Inmaiyil Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, Madurai

Deity

Lord Shiva

Timings

6 am to 12 noon, 4 pm to 9 pm

Nearest railway station

Madurai Junction

Nearest bus stand

Periyar bus stand

Nearest airport

Madurai

Ideal time needed

30 minutes

The legend

According to local tradition, after the divine marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar the two took turns ruling Madurai. Before Sundareswarar took up his reign, he was advised to perform Shiva puja, so he installed a lingam here and worshipped it. The temple therefore shows the rare sight of Shiva in the act of worship rather than as the object of it.

What makes it special

The main shrine faces west, unlike most Shiva temples. Devotees can see the lingam and, behind it, images of Shiva and Meenakshi shown offering worship, viewed from the rear. For many visitors this is the reason to come: the chance to see the god in the role of devotee.

Festivals

As a Shaivite temple it keeps all the main Shiva festivals. Maha Shivaratri, the fortnightly Pradosham and the annual Brahmotsavam draw the biggest crowds from the neighbourhood.

Timings and how to reach

The temple is open in two sessions and may keep different hours on Amavasya, Ashtami and in the Karthigai month. It stands close to the Periyar bus stand and Madurai Junction, about ten minutes away, and Madurai airport is the nearest for flights. We can include it with the Meenakshi temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and the Gandhi Museum on a Madurai day tour.

• Morning session: 6 am to 12 noon
• Evening session: 4 pm until 9 pm

Tips for your visit

Dress modestly, as in any Tamil temple, and leave footwear outside. Early morning is the calmest time, before the crowds build at the Meenakshi temple next door. Because the lingam is viewed together with the images behind it, take a moment at the sanctum to look past the lingam to the worshipping figures, which many first-time visitors miss. Photography inside the shrine is usually not allowed.

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