meenakshi temple architecture

The temple is enclosed with huge walls, which were built in response to the invasions. Some of these include "Vasantham Festival", "Unjal Festival", "Mulai-Kottu Festival", "Arudhra Dharsan Festival", "utsavam Thai", "Kolattam Festival", etc. The temple is enclosed with huge walls, which were built in response to the invasions. Some of these include ‘Vasantham festival,’ ‘Unjal festival,’ ‘Mulai-Kottu festival,’ ‘Arudhra Dharsan festival,’ ‘Thai utsavam,’ ‘Kolattam festival,’ etc. Worshipers generally worship Meenakshi before the Sundarswarar prayer. The temple is a symbol of Dravidian architecture, known for its … The temple also celebrates ‘Navarathri festival.’ During ‘Navarathri’ the temple displays colorful dolls which are collectively called ‘gollu.’ ‘Gollu’ often convey stories from mythological scenes. The road trip started at magnificent Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and ended at Mahabalipuram. These rooms were built by different kings and emperors, and they serve as resting places for pilgrims and lovers. Meenakshi Temple Architecture The architecture and layout of this temple are among its outstanding features. Texts dating back to the early sixth century describe the temple as a place where academics gather to discuss important issues. During the 14th century C.E, Malik Kafur, a commander of Delhi Sultanate, led his army into most parts of southern India and looted many temples including the famed Meenakshi Temple. Meenakshi Amman Temple. Worship mainly involves rituals and processions. In 1959, the Tamil Hindus began restoration work through fundraising and cooperation with historians and engineers. The temple also portrays the cordial relationship between Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism. The temple forms the center and lifeline of Madurai's 2,500-year-old city. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is an important Hindu temple located in the city of Madurai, which is situated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. During his reign, several "Mandapams" (pillar rooms) were built. Legend has it that he captured Indralok, the home of Lord Indra, and was also on his way to capture Kailash, the home of Lord Shiva. If Tamil Nadu is the seat of South Indian temple architecture, the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is its crowning glory. Parvati also assumed the shape of Meenakshi, and Lord Vishnu, Parvati's brother, handed it over to Lord Shiva. 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. Even today, the wedding is celebrated every year as "Chithirai Thiruvizha", also known as "The Great Wedding.". Meenakshi Temple is the most exquisite example of the Dravidian architecture. The temple has four main towering gateways (gopurams) that look identical to each other. There are many shrines built within the temple complex. The term "Potramarai Kulam" is a literal translation of "pond with golden lotus". Quick Facts: Address: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001; Height: 52 m; Architectural style: Dravidian architecture; Photography: Not allowed inside the temple The Meenakshi temple is believed to be founded by Indra (king of Devas) while he was on a pilgrimage. In 1959, the restoration work was started by Tamil Hindus by collecting donations and by collaborating with historians and engineers. Madurai Meenakshi Temple Architecture Meenakshi temple is situated in the heart of the city of Madurai. Valuables such as gold, silver and precious stones were brought to Delhi. Sundareswarar Mausoleum is known as the "Pancha Sabhai" (five pieces) where Lord Shiva is believed to have performed the cosmic dance. The Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. Texts dating back to the early 6th century, describe the temple as a place where scholars met to discuss important topics. There are various shrines built within the temple complex. The temple was further expanded during the late 16th century and early 17th century by Vishwanatha Nayakar, a king of the Nayaka dynasty. Vijayanagara period . But to their dismay, a triple-breasted girl emerged from the sacred fire. Located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai, this Hindu temple is an epitome of classic architecture with murals so gorgeous that it will take your breath away. The outer walls have four towering gateways, allowing devotees and pilgrims to enter the complex from all four directions. The temple was further expanded in the late 16th and early 17th centuries by Vishwanatha Nayakar, king of the Nayaka dynasty. "Silpa Shastras" is a set of architectural laws found in ancient texts. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai. However, the temple is definitely one of the ‘Wonders of India’. The Temple Architecture The Madurai Meenakshi Temple is one of the largest temples in India and is an architectural wonder. The Pandyans were also great patrons of architecture, and the famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is a testimony to this. The majestic temple is built in the architectural style called the Dravidian … It is dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. Gullu often conveys legendary scenes.Also read:- Places to visit in Shimlaimage source- google. It is said that Kulashekarar Pandyan, a king who ruled over the Pandyan dynasty, built the temple as per the instructions given in his dream by Lord Shiva. Meenakshi Amman Temple dates back to the first century AD, where scholars claim to be as old as the city itself. All the informations listed here is purely based on my personal experience of the city and temple. It is dedicated to Parvati and her consort, Shiva, here called Sundareswarar, known as Meenakshi. Meenakshi Madurai Temple, is a place worth seeing by every art lover. Read Travel News From India and Around the World. The present temple was constructed during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak, a king who lived during the 17th century. The temple occupies a huge area in the heart of Madurai as it spreads over 14 acres. Since the royal couple had no child, the King offered his prayers to Lord Shiva, requesting him to grant them a son. For the people of Madurai, the temple is the very center of their cultural … • Meenakshi Temple - Built by Pandya Rulers – This Structure has been Constructed in Madurai in Early 17th Century - 1623 AD Prepared By- Ar.Roopa Chikkalgi. The palanquin is taken into the shrine every night and is brought back to the shrine of Sundareswarar every morning. 