Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundaraswarar Temple a.k.a Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Thirukkovil is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, a form of Shakti, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva.
Meenakshi emerged out of a ‘Yajna’ (sacred fire) as a three-year-old girl. The ‘Yajna’ was performed by a king named Malayadwaja Pandya along with his wife Kanchanamalai. Since the royal couple had no child, the King offered his prayers to Lord Shiva, requesting him to grant them a son.
But to their dismay, a triple-breasted girl emerged from the sacred fire. When Malayadwaja and his wife expressed their concern over the girl’s abnormal appearance, a divine voice ordered them not to fret over the girl’s physical appearance. They were also informed that the girl’s third breast will disappear as soon as she meets her future husband.
The relieved King named her Meenakshi and in due course crowned her as his successor. Meenakshi ruled over the ancient city of Madurai and also went on to capture the neighboring kingdoms. When Shiva appeared before her, Meenakshi’s third breast disappeared and she knew that she had met her better half.
Shiva and Meenakshi returned to Madurai where their wedding took place. It is said that the wedding was attended by all the gods and goddesses. Since Parvati herself had assumed the form of Meenakshi, Lord Vishnu, Parvati’s brother, handed her over to Lord Shiva.
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. Even today, the wedding ceremony is celebrated every year as ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’ which is also known as ‘Tirukalyanam’ (the grand wedding).
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. The temple occupies a huge area in the heart of Madurai as it spreads over 14 acres. 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.
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. The temple is enclosed with huge walls, which were also built in response to the invasions.
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. When the Vijayanagar Empire took over Madurai after defeating the Muslim Sultanate, the temple was rebuilt and reopened.
I have been there. It's huge temple complex with many similar lobbies and 8 identical gates. I initially lost my way back to gate where I had put off my shoes before entering temple. My advise to visitors: have enough time to see the temple it's huge with many things to see; and always ask & remember the name of the gate from where you are entering.
Meenakshi emerged out of a ‘Yajna’ (sacred fire) as a three-year-old girl. The ‘Yajna’ was performed by a king named Malayadwaja Pandya along with his wife Kanchanamalai. Since the royal couple had no child, the King offered his prayers to Lord Shiva, requesting him to grant them a son.
But to their dismay, a triple-breasted girl emerged from the sacred fire. When Malayadwaja and his wife expressed their concern over the girl’s abnormal appearance, a divine voice ordered them not to fret over the girl’s physical appearance. They were also informed that the girl’s third breast will disappear as soon as she meets her future husband.
The relieved King named her Meenakshi and in due course crowned her as his successor. Meenakshi ruled over the ancient city of Madurai and also went on to capture the neighboring kingdoms. When Shiva appeared before her, Meenakshi’s third breast disappeared and she knew that she had met her better half.
Shiva and Meenakshi returned to Madurai where their wedding took place. It is said that the wedding was attended by all the gods and goddesses. Since Parvati herself had assumed the form of Meenakshi, Lord Vishnu, Parvati’s brother, handed her over to Lord Shiva.
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. Even today, the wedding ceremony is celebrated every year as ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’ which is also known as ‘Tirukalyanam’ (the grand wedding).
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. The temple occupies a huge area in the heart of Madurai as it spreads over 14 acres. 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.
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. The temple is enclosed with huge walls, which were also built in response to the invasions.
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. When the Vijayanagar Empire took over Madurai after defeating the Muslim Sultanate, the temple was rebuilt and reopened.
I have been there. It's huge temple complex with many similar lobbies and 8 identical gates. I initially lost my way back to gate where I had put off my shoes before entering temple. My advise to visitors: have enough time to see the temple it's huge with many things to see; and always ask & remember the name of the gate from where you are entering.
FloorGenAdm · 51-55, M
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GohantheThird · M
@GohantheThird eyyyyy gohan
@Quimliqer detail crazy cool :)
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AngelKrish · 26-30, M
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AngelKrish · 26-30, M
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Jlhzfromep · M
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Mamapolo2016 · F
@Mamapolo2016 craaazzyyy with the limited resources they had in BC they still have better architecture than 2023 hahaha
vetguy1991 · 51-55, M
Impressive
Jexie · 26-30, F
Seems like I've gone to another planet