Madana Gopala Swamy Temple
Here are some key points about the history and special features of the Arulmigu Madana Gopala Swamy Temple:
Location:
Madurai Arulmigu Madana Gopala Swamy Temple is situated on Melamasi Street in Madurai. It is exactly located at the Periyar bus stand on the eastern side of Immayil Nanmai Tharuvar Koil.
Architecture:
The temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture, characterized by its tall gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with intricate sculptures depicting various mythological scenes and deities. The main sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) houses the idols of Madana Gopala Swamy, along with Bama and Rukmini, while there is a separate shrine for the goddess Madhuravalli Thayar.
Architectural Marvel:
Madana Gopala Swamy Temple was built in 16th century AD, in 1912, by Mr. Adeline Peppergipson (Philadelphia - US, Socialite) visited the Madana Gopala Swamy temple in Madurai. In 1938, he built a mandapam at the Museum in Philadelphia using ruined stone pillars that he had taken back to his country from the Madana Gopala Swamy temple.
Here, the main deity is Madana Gopala Swamy, along with Bama and Rukmini. A goddess shrine in the temple is in the name of Madhuravalli Thayar. The main vrishksha in the temple is a plantain tree.
History:
History says that Lord Shiva, after marrying Meenakshi, ascended to the throne of Madurai as Sundara Pandiyan. Then he went into penance deep and got engulfed in flames of fire due to his body’s temperature. The destruction of the world commenced, and devas approached Lord Vishnu. Then Vishnu tries to stop Lord Shiva, but in vain. Then Vishnu understands divine music from his flute, which can calm down Lord Shiva. Hence, he becomes Madana Gopalan and starts playing his flute, and Lord Shiva immediately comes out of his penance.
As per the request of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu resides in Madurai, taking the form of Madana Gopalan under the Ashtanga vimanam and holding the flute as Vishwaroopa Kanna.
The general belief is that those who aspire to shine as musicians should come to this temple to seek blessings. It is said that Andal came here with Periyazhwar and prayed to the Lord here before becoming one with God.
Festivals:
A festival is celebrated in the temple every month. Sri Krishna Jayanti in August–September; Vaikunda Ekadasi; and Bhavai fast in December–January are important among them.
Divine Legends:
The temple has several legends associated with its origin and significance. One such legend involves Lord Shiva being calmed by the divine music played by Lord Vishnu in his form as Madana Gopala Swamy. This event is said to have led to the establishment of the temple, making it a sacred site for devotees seeking solace and divine intervention.
Prayers:
Those who want to excel in music should pray to God here. People celebrate their Satabhisheka-60th birthday and hope that their descendants will have a prosperous life. Mother Naga Devi is worshiped as Harihara Sarpa Raja. Rahu Kala Pooja is performed here on Fridays to get relief from the adverse aspects of the the snake planets and Mars. Devotees offer clothes to Perumal.
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