Madurai Meenakshi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, and her consort Lord Sundareswarar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is considered one of the oldest and most significant temples in India, and it attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year.
The temple's history dates back to the Sangam period, which is around 300 BC to 300 AD. According to legends, the temple was built by the Pandyan king Kulasekara Pandya, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He had a dream in which he was instructed to build a temple for Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi at the spot where he saw a sacred fire burning. Following the dream, he built the temple and dedicated it to the deities.
The temple underwent several renovations and expansions over the years, with contributions from various rulers and dynasties. During the reign of the Nayakas in the 16th and 17th centuries, the temple was expanded and renovated extensively, with the construction of the four gopurams (entrance towers) and the thousand-pillared hall. The Nayakas also commissioned several beautiful murals and sculptures, which adorn the temple walls and pillars.
OneThe construction of the first gopuram, the East Tower, was initiated by King Thirumalai Nayak. It was completed in 1565 and stands 49 meters tall. The East Tower is decorated with elaborate sculptures and carvings depicting various mythological stories and characters. The tower also has a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu God of Wisdom, and Success.
The second gopuram, the South Tower, was built by King Thirumalai Nayak's grandson, Thiru Vikrama Nayak. The South Tower is the tallest of the four gopurams and stands at 51 meters. It was completed in 1635 and is dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi. The tower is decorated with more than 1500 sculptures of various gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures.
The third gopuram, the West Tower, was constructed by King Rani Mangammal in the 17th century. It is 41 meters tall and is dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar, the consort of Goddess Meenakshi. The West Tower has a sculpture of Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and other intricate sculptures and carvings.
The fourth gopuram, the North Tower, is the oldest and smallest of the four towers. It was built in the 13th century during the reign of the Pandya dynasty. It was later renovated and expanded by the Nayak rulers. The North Tower is dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi and stands at 42 meters. of the temple's most significant events is the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam festival, which celebrates the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. The festival takes place in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) and lasts for ten days. The wedding procession is a grand spectacle, with thousands of devotees and tourists participating in the celebrations.
The temple has faced several challenges and threats over the years. In the 14th century, it was invaded and plundered by the Muslim ruler Malik Kafur. During the British rule in the 19th century, the temple faced threats of demolition, but it was saved by the efforts of the local people and the Indian National Congress. In recent times, the temple has faced issues with pollution and encroachment, which have been addressed by the authorities.
The Meenakshi temple is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings, which reflect the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple complex covers an area of 14 acres and has several shrines, halls, and tanks. The four gopurams, which are around 50 meters high, are adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures depicting various mythological scenes and deities.
The temple's main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, who is portrayed with four arms and a third eye. The idol is made of emerald and is believed to be more than 2000 years old. The shrine of Lord Sundareswarar is located adjacent to the Meenakshi shrine, and it houses a lingam made of black granite.
In conclusion, the Madurai Meenakshi temple is an ancient and magnificent temple that has withstood the test of time and has remained a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, and spirituality.
About the Creator
Giving birth to a child with disability
It all started when she took isotretinoin pills the first 20days of pregnancy and she did not know she was pregnant.As she went to the doctor she told them that she has her concerns but the doctor suggested scans and all other things checked.They told her the baby is and would be okay with no abnormalities but this to the mother did not sit well with her.All other check ups she would let midwives know that she took isotretinoin pills.This went on until the day of the delivery.
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