7th Century Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madhurai, Tamil Nadu, India

7th Century Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madhurai, Tamil Nadu, India. 

Raja gopuram

HISTORY: According to legend, the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods indira at Kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in Madurai. 

Photos were 1890's Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madhurai, Tamil Nadu, India

 The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Indira in this temple is said to be proof for this. Many historical evidences of the temple have been found dating back from early A.D.

pudhu mandapam

The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310 following the invasion of the Islamic conqueror Malikkapur. 

A Temple Tower from the Interior - Madura, Tamil Nadu 1920's

As kings who were followers of Islam were noted for their intolerance towards other religions, the invaders destroyed most of the ancient sculptures of the temple. 

pudhu mandapam

Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has mentioned the temple in his songs which go back to early 7th century. 

pudhu mandapam

The Lord has been described as Alavai Iraivan in his songs. The temple was restored to its pristine glory in the late 14th century when the Hindu Kings came back to power in Madurai. This can also be termed as a new beginning of a new era in the history of the temple, when it was almost rebuilt. 

Entrance to the Meenakshi Sundareshvara Temple (Great Pagoda) - Madurai, Tamil Nadu 1890's

The King Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple according to records. The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is now under the administration of the HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu. 

Deities: 

The presiding Lord of this sacred shrine was in the times of yore known as Chockanathar, and Chockalinga Perumal. Now the deity is known as Sundareswarar, Meenakshi Sundarar, Somasundarar, Kalyana Sundarar, Shanbaga Sundarar, Attavai Shevagan, Chockalingam, Adiyarku Nallan, Adhiraveesi, Vilayaduvan, Abhideka Chockar, Azhagiya Chockar, Kadambavana Chockar, Puzhugu Neidhu Chockar, Kadambavaneswarar, Karpoora Chockar, Madureswarar, Irayanar, Peralavayar and other names. 

STRUCTURE

Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple is situated in the heart of the city of Madurai covering an area of 17 acres, the entire city being built around it. 

The temple which has five entrances, covers an area 847 feet (254.1 meters) long and 792 feet (237.6 meters) wide in the North South direction, the circumference of the Adi Veedhi which is the path within the great walls is 830 feet (249 meters) on the east west and , measuring 730 feet (219 meters) from North South direction. 

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Madurai City is well connected with Road, Rail and Air. There are many trains passing through Madurai. Regular bus facility available from almost all towns of Tamilnadu State and many cities of neighboring states.

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