The temple, tirumala nayak palace, teppakulam tank an earthen embankment reservoir, and a 1,000pillared hall were rebuilt in the vijayanagar period 16th17th century after the total destruction of the city in 10. The meenakshi temple is believed to have been founded by indra king of deva celestial deities. The feet by 950 feet vandiyur maariyamman teppakkulam was built in mid 17 th century by tirumalai nayakar, for the purpose of celebrating meenakshi teppotsavam. Meenakshi sundareswarar temple or meenakshi amman temple or tirualavai is a historic hindu temple located in the south side of river vaigai in the temple city of madurai. The meenakshi temple is dedicated to goddess meenakshi, the consort of lord siva. It claims the distinction of being the largest and the oldest temple in madurai. It is dedicated to lord shiva in the form of sundareswarar or beautiful lord and his consort, goddess parvati in the form of meenakshi. Madurai meenakshi temple architecture meenakshi temple is situated in the heart of the city of madurai. Meenakshi amman temple is one of the most important temples of the country and is situated in madurai, tamil nadu. Aug 05, 2015 the original temple was built by kulasekara pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the nayaks. Vishnu presiding over the marriage of shiva and meenakshi, meenakshi temple, madurai photo. Initially, lord sundareshwara was worshiped as the primary deity. Meenakshi temple is primarily dedicated to parvati, known as meenakshi, and her spouse, shiva. The madurai temple complex in itself is breathtaking, given the fort like walls pierced with lofty towers, surrounding an area of about 640000 square feet.
The temples history is as old as the history of the city itself. The madurai meenakshi temple was made in the early 7 th century. The historic meenakshi amman temple is located on the southern bank of the vaigai river, madurai, tamil nadu. The aadi, chittirai and the maasi, and veli streets surround the temple the towers, or the gopurams for which this temple is known, are visible from a distance. This airport is also connected to the major cities of india that adds to the ease of travelling to this sacred. Madurai meenakshi amman temple history in tamil pdf 21. Meenakshi temple was originally built by kulasekarer pandya. The meenakshi temple is in many ways a microcosm of the earthly and spiritual characteristics of hindu india. Lets get to know about some of the other interesting facts about meenakshi amman temple in madurai. Within the sundareswarar temple complex is a shrine to nataraja the rajata sabha or the velliambalam. Madurai meenakshi temple is one of the epitomes of the dravidian style of architecture. Meenakshi amman temple, madurai, tamil nadu, shilpa shastra. Ancient records show that the madurai meenakshi temple was the center of the city from which the streets arose and spread in all directions.
This famous temple in madurai has an interesting history behind its. E with scholars claiming it to be as old as the city itself. The meenakshi temple stands as the landmark of the city. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about meenakshi temple.
This can also be termed as a new beginning of a new era in the history of the temple, when it was almost rebuilt. The madurai meenakshi amman temple is now under the administration of the hr and ce department of tamil nadu. Apart from its numerous temples, madurai has a rich heritage of village ballads, folk dance, dramas and songs. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500yearold city of madurai. Meenakshi amman temple madurai history, architecture, timings. Vishnu situated 21 km from the city of madurai, the history of madurai meenakshi amman temple. Madurai meenakshi amman temple golden lotus at meenakshi amman temple tank the world renowned meenakshi sundareswarar temple popularly known as the madurai meenakshi temple dedicated to goddess parvathi and her consort shiva called sundareswarar here stands on the banks of the vaigai river in the 2500 year old temple city of madurai. Being the largest temple complex in tamil nadu, there are a lot more other interesting facts about this temple. Madurai meenakshi temple guide timings,significance and. Meenakshi temple meenakshi temple of madurai, meenakshi. The meenakshi temple was designed in 1560 by vishwanatha nayak and built during the reign of tirumalai nayak, but its history goes back 2000 years to the time when madurai was a pandyan capital 7 th10 th. Minakshisundareshvara temple building, madurai, tamil. In madurai, meenakshi amman temple is at the center. Located on the southern banks of river vaigai, the temple houses a blackstone idol of meenakshi amman in its main shrine.
Madurai has its own domestic air port that makes it easy for the devotees to reach to the temple from far off places. As is true for many hindu temples, one can find many small shops throughout the meenakshi temple complex, selling fruits and flowers for offerings, guidebooks. The history of madurai dates back thousands of years almost to 6th century b. The meenakshi amman temple is the heart of the ancient city of madurai in tamil nadu, india. Dedicated to meenakshi, an incarnation of parvati, and her husband sundareshwar an avatar of shiva, the sri meenakshi temple has meenakshi as its central deity instead of shiva, a marked distinction from the usual norm. Do you need to book in advance to visit madurai meenakshi amman temple. Located at the southern bank of vaigai river, the ancient city of madurai in southern india has earned the name of athens of the east. Meenakshi amman temple is a historic hindu temple located on the southern bank of the vaigai river in the temple city of madurai, tamil nadu, india it is dedicated to parvati, known as meenakshi, and her consort, shiva, here named sundareswarar ancient mythology has it that lord shiva came down in the form of sundareswarar to marry meenakshi, anincarnation of. While sorting out the postable pictures, i did not understand where certain pictures were taken though i remember the directions. Contact phone number of sri meenakshi temple, madurai ixigo. A few religious texts that belong to the 1st to 4th century c.
