Arulmigu Sri Madana Gopala Swamy Temple — Attraction in Madurai

Sri Madana Gopala Swamy Temple is one of the pleasant and beautiful temple should visit around and close to the famous Meenakshi Temple. It is located on West masi street, near the eastern gate of Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple. Presiding Deity is Madhana Gopala Swamy by his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama.

This temple was built in 16th century. Lord Vishnu awakened lord Shiva from meditation by playing flute: Before ascending the throne in Madurai as King Sundara Pandiya after his wedding with Mother Meenakshi, Lord Shiva performed Puja to a Linga. He plunged deep in meditation. The heat and the flames that emanated from his body began to burn the world. Shocked and threatened, the Devas surrendered at the feet of Lord Vishnu for protection. Lord Vishnu knew that the flames could be brought down only if the meditation of Lord Shiva came to an end. He began playing his flute so melodiously that penetrated into the ears of Lord Shiva awaking him. Meditation ended. The world was saved. Pleased Lord Shiva asked Lord Vishnu that he should ever be with him playing the instrument. Lord Vishnu too was only happy to accept the offer. In the name of Lord Madanagopala Swami, he is in Madurai West Masi Street spreading his musical wind near the Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Shiva Temple. Mother Andal visit to this Temple: On her way to Sri Rangam, Mother Andal visited this temple with Saint Periazhwar travelling in a palanquin and worshipped Lord Madanagopala Swami before merging in the divine body of Lord Perumal.

Those who wish to excel in music pray to Lord here. This same Madhana Gopala Swamy also residing in a temple in my hometown, Perambalur where The Panja Padavas worshiped the Lord Vishnu after the...

Arulmigu Madana Gopala Swamy Temple is situated on the Melamasi street in Madurai. It is exactly located at the Periyar bus stand on the eastern side of Immayil Nanmai Tharuvar Koil.

Here, the main deity is Madana Gopala Swamy with Bama and Rukmini. A goddess shrine in the temple is in the name of Madhuravalli Thayar. Main vrishksha in the temple is Plantain tree.

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. 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 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 holding the flute as Vishwaroopa Kanna.

The general belief is that, one who aspires to shine as musicians, come to this temple seek blessings. It is said that Andal came here with periyazhwar, and prayed the Lord here before becoming one...

Located just a 5-minute walk from the Koodal Azhagar Temple in Madurai, this place houses a magnificent and beautifully crafted idol of Sri Madanagopalaswami.

Location: West Masi Street, near Koodal Azhagar Temple and Periyar bus stand, Madurai.

Main Deity: Lord Krishna as Madana Gopala Swamy, with consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama.

Highlights:

Rare Ashtanga vimana (eight-sided temple tower).

Beautiful mandapas with carvings from epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata).

Associated with a unique legend where Krishna pacifies Lord Shiva through his flute.

Sacred visit site for Andal and Periyazhwar.

Special Shrines: Lakshmi Narasimha, Panchamukha Hanuman, Chakrathalwar, Andal, Azhwars, Navaneetha Krishna.

Timings: 6 AM–12 PM and 5 PM–9 PM (till midnight on Fridays).

Festivals: Janmashtami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Pavai Nonbu.

Rituals: Popular for Rahu Kala puja, Sadabisheka (60th birthday), and...