- Murugan
Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple
- Madurai Main,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Dandayuthapani Swami Temple is located in Madurai and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 2,000 year old temple is one of the prides of the temple city.
About the deity
This is a temple noted for the Alankara – dressing of Lord Muruga. The Lord appears in royal attire. As the Lord took a pilgrimage Himself to Palni, He is named Dandayuthapani. He is also praised as Madurai Palani Andavar.
About the temple
The main hall Maha Mandap – of the temple has beautiful sculptures depicting the six army camps (Padai veedu) of Lord Muruga, Tiruparankundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Tiruthani and Solaimalai-Pazhamudhirsolai. Lord Muruga graces in the sanctum sanctorum as Dandayuthapani holding a staff in the right hand and keeping His left hand on the hip. Lord almost appears in His royal attire.
Legend and stories
Saivite Saint Sundarar who was friendly with Lord Shiva (Saka Marga) visited Madurai during the seventh century and stayed in this temple. It was then called Sundarar Mutt based on this event. He continued his journey to Tiruparamkundram from here. This establishes the antiquity of the temple dating back to that period. Some devotees used to carry the procession deity on their heads to Palani on Thai Poosam day. Abishek would be performed to the idol there. The practice did not continue in later years. As Lord Muruga visited Palni, He is named Dandayuthapani. He is also praised as Madurai Palaniandavar.
Festivals
Skanda Sashti in October-November, Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March-April, procession of Lord Muruga on Kruthika star days, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Thai Poosam in January-February, Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September and Navarathri in September-October are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
How to Reach Annamalai Murugan Temple
Frequent city bus service is available from various parts of Madurai upto Periyar Bus stand. From here the temple is just a short walk. The nearest Railway Station is Madurai. The nearest airport is in Madurai.
Temple Address
Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple,
Nethaji Road, Madurai,
Tamil Nadu - 625001.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To be blessed with offspring
- To overcome obstacles in endeavors
Shlokas
Shadaananam Chandana Liptha Gathram Mahorasam Divya Mayoora Vaahanam Rudrasya Soonum Suraloka Naatham Brahmanya Devam Charanam Prapadye
Meaning -I always take refuge in the 6 faced Lord Guha, who has sandal paste smeared over his body, who is broad-chested, whose vehicle is the peacock, who is Lord Shiva's son and who leads the army of the Devas.
Heyswami Natha Karunakara Dheenabandho Shree Parvatheesha Mukha Pankaja Padmabandho Shree Saadhi Devagana Poojitha Padha Padma Vallesa Nadha Mama Dehi Karaavalambham
Meaning -O! Merciful Lord Swaminatha, who cares for the poor, who is the sun to Lord Shiva's lotus face, whose lotus feet are acknowledged by Lord Vishnu and the others, Valli's Lord, please uplift me by lending me your hand.
Ariru Thadanthozh Vazhga Arumugam Vazhga Veppai Kooru Sei Thanivel Vazhga Kukkudum Vazhga Sevvel Yeriya Magnai Vazhga Aanai Thun Anangu Vazhga Maarila Valli Vazhga Vazhga Seer Adiyar Yellam
Meaning -Oh Muruga, we hail your 12 strong shoulders for they protect us from our enemies, we hail your 6 faces, we hail the Vel, your weapon that broke apart the Krounja mountain to reveal the asura in it. We hail the bird, the cock, that is part of your symbol in the flag. We hail your peacock, that takes you all over the world, we hail your consort Devyani, who was brought up by Indra's white elephant, Airavadam, we hail your other consort, the flawless Valli. And we hail your Bhaktas who worship you as a prayer.
Uruvai Aruvai Uladhai Iladhai Maruvai Malarai Maniyai Oliyai Karuvai Uyirai Gadhiyai Vidhiyai Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhaney
Meaning -O Lord Muruga, you have form and you are formless, you have everything and have nothing, you who exist in the smallest, in flowers, in a bell's ring, in the light. You are the embryo, the life, destiny and fate. Bestow your blessings on us as our guru.
Timings
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.