Thread by @sk_diary1

Visited #meenakshi amman #Temple, #Madurai before....noticed White #elephant sculptures around Sundareswarar(Shiva) sanidhi

8 Majestic Astadik elephant sculptures are there supporting Shiva shrine.

6 are carved on outer wall,2 are on both sides of presiding deity.

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@findingtemples @TempleTrails @templesofindia_ @punarutthana @Gannuuprem Shrine of Chockanathar(#Shiva)
held by these Astadik elephants. As this constructed by Indra, it is called Indra Vimanam. Airavath - White elephant of Indra worshipped this Shiva Lingam to releive from curse of Sage Duruvasa.This story is depicted in mural painting as well.
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@findingtemples @TempleTrails @templesofindia_ @punarutthana @Gannuuprem This event of relieving curse of Airavath #elephant is one of the 64 Thiru vilayadal/Divine events of Lord Shiva.

Walls around Shiva’s sanidhi are painted with murals & sculptures depicting the scenes related to 64 acts/leelas.

Don't miss to see these majestic elephants.

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@findingtemples @TempleTrails @templesofindia_ @punarutthana @Gannuuprem @culturedhindu All images used in this thread - credit to resp. owners.

Source -Divine Games of Lord Shiva/ Thiruvilayadal Puranam. It was authored by Sage Paranjothi narrates the 64 Tiruvilayadals (Leelas in Sanskrit) as playful miracles of Shiva,in this case presiding deity of Madurai.

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Astadik #Elephants of #meenakshi Amman #temple #Thread - #Madurai
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