MEENAKSHI SUNDARESHWARAR THIRUCOIL - MADURAI TEMPLE

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Main Landmark to the World about Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. The long temple towers will call us inside to see hidden facts, culture, and literature of the Tamil Nadu. The statues are the mark-able one to the artist who visits this temple. The holy feel increases the positive vibes all over the body. It is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of the most ancient pilgrim center in all over India.

NORTH TOWER OF THE TEMPLE

STORY!

Most probably all Hindu religion people will know the history of this Temple. I should tell a short history of this temple for the unknowns. Devi Parvathi was born to Pandya King Malayathuvasan and Queen Kanchanamala as Meenakshi. Goddess Meenakshi was Married to Lord Siva in Sundareswarar avatar. He also ruled the Pandya Kingdom for years in the name of Sundereswara Pandyan. At that time He played 64 Thiruvilaiyadal in Madurai.

TEMPLE TOWER LONG VIEW

CHECK THOSE THOUSANDS OF STATUES


ABOUT THE TEMPLE !

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple was located in the heart of the city Madurai. Madurai is situated on the banks of Vaigai River. The temple covers 17 acres of land with 5 entrances. Twin Temple, the southern side was dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Northside to Lord Sundereswarar. Reference to this ancient city is made in the famous Indian epic Ramayana and Kautilyas Arthasasthra. Also from the foreign travelers Magasthenes of 302 B.C. and Ptolemy of 140 A.D. during the reign of Pandya Kingdom. Madurai was an important commercial center as early as 540 A.D. and it is the capital city of Pandya Kingdoms over the period of rule. This is a re-innovated temple of different rulers over the years. The old shrine defected during wars. This Temple was famous for temple Towers. Totally 14 temple towers are there with thousand of statues with different stories.

MEENAKSHI AND SUNDERESWARAR

ORIGIN OF THE TEMPLE !

Many years ago the Madurai city was Kadamba trees forest. Once King of Devas Indira carried the sin of Bhramhati and to rid of that sin he undertook the pilgrimage. While enter into the he found Swayambu Lingam beneath a Kadamba Tree. He worshiped it with Golden Lotus Flowers and felt himself purified. He built a tower over that and return to Indraloka. Afterwards, all Devas started worshiping that Lingam. Later Dhananjayan merchant say for a night near this shrine during his travel found Pujas performed here. he informed to King Kulasekara Pandyan. And Lord Siva came in his dream and said him to built a Temple. He visit there and worshiped the Lingam and built a Temple. After King Kulasekara Pandyan King Malayathuvasan rule the city. He had no children, he and his wife devoted a yaga to get a child. From the Holy Fire child emerged with three breast. A divine voice told them, the third breast will disappear while see find his husband. They named her Devi Thadathagai. She was a mastered all arts of war. She won other native countries and finally, she reached Mount Kailas also. On the battle field, when her eyes saw Lord Siva's eyes the third breast disappeared. And she find out her husband. Lord Siva came to Madurai and married her.  They ruled the Pandya Kingdom for years.

DEVI THADATHAGAI (SRI MEENAKSHI BEFORE MARRIAGE)

IMPORTANT THINGS TO SEE !

All the things inside the temple are very important to see. Each and every statues and stone carvings on the walls says different stories. All the angles are notable to feel the estacy and think about culture and tradition of Tamil Kingdoms.

  • Sri Meenakshi Shrine
  • Swami Sundereswarar Temple
  • Ashta Sakthi Mandapam
  • Golden Lotus Tank
  • Thousand Pillar Mandapam
  • Parrot Cage Mandapam
  • Kambathadi Mandapam
  • Golden Flag Staff
  • Nandhi Mandapam
  • Eight Stone Pillars
  • Bali Peedam
  • Palliyarai (Holy Bed Room)
  • Arukal Peedam
  • Mukuruni Ganapathy

GOLDEN LOTUS TANK

MY EXPERIENCE !

This is the first time I visit Madurai. Trip happened with My Family members while I'm in Virudhunagar in Diwali days. From Virudhunagar we traveled to Madurai by public transport. After reached the main bus stand, took an autorickshaw for the temple. Get down from the vehicle I felt some different vibes at the moment my eye sight on the Temple Towers. Huge work on the Tower with statues speed up me to go inside immediately. We entered through West Tower after keep chapels, mobiles and camera on the lounge and got tokens. First entered into Golden Lotus Tank, but we can't see any. The tank full of water and it hides. Then to Amman Shrine and all the places. The statues and stone carvings on the walls says the story of the origin of this Temple. Fully positive vibes and archaeological facts still in my mind, it says me to stay here. Definitely, you will get the same feel with no words.

IN THOUSAND PILLAR MANDAPAM

STATUES ON THE PILLARS
After step out from the temple, we move to Puthiya Mandampam, a famous one in the city. Now act as a famous shopping point in Madurai. The statues and pillar arts will take us to a high point. The Big Nandhi Statue in front of the Mandapam attract us. After some shopping step up to Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, One of the famous palace of centuries by Thirumalai Nayakar. Spending time inside the palace remember the unity and unique style. Check Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal details in My other post. The whole days ends with good memories. We travel back to Virudhunagar Narikudi Village.

IN PUTHIYA MANDAPAM

BIG NANDHI IN FRONT OF MANDAPAM CROWD AREA

DISCLAIMER !

The above is my first visit to this temple with family members. The photography is prohibited inside the temple campus. For your reference, I collect pictures and details of this temple from the history book that I bought from Temple campus. I detailed a short history in this post. Just visit this temple once in your life to know estacy of the Tamil Nadu Kingdoms of centuries.

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