The temple is at the center of the ancient temple city of. Arulmigu meenakshi sundareshwarar thirukkovil worship hours 5. It is dedicated to goddess meenakshi, and sundareswarar history. A religious and mythological symbol dating back 2,500. Built sometime between the year 1623 and 1655, the wonderful architecture of the place is renowned globally. Did you know these interesting facts about the meenakshi. Meenakshi amman temple is a historic tamil hindu temple located on the southern bank of the vaigai river in the temple city, madurai, tamil nadu, india. Meenakshi temple meenakshi amman temple, madurai images.
Madurai meenakshi sundareswarar temple architecture. The story of the figure of meenakshi is also legendary. A beautiful temple with a history humongous yet very clean. It is dedicated to goddess meenakshi, and sundareswarar. Thousands of colorful stone statues blanket the facade of meenakshi amman temple, one of the few religious monuments in india devoted to a female deity. Information about madurai meenakshi amman temple madurai. Interesting facts about meenakshi amman temple just fun facts. Meenakshi amman temple is a significant hindu temple situated on the southern bank of. Nov 25, 2010 the meenakshi temple is one of the most popular and important temples of the hindus. The original temple was built by kulasekara pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the nayaks.
The fire officials say that the fire started at a toy shop. Comics, contemporary, cookbooks, crime, ebooks, fantasy, fiction, graphic novels, historical fiction, history, horror, humor and comedy. The temple is situated in the middle of madurai city in tamil nadu, india. The temple is surrounded by 10 tall gopurams towers, the tallest of which rises to nearly 52 meter above the ground. Enjoy the attractions of this popular tourist spot. In a major fire at madurais meenakshi temple, over 30. Meenakshi amman temple madurai history, architecture. However, in time, the importance shifted to worshiping meenakshi as the primary deity.
The king thirumalai naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple according to records. Madurai meenakshi amman temple simple english wikipedia. The fact that the lord is seen on the vehicle of indra in this temple is said to be proof for this. It is bustling, crowded, and filled with people from all walks of life.
The sangam period poet nakkeerar is associated with some of the tiruvilayaadal episodes of sundareswarar that are enacted as a part of temple festival traditions even today. This ancient city is built around the meenakshi temple which has been the geographical and ritualistic centre of the region since the times of the pandyans. About madurai meenakshi amman temple according to legend, the sacred suyambulingam discovered by the king of gods indira at kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in madurai. This blog gives vivid description about places of interest in tamil nadu to help the the tourists visiting this beautiful and enchanting state. Meenakshi amman temple, or popularly called as madurai meenakshi temple, is a famous religious destination in tamil nadu.
Meenakshi amman temple madurai, india atlas obscura. The temple is dedicated to goddess meenakshi and lord sundareswarer. In common talk, people refer to this temple complex only as meenakshi temple or meenakshi amman temple. It is dedicated to parvati, known as meenakshi, and her consort, shiva, here named sundareswarar. It is dedicated to parvati who is known as meenakshi and her consort, shiva, named here as sundareswarar. Indra, god of heaven who came to the earth to perform penance for lord siva, reached kadamba forest, the present madurai. Meenakshi amman temple, madurai photos, history, timing. Madurai meenakshi temple is the most religious place for the tamil people. The nayaks ruled madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the meenakshi sundareswarar temple. History of meenakshi temple, tamil nadu, can be traced back to the indian mythology. It was a key commercial center for the pandya dynasty that ruled the place. Brief history of madurai fortune pandiyan hotel madurai. Mar 04, 2018 this feature is not available right now.
The temple is square shaped and a series of concentric streets with names from tamil months surround the structure. Madurai meenakshi temple history, timings, golu, dress code. According to legend, the sacred suyambulingam discovered by the king of gods indira at kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in madurai. As is true for many hindu temples, one can find many small shops throughout the meenakshi temple complex, selling fruits and flowers for offerings, guidebooks, small votive sculptures, jewelry, commemorative tshirts, and other souvenirs. Meenakshi amman temple madurai meenakshi temple timings and. This sacred temple is celebrated for being the abode of goddess parvati how to reach. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2,500yearold city. Other articles where minakshisundareshvara temple is discussed. Meenakshi temple also referred to as meenakshi amman or meenakshisundareshwara temple, is a historic hindu temple located on the southern bank of the vaigai river in the temple city of madurai, tamil nadu, india. Madurai meenakshi amman temple maa durga wallpaper. Meenakshi temple is one of the largest temple complexes in tamil nadu. Meenakshis shrine is located to the southwest of sundareswarars shrine.
