MADHANAGOPALASWAMY TEMPLE, MADURAI

 

Legend is that Before ascending the throne in Madurai as King Sundara Pandiya , Shiva performed Puja to a Linga. The temple where Shiva did puja to himself is Immayilum Nanmai tharuvar temple. He plunged deep in meditation. The heat and the flames came from his body began to burn the world. 

In order to save the world and bring Shiva out of meditation Vishnu appeared in his Krishna form and began playing his flute so melodiously that penetrated into the ears of Shiva awaking him. Pleased Shiva asked Vishnu to be with him playing the flute. Vishnu accepted and stayed here with Bhama and Rukmini in the name of Lord Madanagopala Swami, with his right leg pressing on the ground symbolising Vishwaroopa. He holds Shanka and chakra in his two back hands and holds the flute with the other two hands. This temple is next to Immayilum Nanmai tharuvar temple, Madurai.

Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple was built in 16th century A.D. The mukha mandap pillars around 60 numbers are seen at Philadelphia art museum. In 1912, Ms. Adelian Peppergibson (Philadelphia – U.S, Socialite) purchased these pillars of Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple and gifted it to the museum in 1919.

I could see many Vishnu temples in and around Madurai have Navagraha and Vishnu Durga shrines. Here also it is seen. Also there is shrine by name Harihara Sarbha Raja. On one side Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha and Muruga are seen with Trishul at bottom. On the other side VISHNU, Mahalakshmi, Garuda and Hanuman are seen with Sudharshana at the bottom. People running rahu Dasa or having Sarbha dosha do Parihara puja here. Harihara Sarbha Raja shrine stands as a symbol of unity among Saivite and vaishnavites. Incidents of Ramayana are beautifully carve in the outer walls of the temple.

















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