Sri Subramaniam Thuropathai Amman Alayam – Malacca

The effulgent consciousness of cosmic ‘shakti’ (divine energy) reflected by Goddes Thuropathai, yields prevailing control of the five elements of ‘bhuloka’ (earth), which is fire, space, wind, water and earth. Those who worship her will benefit the material aspect of spiritual evolution, as Goddess Thropathai was destined for this role in her deific exaltation. The Goddess is an important figure from the epic Mahabarata.  As narrated from the Narada and Vayu Puranas, Goddess Thuropathai is a combined celestial representation of Goddesses Shyamala (wife of Dharma), Bharati (Wife of Vayu), Sachi (wife of Indra), Usha (wife of Ashwinis) and hence married their earthly counterparts in the form of the five Pandavas. The temple is estimated to have been built in 1863, in a rustic style of design.  It has been recently renovated, and upon completion the ‘Maha Kumbabishegam’ (Hindu temple ritual) was performed on 11^th December 2005.

 

Many saints and holy souls have blessed this sacred abode. Kirupanandha Variyar had visited this temple twice.  He had silently meditated in this sacred space, and observed the prevailing actinic vibration of Lord Thandayuthapani. Bangaru Adigalar from Melmaruvathur, had also graced this temple, and performed an auspicious ‘yagna’ (ritual fire ceremony) for the benefit of female devotees. This temple is propitious for the contentment of devotees, as Goddess Thuropathai incessantly blesses the deserving with wealth, health and happiness. Childless couples, who often pray here, are miraculously blessed with offspring. The blessed couples often come back, contributing towards the upkeep of the temple. A sick Punjabi lady with a long-standing ailment had a vision of Goddess Thuropathai. In the vision, she received a spiritual instruction whereby to obtain ‘kungkumam’ (red turmeric), lime, and ‘abisegham tirtham’ (holy oblation) from the temple, and to continuously bathe with the sacred substances. She was cured within a couple of days, and became a steadfast devotee of Goddess Thropathai. Numerous devotees that pay homage to this temple obtain water from the temple well to bath, citing its astonishing healing properties, especially for skin disease.

 

 

The temple has 4 ‘gopuram’ (monumental tower), whereby the ‘Raja Gopuram’ is elegantly elevated, infused with Dravidian architecture, highlighting the structural beauty of this holy abode for Goddess Thuropathai. The temple is filled with heavenly murals, and divine sculptures, comprising the 108 Tandava dance phase of Lord Shiva, the marriage of Lord Ganesha with Buddhi and Siddhi, and the 63 ‘Nayanmar’ saints representing Saivism. As the temple has 2 main deities, Lord Thandayuthapani and Goddess Thuropathai, the deities have a separate inner sanctum, as well as a separate ‘kodi maram’ (flagpole). The accompanying deities include Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Visalatchi, Sri Krishnan, Sri Hanuman, Sri Kamatchi, Sri Bairavar, Sri Aravan, Sri Katteverayan, Sri Periyachi, Lord Nadarajan, Sri Nagar and the ‘Navagraha’ (9 planets). Since the temple has two main deities, therefore separate festivals are conducted for both deities during the passage of a Hindu year. The festival for lord Murugan is celebrated on Vaigasi Visagam, whereas for Goddess Thuropathai, a month-long festival is celebrated in ‘Adi’ month, culminating with a sacred fire-walking ceremony, participated by pious ‘Shakta’ devotees.

Address: Jalan Gajah Berang, 75200 Melaka.

Phone: 06-2843060