Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple - 2500 Year Old Historic Hindu Temple in Madurai.

 

Meenakshi Sundareshwarar 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 the goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati and her consort Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva. The goddess Meenakshi is the principal deity of the temple, unlike most Shiva temples in South India where Shiva is the principal deity. Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple was built by Pandayan Emperor Sadayavarman Kulasekaran I in between 1190 CE–1205 CE. He built the main Portions of the three-storeyed gopura at the entrance of Sundareswarar Shrine and the central portion of the Goddess Meenakshi Shrine. It is believed that it is the same place where Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) and Goddess Parvati(Meenakshi) tied the knot. Donning the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple was once considered to be counted among the ' Seven Wonders of the World'. In the early 14th century the armies of Delhi Sultanate led by Muslim Commander Malik Kafur plundered the temple and destroyed the Madurai temple town. 

 

 

Most of the present campus structure was rebuilt after the 14th century AC further repaired, renovated and expanded in the 17th century by Tirumala Nayaka. In the 16th century, the temple complex was further expanded and fortified by the Nayak ruler Vishwanatha Nayakar and later others. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. The restored complex now houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45–50 m in height, with the southern gopura tallest at 51.9 metres (170 ft). The complex has numerous sculpted pillared halls such as Aayirankaal (1000-pillared hall), Kilikoondu-mandapam, Golu-mandapam and Pudu-mandapam. Its shrines are dedicated to Hindu deities and Shaivism scholars, with the vimanas above the garbhagrihas (sanctums) of Meenakshi and Sundaresvara gilded with gold.

 

 

A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. View from any angle these pillars appear to be in a straight line, an architectural masterpiece indeed In the outermost corridors are situated the matchless musical pillars carved out of stones. When it is tapped, each pillar produces different musical note. The temple is a popular site for Hindu weddings, though it is not the exclusive site. The short main ceremony is completed in the temple, followed by receptions and other rituals elsewhere. The Meenakshi temple is not only a religious center, but is also an economic center. The goods and services for temple-related pilgrims and visitors is a significant part of the Madurai economy.

 

 

Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple is open throughout the year, but it is best to witness its beauty when both the weather and occasion are absolutely ideal. While the summer months in Madurai are hot and humid, the monsoons are pleasant which make July and August a good time for planning your trip. The months from April to May are great for visiting too, especially if you wish to attend the Chithirai Festival which is the major festival. October to March, which marks the perfect time for visiting the glorious temple and taking a tour of the city as the weather stays pleasant throughout the days. The temple is usually open between 05:00 AM and 12:30 PM and again between 04:00 PM and 09.30 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning and also in the evening for the night ceremony.

 

 

The Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple is located in the heart of historic Madurai city, about a kilometer south of the Vaigai River. It is about 460 kilometres (290 mi) southwest from Chennai, the state capital. The temple complex is well connected with road network (four lane National Highway 38), near a major railway junction and an airport with daily services. Madurai Airport is located at Avaniyapuram, about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from the city and Madurai Junction is the major railway station serving the District. Madurai has direct trains connecting other major cities and towns across India including New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai.