MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Sundareshwarar, the ‘Meenakshi Amman Temple’ is one of the most ancient and famous temples not only in Tamil Nadu but, in entire India. According to historical and archaeological records, the temple was originally built around 6th century AD and the major portion of it was damaged in 14th century by the Muslim invaders in India. The present structure of the temple dates back to 16th century when it was again restored to its pristine glory by the Nayak rulers.

The temple is a masterpiece of the Dravidian architecture. The richly sculptured and decorated ‘Gopurams’ of the temple are its major highlight that can be seen from even a far-off distance. Adorned with thousands of figures of gods, goddesses and demons, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is no less than an architectural marvel. Besides gopurams, intricately carved figures and scenes depicted from Indian mythology in the halls add to the artistic charm of the temple. Scenes of ocean of milk being churned by devas and asuras, nine heads Ravana playing veena, Rishi Markandya hugging Shivlingam and wedding ceremony of Sundareshwarar & Meenakshi; are few of the sculptures worth noticing when you are inside the temple premises.

   The temple’s thousand pillared hall is again an engineering marvel with each pillar built of a single granite rock producing a different musical note when tapped. The temple today, sees a footfall of thousands of devotees and tourists every day that raises to around 1 million during the annual Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival celebrated in the months of April-May.