In
the 14th century an invasion by Malik Kafur damaged
the temple. In the same century Madurai was under
Muslim rule for nearly fifty years. The temple
authorities closed the sanctum, covered up the
Linga, and set up another in the Ardhamandapa.
When the city was liberated, the sanctum was
opened, and, tradition says the flower garlands
and the sandalwood paste placed on the Linga
were as fresh as on the first day, and two oil
lamps were still burning. |
