Monday, December 11, 2017

Madhava Perumal Temple, Mylapore – The Temple

Madhava Perumal Temple, Mylapore – The Temple
The temple is built in Dravidian architecture and has two precincts. The temple has a rectangular plan surrounded by 10 ft (3.0 m) high walls, pierced by a 5-tier gopuram, the gateway tower, which was renovated and consecrated 40 years ago. Two more Samprokshanams were performed in the last 40 years, once in 1977 and again in 1992. The temple of Madhava Perumal is said to be very ancient and is facing east, though its history is traced back to only 800 years from now, according to available records. Many interesting stucco images are found on the Rajagopuram.





A mandapam is found in front of the tower, where all the pillars have bas-relief images. Presiding Deity is called as Madhava Perumal. The presiding deity is housed in the sanctum and is an image made of granite. The deity is seen in seated posture with images of Sridevi and Bhoomadevi on either side. The Lord is hailed as Kalyana Madhavan as he married Goddess Amirthavalli, who was born as Sage Bhrigu daughter here.





Though the Lord in similar posture in other places and is called Paramapadanathan holding the Sudarsana, Panchajanya and Gadhayutha in his three hands with the fourth one in Abhaya Hastha pose, the Lord's idol here has no Gadhayutha. Utsavar appears with a pretty face like the lotus flower, hence he is called as Aravinda Madhavan, ‘Aravindam’ meaning ‘lotus flower’. Utsavar is in standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi on either side and housed in the sanctum.




This Sampathkumaarar remains as Utsavar here.  Near his feet is Bibi Naachiyaar, the daughter of the Delhi king.  The belief is that by praying to this Lord the family will become affluent.  Hence, He is also named ‘Selva Pillai’. The Vimanam in the temple, like the one in Tirumala (Tirupati), is known as "Ananda Nilaya Vimanam." Rituals are performed according to the Vaikhanasa Agama. With the Kalyana Mandapam, Alankara Mandapam and "Palliyarai" the temple is an imposing structure in this part of the city. 





The shrine of Garuda facing Madhava Perumal, the eagle mount (Vahana) of Vishnu, is located axial to the central shrine. The flag staff, bali peetha and Garuda are found facing towards the sanctum. There are images of Azhwars in the worship hall on both sides. The central shrine is approached through a worship hall and a narrow Ardha mandapam. In Ardha Mandapam, many bronze idols are located. They include Ram-Sita-Lakshman, Vishnu-Sri Devi-Bhoo Devi, Madhava and Krishna.





In Maha Mandapam, there are shrines of Peyalvar, Alwars, Senai Mudalvar, Ramanuja, Manavala Mamunigal, Poigai Alwar, Bhoodat Alwar. All these shrines have their corresponding bronze idols. Mother is called as Amirthavalli. The shrine of Amirthavalli is located on the western side of the temple in the second precinct. Thayar Shrine is located to the right side of the sanctum. The Mukha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam have a lot of interesting and beautiful sculptures on the pillars.




On the pillars of the mandapam in front of the sanctum of Thaayar, images of Peyalvar on the carriers such as parrot, elephant, horse and on sun-disc are sculpted. The temple tank where the Goddess was born is present near the shrine of Amrita Valli. There is a separate shrine for Andal, but her Utsava idol is kept in the Lord's sanctum sanctorum. Her Tiruppavai songs have been inscribed on the walls of the shrine. Very near to the Paramapatha Vasal is the Kodanda Ramar shrine where along with him Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya are worshipped.





The idol of Lord Bhu Varaha, with his consort sitting on his left lap in a separate shrine on the banks of the Pushkarani, is a thing of beauty to watch and worship forever. The temple has a special shrine for Peyalvar who was born in Mylapore. Mother Amirthavalli is believed to be born in the Pushkarini here on a Maasi Magam day.  Hence, the Pushkarini is called Santhaana Pushkarini. The holy tree of this shrine is the Punnai tree (Bot. name: Calophyllum inophyllum) meant for Lord Krishna and the tree can be seen behind the main sanctum.




The most eye-catching feature is two four pillared mandapas (pavilions): one is located before the Rajagopuram and the taller one inside the south corridor houses the Vishwaroopam form of Anjaneya with folded hands facing the sanctum. The roofs exhibit exclusive angled patterns of squares. The square bases of pillars of the mandapas have the ornate bas relief images, depicting various forms of Lord Vishnu and his consorts, associate deities and Alvar saints.





There are epigraphical inscriptions dating to 11th to 13th century in Moolavar Sannidhi, Senai Mudaliyar Sannidhi and on the steps outside Thayar Sannidhi. The inscription outside Thayar Sannidhi mention about one Vadana Perumal donation for lighting lamp in the temple. The devotees consider Mundaga Kanni Amman (Lotus-eyed Goddess) Amman worshipped in a separate temple very near the Madhava Perumal temple as "Yoga Maya" who was born as the sister of the Lord during his incarnation as Krishna.