Arulmigu Moolanadhaswami – Agilandeswari amman Thirukovil Thenkarai
ntroduction:
Thenkarai village, mentioned as Parakrama Pandiyapuram in Pandiyars’ stone inscription is situated at 25k.m. distance west of Madurai, once Pandiyas’ capital. This lies on the southern bank of river Vaigai. Sholavandan is on the other bank in the north Nagamalai hill range runs west to east. Thenkarai village is surrounded by fertilelands and coconut groves.
The inscriptions found at Arulmigu Moolanathaswamy temple narrates in detail the richness, prosperity and culturalvalue of this village.The village is situated centering the temple in ‘swastika’ shape. When Vaisgas were predominant, this village was named as Kulasekarapuram. During the reign of Naickars they named it as Thenkarai as this was situated on the southern side of Vaigairiver. The temple bears Sholas’ architecture. The boom period of this village was in the 11th century during the rule of Parakrama Pandiyan.
Legend:
The puranic background of Thenkarai is narrated in detail in “Bilvaranya Mahathmiam” manuscript. This can be found in “Brahma Vivarthat Puranam” under the topic of “ Bilvaranya Kshetra Mahathmiya Kuchikai”. The puranic name of this village was “ Janakapuri” as well as “Adhi chidambaram”. During those days there were a lot of wood apple trees (Bilva trees) as a result the dense forest was called as Bilvaranyam. The holy water tank in the temple was called “ Swarnapjini”.
Goddess Akilandeswari, as a spinster had done her penance her so as to marry Lord Moolanadha and Moolanadhar has performed his five miracles here.
Lord Shiva’s vehicle Nandi’s disciple Moolan had spent his days here in penance and get the dharshan of Lord Siva. Janakadhi sages lived here so as to learn Saivaite ideologies, as a result, this village got the name of Janakapuri. Sage Agasthiar obtained the power to form Dravidan language and Mantra from Lord Moolanathan and Akilandeswari.
Mythology:
The people of this village, during the puranic period, surrendered themselves at the feet of Lord Moolanadhar. They failed to perform yagnas. So, devas didn’t have their share. Their leader Indra got wild and ordered the god of air to dispose the dark clouds hovering overthe village . People suffered to the maximum owing to water scarcity. Crop failure and famine affected them. They prayed to Lord Moolanadha. God saved them from the distress. This angered Indra and Vayu. So, they made a lot of trouble Lord Moolanadhar taught them a lesson through his army of Sivaganam. Such stories are prevalent in Bilvaranya Kshetra Mahathmiyam to glorify Lord Moolanadhar.
History of the temple:
The inscriptions found in Arulmigu Akilandeswari Samethe Moolanadha swami temple clearly show us the dominance of Pandiyas, Cholas and Naickers of 11th century and afterwards in this region. The renowned Bronze plate of Velvikudi belongs to this region. These describe the infrastructure of the temple.
King Veerapandian in the year 946 A.D. constructed a temple for Lord Siva, so says Thenkarai Puranam and the inscriptions. This temple lasted for 100 years and in due course fall into decay. In the 11th century, Parakrama Pandian constructed a temple in the same place. This took 17 years for the completion. There are inscriptions in the temple regarding the construction and contributions made by the rulers. Lord Moolanadher’s temple had its full form in 1090 A.D.
King Parakrama Pandian, Srivallabha Pandian , Kulasekara Pandian and later Naicker rulers had donated abundantly.
The inscription of Tirumalai Naicker in 1629 A.D. and ChokkanatheNaicker in 1673 A.D. are still found in this temple which narrates their contribution to the temple. There is a separate temple to Goddess Akilandeswari. A huge compound wall is erected around the
temple of Arulmigu Akilandeswari same the Moolanadha swami.
Holy Tree:
The holy tree of the temple of Arulmigu Akilandeswari samethe Moolanadhar is wood apple tree (Bilva tree). People assume that the leaves of wood apple tree subsides the head of the body. So they perform archana with these leaves to cool Lord Siva. The leaves have medicinal effect too.
