sides. Built by King Thirumalai Nayak, the teppakulam is fed by water through ingenious underground channels from the Vaigai River.

Float festival

Float Festival at Mariamman Teppakulam: Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is famous for its Float Festival or Teppothsavam which is celebrated during the month of January or February. The Float Festival, commemorating the birthday of King Thirumalai Nayak (the day of Thai Poosa), is a colorful and picturesque festival that attracts about one lakh tourists every year. On the day of the festival, the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are taken in a grand procession round the water tank in a decorated float called ‘Teppa’.

Location: Vandiyur Maariamman temple is located 7KM from the Madurai Railway Station, Located nearer to the Vaigai shore.


Transport: Plenty of buses available from the Periyaar bus stand (nearer to Railway station).Bus number: 4series,c4,31.Ticket fare is less than 10rs.

Alagar Kovil

Alagar Kovil is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated at a distance of 21 km from Madurai, on foot of Alagar hills, among the natural beauty of the woods. The Vaishnavite temple is famous for its beautiful sculptures and exquisite 'mandapams'. It is believed that pilgrims visited Azhgar Kovil even in the early days of the Sangam age. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Vishnu came to this place from his heavenly abode to give away Goddess Meenakshi in marriage to Lord Sundareswarer.

Here, Lord Vishnu resides as Azhgar, brother of Meenakshi. A huge crowd of devotees is seen here in the month of April/May when Chithirai Festival is celebrated. During the festival, wedding ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar takes place and Lord Azhgar travels to Madurai. A gold processional idol of Azhgar, called Sundararajar, is carried in procession by the devotees from Alagar Koil to Madurai for the divine wedding ritual. 

Location: Located 21 KM from Madurai, Transport facility is available from Madurai Main bus stand Periyar(nearer to Railway station).

Transport: Buses available from Periyar bus stand(nearer to Railway station). Bus Number:44. Ticket Fare is around 20Rs.

Pazamudircholai Subramanya Temple

Pazhamutircolai is situated 19 kilometres from the temple town of Madurai. The place is full of natural beauty and sylvan surroundings. This hill is also known as Vrishabhadri or Idabagiri. At the foot of the hill is situated Azhakar Kovil, which is one among the 108 divyadesams sanctified by the hymns of Azhwars sung in praise of the Vishnu enshrined in this temple. Atop the hill Lord Muruga stands majestically in the temple as the Lord of the Hills popularly known as Kurinji Nilakkizhavan in Tamil. The temple of Pazhamutircolai can be reached by a motorable road leading to the hill.

Pazhamutircolai is mentioned as the sixth of Lord Murugan's Āru Patai Veedukal, the six holiest Murugan shrines described by Cankam poet Nakkīrar in his poem Tirumurukarruppatai. Regarding the identity of the sixth major site, there is no consensus among scholars and many local temples are ascribed the distinction. Most scholars, priests and devotees identify Palamutircolai with the shrine of Palamutircolai, twelve miles north of Madurai in the Alagar Hills, above the Alagarcoil Vishnu temple. While this temple is not as large or bustling as the other five recognized shrines, it is just as incredible to visit.

This temple is not far from another one of the Six houses of Lord Murugan, Thirupparankunram.

Location:This shrine is located on the northern outskirts of Madurai in a pleasant wooded hill not far from Alagar Visnu Kovil.

Transport: Buses available from Periyar Busstand(Nearer to Railway Station). Bus number:44. This will take You to the downhills of the Pazamudircholai. Then the Vehicles of Temple available to take up the hills to Pazamudircholai. Ticket fare is around 40 including both.

Koodal Alagar Kovil

Sri Koodal alagar temple one among the 108 Vaishnavaite shrines,is unique as Alwars had performed Mangalasasanam for this temple. Also Periyalwar had praised this temple in his literary work "Thiruppallandu". Attanga vimana considered the foremost among the 94 vimanas is found over the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. It is rare to see Attanga vimana in temples, which adds to the uniqueness of Sri Koodal alagar temple. It is believed that by coming around the Attanga vimana, 12 times for continous 45 days, one's wish will be satisfied.

History

This temple hails from the earliest Age of Sangam period. There are references of this temple in Paripadal and Silappadikaram. The presiding deity was praised and worshipped by the Sangam tamil Poets as the president and guardian deity of the Sangam and called him by the name "Thuvarikoman" (the King who ruled over from Dwaraka) and Koodal Alagar. Koodal refers to the assembly of Poets and scholars. The Ancient Pandya rulers celebrated Avani Onam festival in praise of Sri Koodal Alagar for a period seven days. This festival is vividly described in Maduraikkanchi, on the ten lengthy poems called Pathupattu of the Sangam period. Ilangovadigal praises the Lord as "Needu Neer-Vaigai Nedumal" meaning the Lord who spanned the universe by taking three strides. (Thiruvokrama) Who is now seated at the bank of the river Vaigai in Archa form.

Location: The temple is located nearer to the Madurai Railway Station.

Transport: Buses available from the Periyar Bus stand(nearer to Railway Station). Bus series: 44, 11series, 66. Ticket fare is around 10rs.

Thirupparankunram temple

Thirupparankundram, which is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, stands 10km south from Madurai . It serves as the best among the Arupadai Veedu of Lord Muruga, attracting rolling crowds all the year. Thirupparankundram, the place where Lord Muruga was married with Devayanai, is considered as a sacred place for marriages.

This rock cut temple has separate shrines for Lord Ganapathy, Shiva, Durgai, Vishnu and other deities. The entrance of the temple is built with 48 Nayaka period pillars with artistic carvings engraved on them. The speciality of Thirupparankundram temple is that the innermost shrine is carved from a single rock.

Another interesting fact about the Thirupparankundram temple is the presence of subsidiary cave shrines excavated in the rock, with idols arranged so orderly like a military session. These small cave shrines can be approached through narrow dark passages. It is quite difficult to find similar group of cave shrines elsewhere. 

Location: Thirupparankkundram temple is located around 15KM from Periyar Bus stand.

Transport: Public Transport facility is available from Periyar Bus stand nearer to Railway Junction. Bus No:5,49series.

Bus fare:Around 10rs.