Meenakshi Amman Temple
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple is located in
the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (in
the form of Sundareswarar or Beautiful Lord) and his consort, Goddess Parvati
(in the form of Meenakshi). The present temple standing today was built in the
17th century A.D. by the Nayak rulers. Basically the main temple has two
temples, one of Lord Shiva and another of Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi).
History
The exact time of temple's origin is not confirmed but
the structures that are standing today date mostly from the 12th to the 18th
century. The present temple standing today was built in the 17th century A.D.
by th Nayak rulers. The temple is superb example of sculpture and magnificent
architecture.
The Meenakshi temple
has majestic stonewalls and towers rising out of the swarming streets of the
city center. The image of Goddess Meenakshi is said to be carved out of a
single emerald. This exotic temple was renovated by various kings, adding
coiled corridors and larger-than-life sculptures. According to the legend of
this temple the marriage of the goddess Meenakshi to Shiva actually took place
in Madurai and is still celebrated every summer with great enthusiasm and
gaiety.
Architecture
The complex houses
14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities
that are elaborately sculptured and painted.
The Meenakshi temple
complex at Madurai is a city temple. It has eminent and exquisitely carved
towers enveloping the temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakashi in Madurai.
Considered as the south gateway, the Meenakshi temple consists of the twin
temples of God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, each one as high as about nine
storeys.
