Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple History – Madurai

 

According to a legend, Meenakshi emerged out of a ‘Yajna’ (sacred fire) as a three-year-old girl. The ‘Yajna’ was performed by a king named Malayadwaja Pandya along with his wife Kanchanamalai. Since the royal couple had no child, the king offered his prayers to Lord Shiva, requesting him to grant them a son. But to their dismay, a triple-breasted girl emerged from the sacred fire. When Malayadwaja and his wife expressed their concern over the girl’s abnormal appearance, a divine voice ordered them not to fret over the girl’s physical appearance. They were also informed that the girl’s third breast will disappear as soon as she meets her future husband. The relieved King named her Meenakshi and in due course crowned her as his successor.

Meenakshi ruled over the ancient city of Madurai and also went on to capture the neighboring kingdoms. Legend has it that she even captured Indralok, the abode of Lord Indra, and was on her way to capture Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, as well. When Shiva appeared before her, Meenakshi’s third breast disappeared and she knew that she had met her better half. Shiva and Meenakshi returned to Madurai where their wedding took place. It is said that the wedding was attended by all the gods and goddesses. Since Parvati herself had assumed the form of Meenakshi, Lord Vishnu, Parvati’s brother, handed her over to Lord Shiva.

According to legend, to answer the prayers of the Pandya king and his wife. Maa Parvathi appeared from the holy fire of the Yagna. The king was named Meenakshi. When she girl grew up, Lord Shiva descended on the Earth to marry her. A grand marriage was observed and it was assumed to be the biggest event on Earth. Lord Vishnu had to attend the marriage of her sister Meenakshi, but on the way, he was tricked by Lord Indra and got late. Meanwhile, the marriage took place in Madurai. Angered Lord Vishnu swore never to visit the city and he settled on the nearby hill. But later other gods appeased him and he came to bless the couple. Upkeeping the traditions, the marriage and Vishnu's pacification are celebrated as the major festivals in Madurai to date.