Modern Technology will grab your attention but ancient architecture, sculptures and painting will inspire you to think about the legacy of ancient cultures and contribution to traditions and their architectures. One of the oldest and most popular South Indian Dravidian temples of Architecture Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Amman Temple has a 2000 year history.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple located in heart of Madurai city, Indian State of Tamil Nadu. The heart of Madurai Meenakshi temple is covered with a Pond, huge walls, and Gopuras.
Madurai Meenakshi- Sundareswara twin temple is often considered as one of the oldest temples in India. First came into being around 2000 years ago and majority of the temple construction and architectures were done during the time of King Thirumalai Nayak.
According to the fact, Lord Shiva avatar as a Sundareswara and his wife Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. Temple has 5 massive gateways where visitors can enter these 2 temples and explore temple intrinsic painting and architecture.
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1. Gopuras
- Mandalas: Mandalas built on the basis of the law of Symmetry and loci.
- Shrines: Apart from the 2 main shrines, Sundareswarar, Meenakshi, and Shiva these are the main Shrines. We can also see Ganesh and Murugan [Shanmuga] like Lakshmi, Rukmini and Saraswathi shrines.
- Pond: [Porthamrai Kulam]: “Golden Lotus” represents the value of new literature and art of the Pandyan Dynasty.
- Gopuram: Sundareswari Shrine: Oldest Gopura and Gateway to Main Shrine.
– Chitra Gopuram: Used as Religious and Secular essence of Hindu rituals and practice.
– Kadaka Gopuram,
– Natakam Gopuram,
– Nayak Gopuram.
2. 1000 Pillars
One of the striking features under Meenakshi temple, 1000 Pillars or also known as Ayirakka Mandapam. Each of these pillars features high, bold sculptures and ornate. One of the interesting things is, Stone pillars produce different musical scales. Along with 1000 pillars, Image of Yali is also a must watch thing here.
Another architectural marvel under this temple is 14 temple towers with a height range between 45 to 50 meters.
3. Nayak Mandapam
– Ashta Shakthi Mandapam,
– Kilikoondu Mandapam.
4. Major Festivals Held in Meenakshi Temple
– Vasantham,
– Unjal,
– Mulai-Kottu, and Kolatam,
– Avani Moolam
– Navarathri Festival (Between September to October).
For every person around the world who loves to travel and escape from their busy life and see olden architecture as well as the finest paintings and artwork, definitely, Madurai Meenakshi is definitely on your list. Do not miss enjoying the great artwork under the Dravidian style done by Kulashekarar Pandyan.
For More Information visit temple’s official website.
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