Meenakshi temple is an enormous temple complex dedicated to Lord Sundareshwara (Lord Shiva is worshipped by this name here). Actually, Meenakshi temple has been the centre around which the city has developed and evolved over the years.
Around this gigantic structure, everything here is mammoth and larger than life. It is said that the city of Madurai and the Meenakshi temple evolved together.
Art and sculptures are abundant in ancient Meenakshi temple where you can find sculptures and superb architecture at almost every corner.
The Structure
There is a high walled enclosure around the Meenakshi temple which has two sanctums for Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara which in turn are surrounded by various smaller shrines and pillared halls. Watch out for the 12 huge Gopurams which are based upon solid base made of granite.
These Gopurams are actually huge gates in the shape of pyramid which can go up to the height of 50 meters.
There are other gates as well which are smaller compared to these four Gopurams and they lead to various sanctums of the Meenakshi temple.
The sculptures carved on the towers of Meenakshi temple are repaired after every 12 years after which the deities are sanctified again.
Vacation Options
You can come here to attend the nuptial celebrations of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar that go on for twelve continuous days and start from the second day of the lunar month. This outstanding festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra of the Hindi Calendar.
This is a colourful procession and the deities are taken out in a procession around the city. Devotees from all across the country assemble here on this occasion.
The Inspiration
The marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi has constantly been a source of inspiration for the South Indian artistes which has resulted in the creation of magnificent sculptures and paintings.