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The Temple of South India: Meenakshi Temple of Madurai
Published by Devender Kundaliya, Writer
Country: India 
The Experience
Every visit to South India is like travelling to the era of ancient kingdoms. South India is the region where you can see beautiful temples, grand palaces, natural wonders, and much more. Viewing imposing, magnificent temples of South India is always a unique experience, and Meenakshi Temple of Madurai is one to be admired.
Meenakshi Temple lies in Madurai, one of the most ancient cities of Tamil Nadu. Also known as “the city of nectar,” Madurai is situated near the bank of the River Vaigai. Meenakshi Temple is the most famous and important landmark of the Madurai, and is dedicated to Meenakshi: the consort of Lord Shiva. According to mythological stories, this is the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi were married to each other. Most of the buildings were constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries, and include two main shrines, a dozen gopurams (an ornate monumental tower at the entrance of a temple), and hundreds of mandapams (hallways), all featuring magnificent sculptures and paintings. The Meenakshi Temple is a living example of the great architectural skills of ancient India.
In the 14th century, during the attack of Malik Kafur, the Meenakshi Temple was badly damaged. Soon afterwards, Madurai came under the control of Muslim rulers, and during Muslim rule, the sanctum of Sri Meenakshi Temple remained closed for about fifty years. When Madurai was liberated from Muslim rule, the sanctum was reopened. Stories narrate that when Meenakshi Temple was opened, the devotees present there were stunned to see two burning oil lamps, fresh flowers, and sandalwood paste within the sanctum.
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam is the way through which devotes enter the shrine of the Goddess Meenakshi to offer their prayers. The ceiling of this striking structure is hemispherical in shape. The shrine features colourful bas-reliefs all around, with one depicting the marriage of Lord Shiva (or Somasundara) and Meenakshi.
Potramaraukulam, or Golden Lotus Tank, is the ancient pool where people enjoy a holy dip. The walls of the pillared corridors all around the pool have pictures and paintings of numerous deities.
The Thousand Pillar Mandapam is the most famed building in the complex, and (as you can guess) gets its name from nearly a thousand sculptured pillars (actual count is 985), each being a fine example of Dravidian art. Within this mandapam is a museum with a large collection of paintings, photos, icons, etc., demonstrating the ancient history of the region.
Meenakshi Temple lies in Madurai, one of the most ancient cities of Tamil Nadu. Also known as “the city of nectar,” Madurai is situated near the bank of the River Vaigai. Meenakshi Temple is the most famous and important landmark of the Madurai, and is dedicated to Meenakshi: the consort of Lord Shiva. According to mythological stories, this is the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi were married to each other. Most of the buildings were constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries, and include two main shrines, a dozen gopurams (an ornate monumental tower at the entrance of a temple), and hundreds of mandapams (hallways), all featuring magnificent sculptures and paintings. The Meenakshi Temple is a living example of the great architectural skills of ancient India.
In the 14th century, during the attack of Malik Kafur, the Meenakshi Temple was badly damaged. Soon afterwards, Madurai came under the control of Muslim rulers, and during Muslim rule, the sanctum of Sri Meenakshi Temple remained closed for about fifty years. When Madurai was liberated from Muslim rule, the sanctum was reopened. Stories narrate that when Meenakshi Temple was opened, the devotees present there were stunned to see two burning oil lamps, fresh flowers, and sandalwood paste within the sanctum.
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam is the way through which devotes enter the shrine of the Goddess Meenakshi to offer their prayers. The ceiling of this striking structure is hemispherical in shape. The shrine features colourful bas-reliefs all around, with one depicting the marriage of Lord Shiva (or Somasundara) and Meenakshi.
Potramaraukulam, or Golden Lotus Tank, is the ancient pool where people enjoy a holy dip. The walls of the pillared corridors all around the pool have pictures and paintings of numerous deities.
The Thousand Pillar Mandapam is the most famed building in the complex, and (as you can guess) gets its name from nearly a thousand sculptured pillars (actual count is 985), each being a fine example of Dravidian art. Within this mandapam is a museum with a large collection of paintings, photos, icons, etc., demonstrating the ancient history of the region.
When to Go to Meenakshi Temple
The best time of the year to visit the Madurai Meenakshi Temple is the period from September to March. This is the time when Madurai city enjoys pleasant weather. May and June are summer months, and the maximum temperature during these months usually touches the 111°F (44°C) mark. July and August are the monsoon months in South India. If you want to be a part of the wedding festival of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar, known as Meenakshi Kalyanam, you should visit the Temple in the month of April. The celebrations continue for about twelve days, and include colourful processions with traditional music, characters playing scenes from mythological stories, and much more.
Odds n' Ends
Madurai airport lies about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the city centre, and gets daily flights from Bangalore, Chennai, and many other Indian cities. Madurai city is also linked to the rest of India by railway lines. It is one of the main railway junctions of South India. You can also reach Madurai from other regions of Tamil Nadu and South India using excellent road network.
The Meenakshi Temple complex is very big, and visitors will need to allocate several hours for a complete exploration.
The Meenakshi Temple complex is very big, and visitors will need to allocate several hours for a complete exploration.
Places to Stay Nearby
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