Holy water tank:
The holy tank(divine water source) in this temple of Arulmigu Akilandeswari sametha Moolanadhar is called as “Swarnapjini”. This is infront of the dwajastamba (Kodi maram) of Goddess Akilandeswari. The water has medicinal effect, says Thenkarai Puranam. To illustrate this , as instance is referred. King Veerapandian who was suffering from leprosy had this bath in this holy water source for 48 days and got cured by the grace of Lord Moolanadhar. People of this century too believe that the water in this holy tank has medicinal effect.
Stone inscription:
The stone inscriptions are in abundance at Arulmigu Akilandeswari sametha Moolanadhar temple. Many inscription in Tamil. We can see an inscription of mixed Tamil and Sanskrit belonging to Sadayavarman Sri Vallabhan. This refers to a prayer song. One inscription of Rajarajan-I refers to land donation and another of Naicker period refers to many contributions to the temple. Some of the inscriptions were in Grandhe letters. Many inscriptions were in ancient Tamil letters. There are 85 inscription in Arulmigu Moolanadhar temple, out of which 31 inscriptions were deci phered.
The following rulers’ inscriptions are historically renowned:
i) Rajarajan-I
ii) Veerarajendran’s son Chozhepandian.
iii) Maravarma Parakrama Pandian.
iv) Sadayavarman Srivallabhan.
v) Sadayavarman Kulasekara Pandian 1162A.D. to 1175A.D.
vi) Sadayavarma Kulasekara Pandian- 1180A.D. to 1218A.D.
vii) Maravarman Sundara Pandian – 1216A.D. to 1238A.D.
viii) Sadayavarman Kuasekara Pandian – 1236A.D.
ix) Maravarman Vikrama Pandian 1218A.D. to 1232A.D.
x) Inscriptions found on the outerside of Praharams.
The inscriptions show that Pandiyakings had the utmost interest and involvement in the maintenance of the temple. Further, we can infer their rule, taxation, political and social systems. The inscriptions available in the 7th century begin with the letter ‘Sri’ , in the 8th century “Swasthisree” “Rakshu” , “Subhashree” and then the name of the king, his period and the message. In the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries the king’s honorary and bravery eulogies were inscribed.
Those who inscribe on stones or Bronze were called as Asarians, Silpacharian or Thachachariars.
Daily Pooja:
Daily Poojas at Arulmigu Moolanadhasway temple is performed as per Agama system. A Sthanika Pattar to perform Pooja according to Agama system is appointed by the Hindu Religious and Cultural Endowment board. A cook in the Madaipalli(Paricharakar) attends to Naivedyam. In addition to, there are piper, Seerpadham thangi(Palanquin bearers) umbrella bearers, Torch bearers, Ekali and Meikaaval in the temple , who assist the Pattar in performing his daily pooja. Many devotees had donated lands so as to meet the expenditure in those days, kings and his deputies donated liberally to meet the daily pooja expenses. The inscription of Parakrama Pandian reveals this. The yield from donated lands was sufficient to perform daily rituals such as Thirumajanam, serving Thiruvamudhu , Thiru artha jama amudhu, lighting lamps and Nandha vilakku, six time pooja is performed daily.
Monthly Pooja:
“Parakrama Pandian Kattalai” refers about the lands donated by him to Arulmigu Moolanadhaswamy temple for Poojas. The inscription of 1106A.D. confirms this. Soman Thozhan, a hermit approached Parakrama Pandian and got lands at Viraya Vidanganallur as donation to Arulmigu Moolanadhaswamy temple. The inscriptions of 1115A.D. , 1199A.D. also point out the donation of lands as Iraiyili to meet the expenditure of the temple. The income from these lands helped the Pattar to perform monthly pooja. Monthly Pooja is performed according to Kamika Agama system. Adi Karthigai, Full moon day Pooja and Prothosham are monthly Pooja. On monthly Poojas Lord Moolanadhar’s abhishekam takes place with coconut-water, Herbal powder- water, Honey, milk, lemon juice, scented water, sacred ash etc., and Deepa aradhana follows with Naivedhyam such as Appam, or Adhirasam(cake) and Pongal.
