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Madurai has a very old tradition. Only a few other
cities in the world can claim such a rich tradition as Madurai. The
Pandya Kings, Chola Kings and the Muslim rulers ruled this beautiful
city before the Madurai Nayak dyna sty became the supreme masters of Madurai. Situated on the banks of Vaigai river, Madurai is 472 km
from Chennai.
Synonymous with Madurai is the Madurai Meenakshi Temple whose
towering Gopurams rise high above the surrounding countryside of
lush rice fields and coconut groves. Dedicated to Goddess Parvathi
and Lord Siva, this is
perhaps the grandest temple in the entire south. Madurai Meenakshi
Temple is one of the holiest Pilgrimage site in India.
Madurai Meenakshi temple which had only a modest structure intially,
was extended by Thriumalai Nayak, the famous ruler of Nayak dynasty.
In a span of 100 years, the temple grew to its present size and
shape, occupying an area of 240 to 260 meters. there are four lofty Gopurams reprenting 4 directions all profusely carved, and restored
to their original colours recently, appear as though the entire clan
of Gods and Goddesses is cruising between heaven and earth below in
a state of suspended animation. The 48.8 meters southern tower is
the tallest.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Photo Gallery
There is a seperate shrine of Swami Sundereswarar - consort of
Goddess Meenakshi. The legend is that the King of Gods Indran found
a Suyambulingam at Kadambavanam and he later enshrined the Lingam at
Madurai. The sacred tank inside the temple called the Golden Lotus
tank is held in greater veneration. Life in the entire city is
oriented towards the temple and the deity. The outer corrider of
this temple has the unique music pillars, which emit a different
note when struck. The striking sculpture of the temple is th at of
the divine marriage of Goddess Meenakshi with Sundereswarar, with
Lord Vishnu giving away the bride.
The most important feature of this temple is the hall of 1000
pillars with remarkable sculptures and a museum of icons,
photographs and illustrations. The temple is kept open from 5 AM to
12.30 PM and 4 PM to 9.30 PM.
The Puthu Mandapam built by Thirumalai Nayak stands between the
eastern tower and Raya Gopuram (which is unfinished). The Mariamman
tank on the eastern side of the city is as almost as big as the
temple and the float festival during Jan / Feb each year, attracts a
lot of devotees.
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