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Meenakshi Madurai Temple, is a place worth seeing by every art lover. This architectural masterpiece is a finest example of Dravidian style of architecture. The most important part of Madurai tour, this temple was built during the Pandya reign and is now under the administration of HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva, this temple is located in the heart of Madurai city. Madurai city in the shape of lotus surrounds the temple. Meenakshi temple is considered to one of the oldest and the largest temples of India. Majestic architecture, intricate carvings, beautiful paintings, exquisite sculptures and an ancient history associated to it makes this temple one of the most visited tourist destination of South India.
Although it is always an ideal time to visit and seek divine blessings at this temple, visiting during a festival lead to a enriching experience. Avanimoola festival, Masi Mandala festival, Chitra festival, Navarathri cultural festival and Float festival are some of the popular festivals that are celebrated with great fervour here. Thousands of devotees visit the temple during this time.
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.
South India unique are their grand structure, done beautifully in Vijaya Nagara and Dravidian styles. Like literally, you’ll find no compromised work of art anywhere in South India especially when it comes to the Hindu temples where a plethora of devotees throng from the world over. Each shrine in South India, irrespective of its location displays fine artwork not only in the interiors but also outside on the Gopurams (spire). For instance, the exquisite decor of the popular Sabarimala Sastha Temple in Sabarimala simply takes one’s breath away and how can we miss out on the colourful facade of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, which is simply divine! The richness of South India temples does not limit to just the architecture but belief as well where millions of devotees gather to pay respect to holy figures. You can expect to witness the interesting rituals like hair offering or tonsuring to Lord Venkateswara. We can surely say that, there are no shortage of temples to tour in the South Indian states and to keep your pilgrimage holiday even better, we have compiled a list of must visit temples in South India.
