Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Madurai
| Date built: | – |
|---|---|
| Deity: | Madhana Gopala |
| Architectural style: | Dravidian architecture |
| Major festivals | – |
| Locale: | Madurai |
| District:: | Madurai |
| Address: | |
| Phone |
Architecture
Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple was built in 16th century A.D. In 1912, Mr. Adelian Peppergibson (Philadelphia – U.S, Socialite) visited Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, Madurai. In 1938, he built a Mandapam in the museum of Philadelphia, with the dilapidated stone pillars taken by him to his country from Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple.
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.40 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Pooja Timings
- Vishwaroopam – 06:40 A.M
- Pongal Kala – 08:00 A.M
- Uchikalam – 12:00 P.M
- Sayaratchai – 07:00 P.M
- Arthajamam – 09:00A.M
Festivals
The temple celebrates a festival each month. Sri Krishna Jayanthi in August-September; Vaikunda Ekadasi and Pavai Nonbu in December-January are important among them.
Prayers
Those aspiring to excel in music pray to Lord here. People also celebrate their Sadabisheka-60th birth day and believe that their descendants will have a prosperous life. Mother Naga Devi is worshipped as Harihara Sarpa Raja. Rahu Kala puja is performed here on Fridays for relief from adverse aspects of serpent planets and of planet Mars. Devotees perform Tirumanjanam to Perumal offering Vastras.
Legend / Local stories
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.
Photo Gallery
How to Reach:
This temple is situated in West Masi street and is very close to Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple is located to the eastern side of Madurai Periyar Bus stand, near the Eastern gate of Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple. The Temple is located at about 200 meters from Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, 200 meters from Koodal Azhagar Temple, 500 meters from Complex Bus Stand, 1 Km from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, 500 meters from Periyar Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 7 Kms from Thiruparankundram, 1 Km from Madurai Railway Junction, 20 Kms from Thirumangalam and 10 Kms from Madurai International Airport. It is very easy to reach the temple as it is situated very near to both the bus stand and the railway station.
Contact Details
Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple,
Melamasi Street,
Madurai – 625 001,Madurai District
Phone: +91 452 234 9363
Mobile: +91 94871 80207 / 94431 81793
Email: [email protected]