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