DN Darshan: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu

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Tamil Nadu/ 30 Jan 2016.  Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple, dedicated to goddess Parvati known as Meenakshi and her consort; Shiva (here named Sundareswarar).The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since ancient times in Tamil literature. The temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. 

The annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, celebrated during April and May, attracts 1 million visitors. There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple and it was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". The temple is the most prominent landmark and most visited tourist attraction in the city. 

Architecture

The present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. The temple complex is divided into a number of concentric quadrangular enclosures contained by high stonework walls. The complex is in around 45 acres. The temple has four entrances facing four directions. It houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45–50m in height. The tallest is the southern tower that is 51.9m high. The Meenakshi shrine has the emerald-hued black stone image of Meenakshi while the Sundareswarar shrine lies at the center of the complex. Both the Meenakshi and Sundareswarar shrines have gold plated Vimanas (tower over sanctum).

Halls of Thousands Pillars

The Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam has two rows of pillars carved with images of yali (mythological beast with body of lion and head of an elephant), commonly used as the symbol of Nayak power. The Thousand Pillar Hall contains 985 (instead of 1000) carved pillars. The hall was built by Ariyanatha Mudaliar in 1569 and blends engineering skill and artistic vision.

History

According to legend, the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods Indira at Kadambavanam, was later preserved by him in Madurai. The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Indira in this temple is said to be proof for this.

Many historical evidences of the temple have been found dating back from early A.D. The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310 following the invasion of the Islamic conqueror Malikkapur. As kings who were followers of Islam were noted for their intolerance towards other religions, the invaders destroyed most of the ancient sculptures of the temple.

The temple was restored to its pristine glory in the late 14th century when the Hindu Kings came back to power in Madurai. The King Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple according to records.

 
The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is now under the administration of the HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu.

Legend

According to mythical lores, the presiding deity of the temple goddess Meenakshi was born of the holy yagna flames, organized by King Malaydvaja to please the Supreme Being and bless him with a son. The king was surprised to see a girl emerge out of the holy flames who despite being utterly beautiful in every other respect had three breasts, the unwanted one supposed to disappear when Meenakshi were to meet her future husband. Years later when Meenakshi set about on a campaign to conquer the world she was defeated by Lord Shiva's army near Mount Kailash. The age old prediction was fulfilled when Meenakshi lost her unwanted breast on coming across Lord Shiva. Shiva and Meenakshi then travelled to Madurai and got married. The pair ruled over Madurai for a long time and then assumed divine forms as Sundareswarar and Meenakshi, the presiding deities of the temple.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport to Meenakshi Temple is Madurai airport, Madurai which is 10 km away from Sri Meenakshi Temple.

By Train

Madurai is an important railway junction with nearly all the trains on the southern railway route halting here. Regular trains are available to and from nearby cities such as Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kollam, Madras, Rameshwaram, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Tirupathi and Tuticorin. 

By Road

Two national highways, NH 7 and NH 45 pass through the city connecting it to the rest of South India. State transport buses plying from 5 bus stations spread across the city connect it to all the major neighboring cities.