The Pandi Muneeswaran temple in Madurai is the Moolavar and the primary deity that is worshipped by millions. He is their Supreme Protector and Saviour who can enhance your spiritual belief and spirit just by having his Darshan (Sacred Vision).
The eight-foot idol was recovered from deep inside the earth 200 years ago and started worshipping the deity Pandi Muneeswaran. He is the Guardian Deity of the people of the South direction.
Depiction
The primary deity, Pandi Muneeswaran, is seated in a Yogic posture of Padmasana and facing the astern direction. Three other deities, Pandi, Andi and Samayan, also reside in the temple. Devotees make an offering of cigars to Andi, and they also offer him his favourite food, mango. Other sub-deities are Vinayaka and Karuppaswamy.
Pandi Muneeswaran graces from his sanctum with fiery dark eyes, a fierce moustache and a white turban. He is adorned with silk loin cloth, sandal paste and garlands.
Speciality
The highlight of the temple is that you can go up to the Garba Griha (Inner Sanctum) and offer prayers to the deity no matter what religion you belong to. He is a vegetarian God, so only fruits and vegetables are provided to him. A unique festival is held for this deity during the months of July-August, and an offering of sugar Pongal is to him.
A manifestation of Shiva, they anoint him with ghee, milk, paneer, and sandalwood. Andi's shrine is decorated with mango leaves, and white (Savoury) Pongal offerings are made for him.
Devotees also offer worship to another deity called Samaya Karuppar and make sacrifices of goat and cock to this deity. They also provide liquor, cigars and opium.
Some devotees name their children and grandchildren after the deity in his honour. Those belonging to this temple also perform the first tonsuring of their children here, as well as ear-boring.
Tonsuring is believed to be one of the most precious offerings to God as you are making an offering of beauty to God.
The first salutation and respect are offered to Pandi Muneeswaran before initiating any auspicious event or function. The first marriage invitation is also kept at his feet for his blessings.
Legend
According to legend, thousands of years ago, some immigrants passed through Madurai to a village. The group decided to rest at a place there. Among them was an old couple. That night, the lady Vellaiyammal had a dream in which a sage called himself King Pandiyan Neduncheliyan, who had given the wrong verdict and was the cause of Kovalan's death, was the spouse of Kannagi. To atone for his sin, he was reborn on earth, performed severe penance, and became a sage.
The sage informed the old couple that their place of rest was originally his palace, and he was dwelling in an eight-foot statue beneath the ground. He asked the couple to build a temple for him, worship him as the Guardian Deity for the region, and offer them his eternal protection.
Prayers
People flock to this temple and offer prayers with utmost faith and devotion. Their belief in him is unshakeable, and he protects them from misery and suffering. He resolves all their problems and removes their sorrow. He safeguards them from ghosts and evil spirits. He blesses with his grace and also grants child boon.
Timings
The temple is open from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Access
Bus
Many buses are available from Madurai Mattutahvani Bus Stand, which is just 2 kilometres away from the temple.
Train
The Madurai Railway Station is well-connected with all major cities. Auto rickshaws ply from here to the temple.
Airport
The Madurai Airport is at Avaniyapuram Airport, and taxis fly from here to the temple.
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