Have you ever been to Meenakshi Temple in Madurai? If not! you should.
Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is undoubtedly one of the most well-known attractions in South India. Or you can say this masterpiece is a cultural haven on the earth. This ancient Hindu temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, in Tamil Nadu.
Meenakshi Amman temple is not just a sacred place, where devotees take blessings. This spot is a tribute to divine beauty and creativity which left you amazed.
Popularly known as ‘Mathura of the South’, Meenakshi Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Minakshi. Over the past few decades, this sacred place has evolved into a major tourist destination.
Are you still not sure why Meenakshi Temple in Madurai should be on your vacation plan? Don’t worry, we have got you covered here. This guide is all about the history, important facts, and amazing architecture of this place!
History of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai
Talking about the history of Meenakshi Temple opens up like a text from the ancient time. According to several researchers, the temple is believed to built in the first century C.E. This makes it as old as Chennai (Tamil Nadu’s capital) itself.
Kulashekarar Pandyan, the renowned ruler of the Pandyan dynasty, constructed this temple. What mythologists say is that he built the temple under the divine guidance of Lord Shiva, who appeared to him in his vision.
Stepping forward to the 4th and 5th centuries C.E., the Meenakshi Temple was recognized by religious text as the main building in the city. But, unfortunately, time had taken a toll. The temple was nearly destroyed by Muslim invaders in the 16th century. However, it was later restored and rebuilt and stands as the symbol of faith and dedication.
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Magnificent Architecture of the Meenakshi Temple
When you walk in, prepare yourself to be amazed by the architecture of the temple. There’s no doubt, you’ll feel the spiritual vibe and calmness of this sacred place. But, when we talk about architecture,
- The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai has four Raja gopurams, two gold gopurams, one Chithirai gopuram, five five-story gopurams, and two three-story gopurams.
- Wait, there’s still more! The temple has a hall with a thousand pillars and a holy lake with a golden lotus for religious baths.
- There, you can find, a wedding hall for couples wishing to exchange vows in a divine surrounding. Small shrines, beautiful gardens, and even there are stalls for elephants.
- After these, it makes sense why this temple was named India’s “Best Swachh Iconic Place in 2017.
All in all, this Hindu haven’s impressive architecture will surely leave you in awe.
Note: Don’t worry if the word “gopuram” makes you scratch your head. It simply means “Entrance Towers”, or doors that will give you the impression. You can say, this is the entry gate for another world.
Important Facts About Meenakshi Temple
Let’s discuss the important facts about Meenakshi Temple. When you walk through the gates of this sacred place, let these below points guide you:
1. Lord Indra Constructed this Temple
According to mythologists, the temple is believed to be made by Lord Indra, the king of deities. Everyone can witness the Shilpa Shastra literature and sculptures in the temple.
2. Sculptures and Scriptures
The Meenakshi Temple has fourteen entrances with two golden sculptures. Among the two statues, the biggest one is 170 feet tall. Additionally, you can find over 33,000 scriptures there. At the time this article is being written, approximately twenty thousand people visit per day to worship Sunderashwar and Meenakshi.
3. The Hall of Thousands Pillar
Another important fact about Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is its outstanding piece of architecture. There is the Thousands Pillar Hall, which is a one-of-a-kind granite structure. This mandapam is a sacred space for both weddings and artistic masterpieces. The annual revenue of the Meenakshi Temple is estimated to be around a staggering $60 million in 2024.
4. Rebirth By Vishwanath Nayak
About 2500 years ago, the Meenakshi Temple faced the wrath of time and was demolished for unknown reasons. However, it was restructured by Vishwanath Nayak during the Pandyan Empire’s rule. After that, the popularity of this place goes above imagination and is one of the go-to places for many devotees.
5. The Idol of Goddess Meenakshi
There is no doubt, the Idol of Goddess Meenakshi is a sight to behold. Why so, what’s special about this? The idol is sculpted with a beautiful greenish stone. All in all, it is a symbol of beauty, divinity, peace, power, and a hint of mythology with her three breasts. There is a curse that says, the third breast would vanish if she found the right man.
Now, it’s time to wrap up this guide on Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. This place is a living example of India’s spirituality and rich cultural heritage. So, pack your bags, get the best tour package, and let your soul feel this heavenly ambiance.
And, yeah don’t forget to leave your cameras at home.
