Meenakshi temple Legendary Background

Legendary Background

Goddess Meenakshi was no human child.She was born in the holy fire it during a 'Yaga' (Penance before fire ) Performed by the pandyan king. Malayadhwajan for being blessed with a child.

The king's wife Kanchanamala had been an ardent worshipper of Goddess Parvathi,the consort of Lord Siva Legend says that Parvathi granted the prayer of Kanchanamala during her previous birth.The queen's name had been Vidhyavathi.Vidhyavathi had begged the Goddess.Who appeared in the dream as young girl,that she should be born a her daughter in the same form.

Thus it was that Parvathi rose form the fire as a three year-old girl and sat on the lap of queen Kanchanamala.

While the queen was happy.King Malayadhwajan was sad. He had no doubt a child.But this divine child got after so many yagas was a girl and that too.one with three breasts.However he could not express his sorrow outwardly.Suddenly he heard a divine voice(asareeri).This voice asked the king to name the child Thadadhagai and to bring her up as if she were a son.It also said that the third breast would disappear as soon as she saw her consort.

The king obeyed God's command and even made Thadadhagai his successor,After her coronation ,the virgin queen launched a series of battles.After Her numerous victories on the earth.Thadadhagai attacked .Mount Kailas, the abode of Lord Siva .(The Himalaya mountains in the extreme north of India are believed to posses mount kailas).She defeated all the soldiers and generals of the lord.Seeing this ,Siva Himself came to fight with undaunted queen.

But ,no sooner ,did Thadadhagai see Lord siva then Her third breast diappeared.The queen threw down the weapons and stood abashed.She was glad that her wars had given her husband.

The Marriage of the divine couple was Performed in Madurai on the eighth day with all pomp and splendour.

(We see a physical concept of this marriage displayed at the top of the entrance to the Amman Sannathi in East Chitrai Street).

The Lord ruled the Pandyan kingdom under the Name of Soundara pandyan(meaning pandyan of great beauty)for ome years.During this period He performed several divine acts called Thiruvilayadals.

After accomplishing many marvals ,Lord siva made His divine son.Murugan to be born as his mortal son.This boy was christened Ukkirapandian (pandyan of valour).After the coronation of this prince ,the Lord in his mortal from and His consort ,Thadadhagai,entered the temple and changed Themselves into SOMASUNDARAR and MEENAKSHI.

Later, on some occasions ,the Lord came down to the Earth and indulged in a number of Thiruvilayadals.

Pandyan dynasty