Legend of the Meenakshi Temple
The legend of the Meenakshi Temple is that the temple was built by the Pandavas, the five brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, the wife of one of the Pandavas, King Pandu. After her husband's death, Meenakshi became a nun and spent her life in prayer. After her death, she was reborn as the daughter of the god Indra. When she was sixteen, she married King Pandu and they had a son, who later became the god Skanda.
History of the Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Meenakshi, and her consort, the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is a significant tourist destination and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandyas in the 6th century AD, and it has been rebuilt and expanded many times since then. The temple complex consists of a main temple, surrounded by 14 smaller temples and numerous pillared halls. The temple is a major pilgrimage destination and it is also home to the annual Meenakshi Amman festival, which is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai.
Architecture of Meenakshi Amman Temple
The architecture of the Meenakshi Amman Temple is a fusion of Dravidian, Nagara, and Vesara styles of temple architecture.
Religious Significance of the Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple is a religious site of great importance to Hindus. It is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, who is believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati. The temple is also dedicated to Parvati's husband, the Hindu god Shiva. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by millions of Hindus every year.
Tips For Visiting Meenakshi Amman Temple
Some tips for visiting the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai are to dress modestly, avoid touching the idols, and not to bring any food or drinks into the temple.
How to reach Meenakshi Temple
The temple is located in the city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.