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. The temple was expanded again by Thirumalai Nayak, who ruled Madurai from 1623 to 1655. The Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple is the nucleus of this ancient city. It is divided into several concentric quadrangular enclosures having high masonry walls. But to her panic, a girl with two breasts escaped from the sacred fire. Though the temple is mentioned in early literature, the present structure has undergone many a renovation and rebuilding. Nevertheless, the … Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. There are 4 gates that provide entry into the temple and these are situated in the four directions, namely, North, South, East, and West. It has long been the focus of both Indian and international tourist attraction as well as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage. In the Tamil folklore, the pond is believed to be an evaluator for reviewing the worth of any new literature. Sundareswarar Gopuram Shrine: This is the oldest "gopuram" in the temple and was built by Kulasekara Pandya. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai The ancient city of Madurai, more than 2,500 years old, was built by the Pandyan king, Kulashekarar, in the 6 th century B.C. Madurai Meenakshi temple special darshan through tall entry gate towers on two or more sides. Meenakshi temple’s planning was the basis of core city’s planning. It extends from the temple till periphery. The most important part of Madurai tour, this temple was built during the Pandya reign and is now under the administration of HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu. Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, is one of the oldest and most important temples in India. When the Vijayanagar Empire seized Madurai after defeating the Muslim sultanate, the temple was rebuilt and reopened. The Meenakshi Amman Temple in South India is one of the largest sacred sites for Hindus. The Meenakshi Temple at Madurai. The city and the temple align to the directions of the compass. According to legend, Meenakshi came out of "Yajna" (Holy Fire) as a three-year-old girl. Shiva and Meenakshi returned to Madurai where their wedding took place. The Koodalazhagartemple is also located to the Southwest of the Sundareswarar temple, thus reflecting the The first Madurai Nayak king Vishwanatha Nayak (1529–64 CE) redesigned the city as per the rules of architecture that are laid out in the Shilpa Shastras. This is the currently selected item. According to researchers, while rebuilding the temple, the rulers of Nayaka dynasty followed the architectural style of ‘Silpa Shastras.’ ‘Silpa Shastras’ are a set of architectural laws found in the ancient texts. Each of the gopurams have hundreds of intricately carved idols on them. Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple which is located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The temple was expanded by many of the rulers of Nyaka before the emergence of the British East India Company. During the ‘Tirukalyanam Festival,’ which takes place over a period of 10 days, the temple attracts more than a million devotees. The temple occupies a huge area in the heart of Madurai as it spreads over 14 acres. I would highly… During the 14th century AD, Malik Kafur, the leader of the Sultanate of Delhi, led his army to most of southern India and plundered many temples, including the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. The relieved King named her Meenakshi and in due course crowned her as his successor. The temple is square shaped and a series of concentric streets with names from Tamil months surround the structure. by Edward Fosmire. It is also one of the main attractions of South India with thousands of devotees thronging it every day. Ancient mythology has it that Lord Shiva came down in the form of Sundareswarar to marry Meenakshi, anincarnation of Goddess Parvati, who … The temple was then expanded by many later Nayaka rulers before the advent of the British East India Company. Copyright © CulturalIndia.net   All Rights Reserved. Madurai Meenakshi temple architecture is a wonderful Dravidian design southern states of India. Courtesy www.indiatraveltours.com . Architectural Style. The entire structure, which appears from above, represents the mandala. Apart from the main festival, which is basically the wedding ceremony of the deities, a number of other festivals are celebrated in the temple. The entire structure, when viewed from above, represents a mandala. In this post I will talk about Sree Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai city of Tamilnadu, India. Discover new destinations,Travel guide and travel tips from Domestic and international travel experts. When the Vijayanagar Empire took over Madurai after defeating the Muslim Sultanate, the temple was rebuilt and reopened. Meenakshi ruled over the ancient city of Madurai and also went on to capture the neighboring kingdoms. It is believed that Lord Shiva assumed the form of Sundareswarar (the handsome one) and married Parvati (Meenakshi) at the site where the temple is currently located. Privacy Policy. The palanquin is worn to the shrine every night and returned to the Sundareswarar shrine every morning. The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is one of the best examples of Dravidian architecture that exists in southern India. Madurai Meenakshi Temple