madurai meenakshi temple
Meenakshi’s encounter with Shiva Thadaathagai who ruled Madurai wanted to conquer the whole world and ventured boldly with her army in all directions. After conquering all of Heaven and Earth, finally she reached Mount Kailash in order to involve Lord Shiva in a battle. Lord Shiva was informed of this matter by Nandi and He readied Himself to confront Thadaathagai. As she faced Lord Shiva one to one, Thadaathagai became shy and the middle of her three breasts disappeared. Her minister Sumathi reminded her of the voice from heaven that had predicted this to happen. This symbolizes the principle that one can approach God only when the central ills of life namely Ego, Illusion and pride disappear completely.
Lord Shiva appeared in Madurai as Somasundarar and married Thadaathagai, who was none other than Meenakshiammai. The master of ceremonies, the purohit, was Brahmadeva, who performed the marriage rituals and the yaga. Meenakshi’s brother Lord Vishnu poured the ceremonial water to solemnize the marriage and this was celebrated with the blessing of all assembled and to the happiness of all the three worlds. Celestial Wedding Lord Shiva and Thadaathagai returned to Madurai where the king had organized the coronation of his daughter to be followed by Her marriage to Lord Shiva the next day. It was to be arranged in the grandest possible fashion with the entire population on attendance.
Scholars, poets, artists, artisans, kings and queens and people from all walks of life were all invited to the great events without discrimination. Devas, Gandharvas, Vidyadharas, Rishis and Siddhas were also in the invitees’ list. All roads led to Madurai and a huge congregation assembled there as if Madurai suddenly became the centre of the Universe. Vishnu, the brother of Meenakshi was proceeding to Madurai from Vaikuntam, His abode in heaven, for Kannikaa-dhaanam (bestowing the bride to the groom) when His passage was delayed by a trick played by Lord Indra.
Vishnu saw through the deception and manifested Himself in both places at the same time. He managed to preside over the marriage ceremony and perform Kannikaa-dhaanam ritual in the from of Thirupparankundram pavalakkanivaip-perumal. This is being celebrated even to this day as Chithirai Thiruvizha (Chithirai Festival). During the rule of Thirumalai Nayakar, this was linked to Kallazhagar and became part of Azhagar Festival. Sporty Deeds of the Lords (Thiruvilaiyaadal Legends) The great temple at Madurai is considered as one of the holiest of Shiva temples.