Festivals:
1. Vaikasi 2. Visakam, 3.Aani 4.uthiram, 5.Adi Pooram, 6.Vianayaka 7.chathurthi, 8.Navarathri, 9.Kandar 10.sasti, 11.Karthikasomavaram, 12. Thirukarthikai, 13.Thiruvadhirai in Margazhi month, 14. Ashtami in Margazhi 15. Sivarathri, 16.Masimaham and 17. Panguni uthiram festivals are performed in Arulmigu Moolanadhawamy temple every year. The yield from the donated lands and some individuals donation amount make the concerned to cel ebrate without any financial strain.
Kumbhabishekam:
In the year 1104A.D. king Parakrama Pandian renovated the temple of Lord Moolanadhar. So there is a possibility for Kumbhabishekam at that time. Stone inscriptions didn’t clearly mention about the performance of Kumbhabishekam during the period of Cholas, Pandiyas or Naickars. Kumbhabishekam took place on 21.04.1980 with the blessings of Sri Sringeri Maha Sannidhanam and with the effort of Dr.Vaidya Subramania iyer. Efforts are being taken by the present Executive officer and the Kumbhabisheka committee to perform Kumbhabishekam in the year 2004.
Idols and Sculptures:
A medium sized Nandhi facing Arulmigu Moolanadhar receives us. When we enter into Arulmigu Moolanadhar temple’s Arthamandapam we can see two beautifully carved dwarabhalaka statues belonging to 11th century Parakrama Pandian’s contribution reveals his aesthetic sense. Lord Ganesa and Lord Subramaniya are installed on the left and right side of the dwarabhalakas. Then we can see a small nandhi in front of the sanctum Lord Moolanadhar in the form of Linga blesses us. In the Prakaram, Dakshinamoorthi is in south, Lingothbhavar is in west and Brahman in north. Lord Ganesa, Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu with this consorts, Juradevar, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas and Bairava sannathi are beautifying the temple. The idols reveal the sculptural skill of the ancient sculptures.
The ceiling and pillars are beautifully decorated with the carvings of Yaali, Elephants, Swans, Flowers etc. The idols of Indra, Agni, Yama, Varunan, Vayu, Guberan and Esanan are carved on the four corners of the mandapam. Eight women deities are also carved.
In the temple of Goddess Akilandeswari statues of Ichcha sakthi, Kriya sakthi and Gnana sakthi are seen in the Devakottam of south, west and north respectively. There are beautiful statues of a devotee in Padmasana, dancing monkey, dancing girl, an insane elephant, dancing Krishna and Sivaganas in the pillars. In the garbhagraha the statue of Amman Akilandeswari blesses us with Abayahasta. The skill of the sculptor is exhibite
Conduct : The Excutive Officer,
Sri Ahilandeswari Moolanathar Temple
Thenkarai PO PC 625207 Via Sholavandan Madurai District Tamilnadu India
The inscriptions found at Arulmigu Moolanathaswamy temple narrates in detail the richness, prosperity and culturalvalue of this village.
Legend:
The puranic background of Thenkarai is narrated in detail in “Bilvaranya Mahathmiam” manuscript. This can be found in “Brahma Vivarthat Puranam” under the topic of “ Bilvaranya Kshetra Mahathmiya Kuchikai”. The puranic name of this village was “ Janakapuri” as well as “Adhi chidambaram”. During those days there were a lot of wood apple trees (Bilva trees) as a result the dense forest was called as Bilvaranyam. The holy water tank in the temple was called “ Swarnapjini”.
Goddess Akilandeswari, as a spinster had done her penance her so as to marry Lord Moolanadha and Moolanadhar has performed his five miracles here.
Lord Shiva’s vehicle Nandi’s disciple Moolan had spent his days here in penance and get the dharshan of Lord Siva. Janakadhi sages lived here so as to learn Saivaite ideologies, as a result, this village got the name of Janakapuri. Sage Agasthiar obtained the power to form Dravidan language and Mantra from Lord Moolanathan and Akilandeswari.
Mythology:
The people of this village, during the puranic period, surrendered themselves at the feet of Lord Moolanadhar. They failed to perform yagnas. So, devas didn’t have their share. Their leader Indra got wild and ordered the god of air to dispose the dark clouds hovering over
History of the temple:
The inscriptions found in Arulmigu Akilandeswari Samethe Moolanadha swami temple clearly show us the dominance of Pandiyas, Cholas and Naickers of 11th century and afterwards in this region. The renowned Bronze plate of Velvikudi belongs to this region. These describe the infrastructure of the temple.