A threestoried gopuram stands at the entrance of the shrine and on the outer sanctum, the golden flagstaff, thirumalai nayakar mandapam, brass images of dwarapalakas, and shrines of vinayaka can be seen. Meenakshi amman temple, also known as minakshisundareshwara temple, is one of the oldest and most important temples in india. It is believed that the temple was founded by the king of celestial deities, indra, during the time of his pilgrimage which he undertook to atone for his misdeeds. Meenakshi sundareswarar temple renovation committee 81. The 10 best hotels near meenakshi temple in madurai, india. One of the most spectacular temple complexes of india, sri meenakshi temple in madurai is a wonderful mix of legends, myths, and some brilliant architectural techniques. The meenakshi temple was designed in 1560 by vishwanatha nayak and built during the reign of tirumalai nayak, but its history goes back 2000 years to the time when madurai was a pandyan capital 7 th10 th centuries. A religious and mythological symbol dating back 2,500 years, the temples 14 towers are each covered. While he was on a pilgrimage to atone for his misdeeds. The fact that the lord is seen on the vehicle of indira in this temple is said to be proof for this.
Meenakshi temple also referred to as meenakshi amman or meenakshi sundareshwara temple, is a historic hindu temple located on the southern bank of the vaigai river in the temple city of madurai, tamil nadu, india. Meenakshi amman temple temple in india thousand wonders. In a major fire at madurais meenakshi temple, over 30 shops. Madurai meenakshi temple guide timings,significance and history. The temple has four rajagopurams, there are five towers on top of the sanctum. Meenakshi amman temple, madurai, according to legend, the sacred suyambulingam discovered by the king of gods indra at kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in madurai. A 5 tiered gopuram adorns the western entrance to the amman temple complex. The meenakshi temple at madurai article khan academy. Madurai meenakshi temple is located on the banks of the legendary river vaigai in tamil nadu. On a daily basis, thousands of pilgrims pay visit to the temple. It describes a pandya king, malayadhvaja, who hoped for a son and heir.
Thirugnanasambandar, the famous hindu saint mentions this temple as early as the 7 th century. It is said that kulashekarar pandyan, a king who ruled over the pandyan dynasty, built the temple as per the instructions given in his dream by lord shiva. With so much to lure your senses and offer you recreation at its best, get drenched in the spirit of adventure that you get to explore at sri meenakshi temple, madurai. Madurai meenakshi temples history is as old as the history of the city itself. In the temple rituals, meenakashi is given precedence. The temple which has five entrances covers an area 847 feet 254. Interesting facts about meenakshi amman temple in madurai. Ancient sculptures and paintings at famous sri meenakshi. The temple structure with its concentric squares and high walled enclosures is a lesson for students of architecture.
Meenakshi temple, is a historic hindu temple located on the southern bank of the vaigai river. Meenakshi amman temple history tamil madan gowri mg. Madurai meenakshi temple is situated in madurai district of tamil nadu, india. Many historical evidences of the temple have been found dating back from. Contact phone number of sri meenakshi temple, madurai. Meenakshi sundareswarar temple or meenakshi amman temple is located in the holy city of madurai, tamil nadu, india.
The presiding deity of the temple is goddess meenakshi goddess parvati and her consort lord sundareshwara lord shiva. Dec 27, 2015 meenakshi amman temple history the history of madurai dates back thousands of years almost to 6th century b. The history of meenakshi temple dates back to the 1st century c. The meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest of its kind in india and undoubtedly one of the oldest. A major fire broke out at tamil nadus madurai meenakshi amman temple complex last night. Meenakshi amman temple is a historic hindu temple located in the southern bank of river vaigai in the temple city of madurai, tamil nadu, india. Indra, god of heaven who came to the earth to perform penance for lord. Madurai meenakshi amman temple part 2 eternal words.
The eastern entrance to shrine houses a th century gopuram. As he reached near the swayambu lingam of madurai, which is referred to the self formed lingam and is a representation of lord. Meenakshi amman temple is located centrally in madurai and the lotusshaped city surrounds it completely. The temple is in the center of 2,500yearold city of madurai and is a significant symbol for the tamil people. Madurai meenakshi temple is considered as the city center of the 2500yearold ancient city. Photo by prabhu b doss major tourist attractions the meenakshi amman temple has four gates in four directions and its compound stretches over an area of 45 acres.
The meenakshi temple is one of the most popular and important temples of the hindus. The historic madurai meenakshi amman temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of madurai. Featuring free wifi and a terrace, madurai kolam offers accommodations in madurai. If tamil nadu is the seat of south indian temple architecture, the madurai meenakshi amman temple is its crowning glory. The meenakshi amman temple is located in center of madurai city. Meenakshi amman temple madurai meenakshi temple timings. It has long been the focus of both indian and international tourist attraction as well as one of the most important places of hindu pilgrimage. This ancient hindu temple is covered in thousands of colorful statues and has a long mythological history. Apart from its numerous temples, madurai has a rich heritage of. Madurai meenakshi amman temple is a ancient historic hindu temple on the southern bank of the vaigai river in the temple city of madurai, tamil nadu, india. Pre christian sangam literature originated in madurai. It is dedicated to meenakshi, a form of parvati, and her consort, sundareshwar, a form of shiva. Apr 23, 2018 meenakshi amman temple, or popularly called as madurai meenakshi temple, is a famous religious destination in tamil nadu. The original temple is believed to have been built by kulasekara pandya, who received a boon from goddess parvati in the form of his daughter, meenakshi.