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Introduction of Meenakshi Temple |
Situated in Madurai, one of the oldest city of Tamil Nadu (India), the Meenakshi temple is the city's main attraction. A perfect example of Dravidian architecture. No text can do justice to the Meenakshi temple. The gigantic temple complex, the statues exploring the entire range of human emotions, everything here is larger than life. The Meenakshi temple complex is a city temple - one of the largest and certainly one of the most ancient. According to legend Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place. The soaring and exquisitely carved towers enclose the temple dedicated to Meenakashi. The south gateway contains the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi and is about nine storeys high. |
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History of Meenakshi Temple |
The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara temple and Madurai city originated together. According to tradition, Indra once committed sin when he killed a demon, who was then performing penance. He could find no relief from remorse in his own kingdom. He came down to earth. While passing through a forest of Kadamba trees in Pandya land, he felt relieved of his burden. His servitors told him that there was a Shivalinga under a Kadamba tree and beside a lake. Certain that it was the Linga that had helped him; he worshipped it and built a small temple around it. It is believed that it is this Linga, which is till under worship in the Madurai temple. The shrine is called the "Indra Vimana".
Once Dhananjaya, a merchant of Manavur, where the Pandyas had arrived after the second deluge in Kumari Kandam, having been overtaken by nightfall in Kadamba forest, spent the night in the Indra Vimana. When next morning he woke up, he was surprised to see signs of worship. Thinking that it must be the work of the Devas, he told the Pandya, Kulasekhara, in Manavur, of this. Meanwhile Lord Shiva had instructed Pandya in a dream to build a temple and a city at the spot Dhananjaya would indicate. Kulasekhara did so. Thus originated the temple and city. |
About Meenakshi Temple |
The Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple has grand Gopurams which tower over the city, at the heart of which they stand. The temple complex spreads over 6 hectares in the city and is flooded with tourists from all over, almost everyday. The towers have minute and delicate carvings of the gods and goddesses, mythological figures and running depictions of legendary tales. The majestic southern gopuram has over 1500 sculptures! This temple is dedicated to Shiva and Meenakshi, an incarnation of his wife Parvati, who was born to a childless ruler after many a prayer. The Temple Museum is at the 'thousand pillared hall' where each of the 985 pillars is carved in great detail. |
How to reach Meenakshi Temple |
Air:- Madurai is connected by air with Mumbai and Chennai. Madurai airport is 10-km away from the city. |
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Rail:-Madurai has direct rail connections to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kollam, Chennai, Rameshwaram, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Tirupathi and Tuticorin.
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Road:-There are excellent roads connecting Madurai to all parts of South India. Madurai city has 5 Major Bus Stands- Periyar Bus Stand, Anna Bus Stand, Palanganatham Bus Stand, Arapalayam Bus Stand, Mattuthavani Bus Stand. From Madurai town buses, suburban buses, taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available to reach the temple. |
Best time to visit Meenakshi Temple |
November to March |
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We would request you to kindly fill below given reservation request form to know your requirements for
your forthcoming trip with us!!! |
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