6 Interesting Facts To Know About Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

Known as the largest temple complex in Tamil Nadu, the Meenakshi Amman Temple ranks among the top pilgrimage destinations in the region and is one of the most renowned temples in South India. Also referred to as the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, it is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva and was nominated as one of the top 30 candidates for the New Seven Wonders of the World. Situated along the banks of the Vaigai River, this magnificent temple is celebrated for its architectural grandeur as well as its historical and religious significance, attracting thousands of visitors year-round as part of Madurai tour packages. If you're planning to visit, here are some fascinating facts about the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.

# 33,000 Sculptures

The Meenakshi Temple is a major site for Tamil Hindus who come to worship Sundareswarar and Meenakshi as part of Tamil Nadu tour packages. One of the temple’s most remarkable features is its approximately 33,000 sculptures. Among these, the temple is particularly famous for the grand sculpture of Nataraja set on a silver altar. This architectural marvel includes over 14 gateway towers, known as Gopurams, and two intricately designed golden Vimanas.

# Built by Indra Deva

The Meenakshi Temple serves as the heart of Madurai. According to Hindu texts, it was Indra who constructed a shrine for the lingam he was carrying to atone for his sins, marking the location of the current temple in Madurai, which is among the top places to visit near Chennai. Originally built by Kulashekara Pandya, it was later reconstructed by the first Nayak king of Madurai, Viswanatha Nayak (1559-1600), and significantly expanded during Thirumalai Nayak's reign from 1623 to 1655 CE. The temple has undergone numerous renovations, with complete restorations occurring every 12 years.

# Built According to Shilpa Shastra

Constructed in accordance with Shilpa Shastra, the temple is one of South India's most impressive structures. Covering an area of 15 acres, the temple complex is organized into several concentric quadrangular enclosures with four entrances aligned to the cardinal directions. It boasts 14 gopurams, the tallest of which reaches 52 meters. These towers are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various mythological tales and figures. At the core of the temple are two sanctums dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, surrounded by numerous smaller shrines and grand pillared halls, including a golden lotus tank believed to have been created by Lord Shiva.

# Hall of Thousand Pillars

The Hall of Thousand Pillars is a stunning architectural feature, reportedly carved from a single rock. Constructed in 1569 by Ariyanatha Mudaliar, the prime minister and general of Viswanatha Nayak, this hall, also known as Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, is the largest in the temple and features grand statues of Nataraja and Sivakami at its center. Each pillar serves as a testament to Dravidian sculpture, showcasing intricate carvings of figures such as Rati (Kama's wife), Ganesha, Karthikeya, and numerous mythical lions known as yalis, along with depictions of Shiva as a wandering ascetic.

# The Idol of Meenakshi

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of Madurai's most famous shrines dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati. The idol of Meenakshi features three breasts, symbolizing her birth condition, with the third breast vanishing upon meeting her destined partner. Carved from emerald-hued stone, the idol's large, striking eyes are captivating and true to the name Meenakshi, which means "fish-eyed."

# Meenakshi Tirukalyanam Festival

The Meenakshi Kalyanam, the wedding festival of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara, is among the most celebrated events in Madurai and a key highlight in Tamil Nadu's festival calendar. According to legend, Lord Shiva visited Madurai to marry Meenakshi, and this tradition has persisted. Known as the Chithirai Festival, this twelve-day event begins on the second day of the lunar month, featuring royal decorations, traditional music, and enactments of mythological scenes. The deities of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi are paraded through Madurai in colorful processions like the ‘Pushpa Pallakku’ and ‘Yaanai Vahanam,’ drawing thousands of devotees from around the world as part of Madurai tours from Chennai.

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