Temples in India: Madurai Meenakshi Amman

 

• Meenakshi Amman's temple is built in the age-old historic temple city of Madurai.
• The temple has 14 multi-storeyed Gopurams (entrance gateways) on all four sides.
• The temple's architecture and grandeur make it significant and larger-than-life.
• It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Meenakshi Amman

Meenakshi Amman is said to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. However, legend suggests that Meenakshi Amman was born to a king named Malayadwaja Pandya and his Queen Kanchanamalai. The royal couple performed a Yajna to please the Gods and have a son as their successor but Lord Shiva blessed them with a girl child. And as per the Lord's command, Meenakshi, who was born with three breasts, succeeded her father to the throne and ruled the kingdom. However, as foretold, Meenakshi lost her third breast after getting married to Sundareswara.

 

Meaning of Meenakshi

 

Meenakshi has distinct meanings in Tamil and Sanskrit languages. Meenakshi means the one with eyes like fish (Meen is fish and akshi is eyes). But in Tamil, Meenakshi translates into the rule of the fish (Meen is fish, and atchi means rule).

 

Meenakshi Amman's parrot

 

The idol of Goddess Meenakshi is seen with a parrot in her right hand. Interestingly, this parrot represents Kama, a symbol of the God of Love.

 

Moreover, the parrot also represents the transformation of knowledge into wisdom. Belief suggests that this imparts 64 art forms to the Mother Goddess. Hence the significance. No wonder why there is an enclosure called Kili Mandapam dedicated to parrots

 

Meenakshi Amman's nose stud

 

One of the most captivating features of the Goddess' idol is her diamond nose stud. This piece of jewelry shimmers and captivates devotees from the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) lit with oil lamps.

 

Lord Sundareswara visits the Goddess' enclosure at night

 

This tradition is a sight to behold! The priests carry an image of Lord Shiva every night in a silver palanquin to the Goddess' enclosure. And this ceremonial ritual is carried out amid the chanting of Mantras and the beating of the drums. The next morning, the Lord returns to his shrine.

 

Chittirai Thiruvizha- Meenakshi Sundareswara Tirukalyanam

 

An event that recreates the wedding ceremony of Meenakshi Amman and Lord Sunderaswara is popular as Chittirai Thiruvizha or Meenakshi Sundareswara Tirukalyanam. This festival attracts an ocean of devotees and gives them a chance to witness the celestial marriage.

Legend suggests that Lord Vishnu performed the Kanyadaanam ritual by posing as Meenakshi's brother.

 

One-Thousand-Pillar-Mandapam

The Meenakshi Amman temple complex has several shrines and halls (Mandapams). One such Mandapam is known for having 1000 pillars. However, this Mandapam has 985 pillars and two shrines that make up the remaining 15 pillars. What is even more incredible is that these pillars have intricately carved figurines and the roofs have beautifully painted murals.