King Veerapandian in the year 946 A.D. constructed a temple for Lord Siva, so says Thenkarai Puranam and the inscriptions. This temple lasted for 100 years and in due course fall into decay. In the 11th century, Parakrama Pandian constructed a temple in the same place. This took 17 years for the completion. There are inscriptions in the temple regarding the construction and contributions made by the rulers. Lord Moolanadher’s temple had its full form in 1090 A.D.
King Parakrama Pandian, Srivallabha Pandian , Kulasekara Pandian and later Naicker rulers had donated abundantly.
The inscription of Tirumalai Naicker in 1629 A.D. and ChokkanatheNaicker in 1673 A.D. are still found in this temple which narrates their contribution to the temple. There is a separate temple to Goddess Akilandeswari. A huge compound wall is erected around the
temple of Arulmigu Akilandeswari same the Moolanadha swami.
Holy Tree:
The holy tree of the temple of Arulmigu Akilandeswari samethe Moolanadhar is wood apple tree (Bilva tree). People assume that the leaves of wood apple tree subsides the head of the body. So they perform archana with these leaves to cool Lord Siva. The leaves have medicinal effect too.
Holy water tank:
The holy tank(divine water source) in this temple of Arulmigu Akilandeswari sametha Moolanadhar is called as “Swarnapjini”. This is infront of the dwajastamba (Kodi maram) of Goddess Akilandeswari. The water has medicinal effect, says Thenkarai Puranam. To illustrate this , as instance is referred. King Veerapandian who was suffering from leprosy had this bath in this holy water source for 48 days and got cured by the grace of Lord Moolanadhar. People of this century too believe that the water in this holy tank has medicinal effect.
Stone inscription:
The stone inscriptions are in abundance at Arulmigu Akilandeswari sametha Moolanadhar temple. Many inscription in Tamil. We can see an inscription of mixed Tamil and Sanskrit belonging to Sadayavarman Sri Vallabhan. This refers to a prayer song. One inscription of Rajarajan-I refers to land donation and another of Naicker period refers to many contributions to the temple. Some of the inscriptions were in Grandhe letters. Many inscriptions were in ancient Tamil letters. There are 85 inscription in Arulmigu Moolanadhar temple, out of which 31 inscriptions were deci phered.
The following rulers’ inscriptions are historically renowned:
i) Rajarajan-I
ii) Veerarajendran’s son Chozhepandian.
iii) Maravarma Parakrama Pandian.
iv) Sadayavarman Srivallabhan.
v) Sadayavarman Kulasekara Pandian 1162A.D. to 1175A.D.
vi) Sadayavarma Kulasekara Pandian- 1180A.D. to 1218A.D.
vii) Maravarman Sundara Pandian – 1216A.D. to 1238A.D.
viii) Sadayavarman Kuasekara Pandian – 1236A.D.
ix) Maravarman Vikrama Pandian 1218A.D. to 1232A.D.
x) Inscriptions found on the outerside of Praharams.
The inscriptions show that Pandiyakings had the utmost interest and involvement in the maintenance of the temple. Further, we can infer their rule, taxation, political and social systems. The inscriptions available in the 7th century begin with the letter ‘Sri’ , in the 8th century “Swasthisree” “Rakshu” , “Subhashree” and then the name of the king, his period and the message. In the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries the king’s honorary and bravery eulogies were inscribed.
Those who inscribe on stones or Bronze were called as Asarians, Silpacharian or Thachachariars.
Daily Pooja:
Daily Poojas at Arulmigu Moolanadhasway temple is performed as per Agama system. A Sthanika Pattar to perform Pooja according to Agama system is appointed by the Hindu Religious and Cultural Endowment board. A cook in the Madaipalli(Paricharakar) attends to Naivedyam. In addition to, there are piper, Seerpadham thangi(Palanquin bearers) umbrella bearers, Torch bearers, Ekali and Meikaaval in the temple , who assist the Pattar in performing his daily pooja. Many devotees had donated lands so as to meet the expenditure in those days, kings and his deputies donated liberally to meet the daily pooja expenses. The inscription of Parakrama Pandian reveals this. The yield from donated lands was sufficient to perform daily rituals such as Thirumajanam, serving Thiruvamudhu , Thiru artha jama amudhu, lighting lamps and Nandha vilakku, six time pooja is performed daily.
Monthly Pooja:
“Parakrama Pandian Kattalai” refers about the lands donated by him to Arulmigu Moolanadhaswamy temple for Poojas. The inscription of 1106A.D. confirms this. Soman Thozhan, a hermit approached Parakrama Pandian and got lands at Viraya Vidanganallur as donation to Arulmigu Moolanadhaswamy temple. The inscriptions of 1115A.D. , 1199A.D. also point out the donation of lands as Iraiyili to meet the expenditure of the temple. The income from these lands helped the Pattar to perform monthly pooja. Monthly Pooja is performed according to Kamika Agama system. Adi Karthigai, Full moon day Pooja and Prothosham are monthly Pooja. On monthly Poojas Lord Moolanadhar’s abhishekam takes place with coconut-water, Herbal powder- water, Honey, milk, lemon juice, scented water, sacred ash etc., and Deepa aradhana follows with Naivedhyam such as Appam, or Adhirasam(cake) and Pongal.
Festivals:
1. Vaikasi 2. Visakam, 3.Aani 4.uthiram, 5.Adi Pooram, 6.Vianayaka 7.chathurthi, 8.Navarathri, 9.Kandar 10.sasti, 11.Karthikasomavaram, 12. Thirukarthikai, 13.Thiruvadhirai in Margazhi month, 14. Ashtami in Margazhi 15. Sivarathri, 16.Masimaham and 17. Panguni uthiram festivals are performed in Arulmigu Moolanadhawamy temple every year. The yield from the donated lands and some individuals donation amount make the concerned to cel ebrate without any financial strain.
Kumbhabishekam:
In the year 1104A.D. king Parakrama Pandian renovated the temple of Lord Moolanadhar. So there is a possibility for Kumbhabishekam at that time. Stone inscriptions didn’t clearly mention about the performance of Kumbhabishekam during the period of Cholas, Pandiyas or Naickars. Kumbhabishekam took place on 21.04.1980 with the blessings of Sri Sringeri Maha Sannidhanam and with the effort of Dr.Vaidya Subramania iyer. Efforts are being taken by the present Executive officer and the Kumbhabisheka committee to perform Kumbhabishekam in the year 2004.
Idols and Sculptures:
A medium sized Nandhi facing Arulmigu Moolanadhar receives us. When we enter into Arulmigu Moolanadhar temple’s Arthamandapam we can see two beautifully carved dwarabhalaka statues belonging to 11th century Parakrama Pandian’s contribution reveals his aesthetic sense. Lord Ganesa and Lord Subramaniya are installed on the left and right side of the dwarabhalakas. Then we can see a small nandhi in front of the sanctum Lord Moolanadhar in the form of Linga blesses us. In the Prakaram, Dakshinamoorthi is in south, Lingothbhavar is in west and Brahman in north. Lord Ganesa, Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu with this consorts, Juradevar, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Navagrahas and Bairava sannathi are beautifying the temple. The idols reveal the sculptural skill of the ancient sculptures.
The ceiling and pillars are beautifully decorated with the carvings of Yaali, Elephants, Swans, Flowers etc. The idols of Indra, Agni, Yama, Varunan, Vayu, Guberan and Esanan are carved on the four corners of the mandapam. Eight women deities are also carved.
In the temple of Goddess Akilandeswari statues of Ichcha sakthi, Kriya sakthi and Gnana sakthi are seen in the Devakottam of south, west and north respectively. There are beautiful statues of a devotee in Padmasana, dancing monkey, dancing girl, an insane elephant, dancing Krishna and Sivaganas in the pillars. In the garbhagraha the statue of Amman Akilandeswari blesses us with Abayahasta. The skill of the sculptor is exhibite
Conduct : The Excutive Officer,
Sri Ahilandeswari Moolanathar Temple
Thenkarai PO PC 625207 Via Sholavandan Madurai District Tamilnadu India
