Sri Immayil Nanmai Tharuvar temple
This is a temple where Lord Shiva worships Himself. The scriptures relate the story of Brahmma and Vishnu worshipping Shiva but the temple has the story that Shiva worshipped Shiva Himself. Shiva Himself installed the Linga here. It is firmly believed that one worshipping the Lord here is pleased of all sins in this birth itself and qualified for a berth in heaven. This is the philosophy behind the name Immayil Nanmai Tharuvar meaning He gives all benefits in this birth itself. There is also a scene behind the presiding deity showing both the Lord and His Consort worshipping Shiva.
The temple is opened from 6.15 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
History
Mother Meenakshi took on a mission to overcome all the worlds and reached Kailash finally where she became very calm on meeting the Lord.. Their wedding took place as already decided. It was then agreed that Mother Meenakshi would rule Madurai for 4 months and Lord Shiva for 8 months. According to custom, the king, before assuming power, should perform Shiva worship. Following this rule, Lord Shiva installed a Shiva Linga here (that is Himself) and worshipped Himself supercilious the name Abishta Vaadappadeswarar. Thus, as the Lord Himself recognized the temple, it is known as Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar, meaning He blesses the devotees practically in the present birth itself.
Greatness of Temple
Lord Shiva incarnating as the Pandya King, made a Shiva Linga and worshipped it Himself. The Lord appears with his companion in a wedding pose. The temple represents the Prithvi (Earth) philosophy. This is the holy place where Lord Shiva sold bangles for women as described the 63 Thiruvilayadalgal (Miracle deeds). The mandap where the Lord did his bangle trade is still here.
In the name of Naduvur Nayaki, Madhyapuri Amman also graces the devotees here. As a rule, the Siddhas are the strength and base of all temples; here Vallabha Siddha occupies that place. According to scriptures, Sage Patanjali performed penance here. As the temple is facing west, it is believed according to the scriptures, the prayers of the devotees are immediately responded. A very famous temple in Maduai City.
This is a temple where Lord Shiva worshipped Himself. The scriptures narrate the story of Brahmma and Vishnu worshipping Shiva but the temple has the story that Shiva worshipped Shiva Himself. Shiva Himself installed the Linga here. It is firmly believed that one worshipping the Lord here is relieved of all sins in this birth itself and qualified for a berth in heaven. This is the beliefs behind the name Immayil Nanmai Tharuvar meaning He gives all benefits in this birth itself. There is also a scene behind the presiding deity showing both the Lord and His Consort worshipping Shiva.
