Temple Wonders & Stories:

Nestled on the Vaigai river bed, a grand temple stands as a testament to the triumph of saivites over Jains. It highlights Lord Shiva's supremacy, declaring him the ultimate deity. It's also revered as the 4th Thevara sthala in the historical Pandya Kingdom.

A bit of Mythology:

There was once a King in Madurai, named Koon Pandyan, who strongly supported Jainism. A severe illness struck him though, and despite their best efforts, the Jains couldn't cure him. Just when all seemed lost, a young Brahmin boy appeared and miraculously healed him. Overwhelmed by this, Koon Pandyan became an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Feeling defeated, the Jains issued a challenge to the boy – they wanted to prove whose faith was stronger through trials by fire (Analvatham) & water (Punalvatham). Surprisingly, during these tests, only the boy’s manuscripts survived unscathed – both from flames & water. This extraordinary event was celebrated in Thiruvengadam, where this magnificent temple was constructed.

What's special here?

Spread over 5 acres, this stunning site is adorned with verses from Thevaram. Inside, you’ll find statues of Lord Shiva (as Edaganathar) alongside his consort Parvathi.

Festivities:

The temple bursts into life during all major festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Particularly noteworthy is Ethireriya Utsavam in Vaikasi - it marks Sambanthar’s victory over Jains.

Getting there:

You'll find this mesmerizing place at Sholavandan which is about 24 km from Madurai.

Bus : Hop on a bus at Madurai Periyar bus stand; it takes you straight to the temple.

Train : There’s also a train station in Sholavandan; from there it's just a short walk to your destination.

Airport : If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is located in Madurai.

So why wait? Explore this historical marvel and experience its enchanting beauty firsthand! Whether by bus or train (or even from above), this temple invites all seeking peace & splendor.