Raja Kopuram,the Main Temple Tower
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi). The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai.
This temple has a stunning architecture and a significant testimony for dravidians for their master architecture in sculpting this temple. The Temple has two complexes one for Sundareswarar and another for Meenakshi. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted. Rajakopuram , the temle tower is the 51.9 metres (170 ft) tall.
According to Hindu legend, Shiva came down to earth in the form of Sundareswarar to marry Meenakshi, an incarnation of [Parvati]. Parvati had earlier descended to earth in the form of a small child in response to the great penance of Malayadwaja Pandya, the ruler of Madurai. After growing up to adulthood, she began ruling the city. The Lord appeared on earth and proposed to her. The marriage was supposed to be the biggest event on earth, with the whole earth gathering near Madurai.
The divine marriage where brother Vishnu hands his sister Parvati to Shiva (from left, Vishnu, Meenakshi, Shiva)
The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature. Madurai Meenkahi and Sundareswarer are living deities of Tamil people and will be for ever. A visit to this temple recharges you with power to work more efficiently and enthusiastically. Meenakshi hears all your inner demands and fulfills it through Sundareswarer.
Om Shri Meenakshi Sundareswarya Namaha !
Travel Information:
Madurai is well connected with Air, Road and Train roots. There are good star hotels here in this city. In a hour or two travel you may reach Cettinad where there are well maintained several heritage hotels.
2 comments:
Amazing. Thanks for the pictures and information. Next year I am planning to visit Madurai and Chettinad. Keap Posting the information about the temples.
Wow ! Great posting dear. I feel like I have visited Madurai Meenakshi temple and Chettinad. Nice information.
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