Meenakshi Amman Temple

Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, is one of the oldest and most important temples in India. Located in the city of Madurai, the temple has a great mythological and historical significance. It is believed that Lord Shiva assumed the form of Sundareswarar (the handsome one) and married Parvati (Meenakshi) at the site where the temple is currently located. Renowned for its astonishing architecture, Meenakshi Temple was nominated as one of the wonders of the world, but couldn’t make it into the list of ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. However, the temple is definitely one of the ‘Wonders of India’. It is also one of the main attractions of South India with thousands of devotees thronging it every day. During the ‘Tirukalyanam Festival,’ which takes place over a period of 10 days, the temple attracts more than a million devotees. Despite many people visiting it every day, the temple is well-maintained and was named the ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’ (cleanest iconic place) in India.

History
The history of Meenakshi Temple dates back to the 1st century C.E with scholars claiming it to be as old as the city itself. It is said that Kulashekarar Pandyan, a king who ruled over the Pandyan dynasty, built the temple as per the instructions given in his dream by Lord Shiva. A few religious texts that belong to the 1st to 4th century C.E talk about the temple and describe it as the central structure of the city. Texts dating back to the early 6th century, describe the temple as a place where scholars met to discuss important topics. The temple as it stands today, however, was rebuilt throughout the 16th century as it was destroyed by the Muslim invaders.

During the 14th century C.E, Malik Kafur, a commander of Delhi Sultanate, led his army into most parts of southern India and looted many temples including the famed Meenakshi Temple. Valuables, such as gold, silver and precious gems were taken to Delhi. Since temples in those days had abundance of valuables, most of the temples were destroyed and were left in ruins. When the Vijayanagar Empire took over Madurai after defeating the Muslim Sultanate, the temple was rebuilt and reopened. The temple was further expanded during the late 16th century and early 17th century by Vishwanatha Nayakar, a king of the Nayaka dynasty. According to researchers, while rebuilding the temple, the rulers of Nayaka dynasty followed the architectural style of ‘Silpa Shastras.’ ‘Silpa Shastras’ are a set of architectural laws found in the ancient texts.

The temple was once again expanded by Thirumalai Nayak who ruled over Madurai from 1623 to 1655. During his reign, many ‘Mandapams’ (pillared halls) were built. The temple was then expanded by many later Nayaka rulers before the advent of the British East India Company. The temple was once again degraded and parts of it were destroyed during the British Rule. In 1959, the restoration work was started by Tamil Hindus by collecting donations and by collaborating with historians and engineers. The temple was completely restored in 1995.

Architecture of Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple, Madurai
This temple has received architectural contributions from each changing dynasty. Madurai Meenakshi temple is built over an area of a vast area, with five different entrances. This temple has fourteen majestic towers. Four of these massive towers known as Rajagopurams are nine tier, while there is one seven tier gopuram as well. There are five numbers of five tier gopurams. Along with these, there are two three tier gopurams and two golden gopurams. All the gopurams display a fine sculpting with intricate carvings on them, adding on to the grandeur of the Meenakshi temple.

Ashta Shakti Mandapam is one of the most captivating parts of the temple. This mandapam hall is said to be built by the wives of Thirumalai Nayakar and used for the purpose of serving food to the devotees. The walls and pillars of themandapam are carved with stories from the lives of Lord Shiva and various stages of Goddess Meenakshi’s life. Golden Lotus Tank of the temple is said to be the place where a golden lotus blossomed for the puja which was performed by Lord Indira.

This temple has a museum as well. The majestic thousand pillar hall of the temple has been serving as a museum since 1966. It houses a great collection of artistic and cultural importance. It is a place which is worth spending your time, admiring the beauty and exquisiteness of work excellence, that have been displayed here. Some of the items displayed at this imposing hall of thousand pillars are various rare photographs, antique idols made up of five metals, antique coins, carved tusks, antique items related to Shaiva and Vaishnava religion, etc.

It also has various paintings which were damaged with time, but now have been renovated with the help of various natural dyes. These gripping paintings at the temple belong to the period of Naick reign, depicting various miracles of Lord Shiva. There are also paintings on the northern wall of the temple which face Pottamarai kulam of tank of the golden lotus. There are also paintings on the songs by Nakkeerar, Panchaga sabhas of Tamil Nadu, representation of Earth and heaven, etc. Another striking feature of Meenakshi Temple is the stone inscriptions. These stone inscriptions can be seen on the walls to the shrines of Sundareswarar and Meenakshi Amma shrine. These inscriptions have details about performing prayers, rituals, religious history as well as social history of ancient times.

How to Reach?
By Air: The Madurai Airport is 11 kms away from the temple. There are a lot of direct and connected flights connecting Madurai to all major cities in India. After getting down at the airport grab a taxi or for those who prefer public transport may board in a Tamil Nadu Government transport bus to reach the Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
By Rail: Madurai Railway Station is connected by rail to all the major cities in India and the rail transport is the cheapest and easiest way to reach Madurai.
By Road: Mattuthavani Bus Stand is the major bus stand at Madurai where the interstate buses are available. There are frequent buses from all the cities in South India which connects Madurai.