Meenakshi Temple, Madurai Tamil Nadu, India

Introduction

Meenakshi  Temple is a very famous temple of the Goddess Meenakshi. This temple is located in Madurai which is in Tamil Nadu, India. This Meenakshi Temple is very well-known temple all over the world. The prime presiding Goddess in the temple is  Meenakshi.

History

This temple was constructed by Kulasekhara Pandya some centuries ago. It is said that the progress of the temple was done when the Nayaks were ruling that place. This temple was built in between the 16^th and 18^th century which is well-known as Meenakshi Amman Temple presently.

Meenakshi was the princess who ruled Madurai. There was a king named Malayadwaja Pandya  who was childless and many yagnas were also performed  by him and his wife to God for a child. Then a little girl had come from the fire and she was with three breasts. Then the worry of the couple was vanished when they came to know that the third breast would disappear when the consort is met by her. Once in the battle field of Kailas that princess was attracted to Lord Shiva and lost her heart to him. Then itself that breast which was the third one had disappeared  and the wedding of them both happened. Then it was understood clearly that she was none  other than Parvati. Every year this wedding is being done as a grand celebration in this temple.

Construction and Specialities

 There are many special attractions of this temple and the construction is really incredible.

(i) Ashta Shakti Mandapam

We will enter into a mandapam which was built by the wives of Thirumala Nayakar  if we enter the temple from eastern gate.

(ii) Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam

Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam is a mandapam which is situated exactly  next to the Ashta Shakti Mandapam. This Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam has many pillars within for which it is very famous. There is a mythical animal with a body of lion and the head of the elephant which is called as Yaali which is very special , seen in all those 110 pillars in this Mandapam.

(iii) Potramaraukulam

 This Potramaraukulam is also known as the Golden Lotus tank  which is a very noteworthy attraction in the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Devotees used to take a dip  in this tank in the earlier days.

(iv) Oonjal Mandapam

 Oonjal Mandapam is also known as a swing hall which is found on the western side of the tank.  On every Friday  the idols of Meenakshi and Sundareshwar  are made to swing  in this Mandapam as a ritual.

(v) Amman Sannithi

There is a Meenakshi shrine in which Goddess Meenakshi is placed which is exactly adjoined to Oonjal Mandapam.

(vi) Swami Sannithi

There is Mandapam named Kilikoontu on the northern side of which  a shrine of Lord Sundareshwar is placed. There is a large idol of the Lord Sri Ganesh which is known as the Mukkurini Pillaaiyar which is exactly placed between the two shrines of Amman and Swami.

(vii) The thousand Pillar Mandapam

If it is entered into the temple from the eastern side a hall will be seen with one thousand pillars. Presently only 985 pillars are being seen in that hall. In this temple some musical pillars also can be seen.

How to reach and Exact Location

One can reach Madurai through air , road or train from all over india.

After reaching Madurai one can take local buses or hire taxis , auto- rikshaws etc to reach the temple from anywhere in the city.