Meenakshi Amman Temple

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai The ancient city of Madurai, more than 2,500 years old, was built by the Pandyan king, Kulashekarar, in the 6th century B.C. But the reign of the Nayaks marks the golden period of Madurai when art, architecture and learning flourished expansively. The most beautiful buildings in the city including its most famous landmark, the Meenakshi temple, were built during the Nayak rule.

Located in the heart of the city of Madurai, the Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar temple is dedicated to goddess Meenakshi, the consort of lord Shiva. It has long been the focus of both Indian and international tourist attraction as well as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage. For the people of Madurai, the temple is the very center of their cultural and religious life.

It is said that the people of the city wake up, not by the call of nature but by the chant of hymns at the temple. All the major festivals of Tamil Nadu are celebrated here with gaiety, most important being the Chitrai festival that is held in April/May, when the celestial marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar is celebrated, drawing a huge crowd of people from all over the state.

The sculpted pillars are adorned with the exquisite murals that celebrate the ethereal beauty of princess Meenakshi and the scenes of her wedding with Lord Shiva. At the Sundareswarar temple across the courtyard, Lord Shiva is represented as a lingam. The pillars depict scenes from the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. There are 985 richly carved pillars here and each one surpasses the other in beauty.

History of Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Meenakshi temple of Madurai is a historically rich temple which also bestows devotees with blessings of the Lord and Goddess. Meenakshi temple was built during the Pandya reign by Kulasekarer Pandya. According to historical findings, creation of this temple can be traced back to early A.D. There are mentions of this temple in the songs of great Hindu Saint Thirugnanasambandar who lived during 7th century. It is also said that during 12th or 13th century, at the time of Islamic conquer; this temple was destroyed to an extent. However, later it was restored to its present structure. It was later expanded during the rule of Thirumalai Nayak (1623-55 AD). During this time, the present structure of temple came into being.

There are many legends associated with this temple. According to stories, the main deity of this temple, Meenakshi Devi came out of the pious fire as a result of ardent devotion and prayers of Pandyan King Malayadwaja and his consort Queen Kanchanamalai. The ruling couple was childless and hence they performed a yagam to get blessing in the form of child. It is then goddess Parvati in the form of Goddess Meenakshi arrived as a three old girl. The king then announced the girl as heir to his throne. Later Goddess married Lord Shiva and then ruled the city of Madurai for a long time. After that, both assumed the forms of Goddess Meenakshi and God Sundareswarar, and became the reigning deity at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.

According to legends, Lord Indira who is considered as the Kings of Gods and resides in heaven had discovered the sacred Suyambulingam at Kadamba Vanam. Upon finding lingam of Lord Shiva, he had placed it in Madurai where the temple stands. Devotees can see that this temple has Lord on the Indira’s vehicle, which in a way verifies this legend.