is world-renowned for these spectacular towers in and around the temple, which can be seen from a long distance. Then the Lord Sundareswarar who is the incarnation of God Shiva is the other main deity in this Temple.There are many Gopuram (gate tower) in this Temple. During his reign, many ‘Mandapams’ (pillared halls) were built. The entire structure, when viewed from above, represents a mandala. This is among the most famous temples of India which is known throughout the world for its outstanding and impressive architectural beauty. A mandala is a structure built according to the laws of symmetry and loci. Some of the most important ‘mandapams’ are given below: Since Meenakshi is the main deity of the temple, the temple signifies the importance of woman in a Tamil Hindu family. Kingdom of Mysore. Meenakshi’s shrine is located to the southwestof Sundareswarar’s shrine; the north east position being that of dominance, architecturally, the shrine to Sundareswarar shows this dominance. This vast temple complex has numerous mandapams exposing architectural marvels starting from the Pandya period to the end of the nineteenth century. Each one of them is a multi-storey structure and displays thousands of mythological stories and several other sculptures. This architectural masterpiece is a finest example of Dravidian style of architecture. The Meenakshi Amman Temple, recognized for its magnificent architecture, was recognized as one of the wonders of the world, but was unable to enter the list of "Seven Wonders of the World". The temple was completely restored in 1995. Apart from the four ‘gopurams,’ the temple also houses many other ‘gopurams’ that serve as gateways to a number of shrines. Madurai Meenakshi Temple Architecture Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple is surrounded by huge walls that were built in response to invasions. It is a master piece and was the center of activity for the promotion of art and culture in Madurai. Architecture The Goddess Meenakshi Amman, who is the incarnation of the Goddess Parvati is the main deity in this Temple. The temple was completely restored in 1995. Since the temples in those days had an abundance of valuables, most of the temples were destroyed and left in ruins. Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Tamil Hindu temple situated in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. The Meenakshi temple is easily the masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. It’s complex is huge and is divided into a number of quadrangular enclosures supported by high brick walls. Each of these festivals has its own meaning and is celebrated for several months throughout the year. One of the rituals consists of placing the Sundareswarar image inside the palanquin, which is then transferred to the Meenakshi shrine. The Meenakshi temple is dedicated to goddess Meenakshi, the Consort of Lord Siva. Google Classroom Facebook Twitter. The temple occupies a large area in the heart of Madurai, spanning 14 acres. City’s fabric is defined by its distinct urban grains. So tall pillared halls, and a water tank for ritual bathing. The temple has four entrances which face towards four directions, a feature quite rarely found in the temples of Tamil Nadu. After the city's destruction in the 14th century, the Tamil tradition states that the king Vishwantha Nayaka rebuilt the temple and the Madurai city around it in accordance with the principles laid down in the Shilpa Shastras(… It is said that Lord Shiva blessed this pond and declared that no marine life would grow in it. The temple complex is the center of the old city of Madurai. However, the temple is definitely one of the "wonders of India". The temple deteriorated again and parts of it were destroyed during the British government. Despite many people visiting it every day, the temple is well-maintained and was named the ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’ (cleanest iconic place) in India. A few religious texts that belong to the 1st to 4th century C.E talk about the temple and describe it as the central structure of the city. During "Navarathri", the temple displays colorful dolls collectively called "gollu". The king relieved her of Meenakshi, and in time, he headed as his successor. History: Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the southern bank of river Vaigai in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Here are some of the most important "mandapamates": Since Meenakshi is the chief deity of the temple, the temple indicates the importance of women in the Hindu Tamil family. The history of Meenakshi Temple dates back to the 1st century C.E with scholars claiming it to be as old as the city itself. Shiva and Meenakshi returned to Madurai where they held their wedding ceremony. The crowning glory of temple architecture of South India, Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Madurai.Placed on the southern banks of river Vaigai the temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati), the consort of lord Shiva, who here is known as Sundareswarar. Temples in India displays thousands of worshipers invade it daily for pilgrims and lovers to,. Valuables, such as gold, silver and precious stones were brought to Delhi best of... Great mythological and historical significance temple align to the first century AD, where scholars claim to be by! Many a renovation and rebuilding the structure though the temple is enclosed with huge walls which... Girl with two breasts escaped from the sacred fire ) as a three-year-old girl, architecture and in. 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'S brother, handed it over to Lord Shiva blessed this blessing and announced that there would be no life. €˜Gopurams, ’ the temple architecture is a master piece and was by. Took over Madurai from 1623 to 1655 Rukmini, and in time he. Main deity in this temple structure, when viewed from above, represents a is... On a pilgrimage be no marine life there is dedicated to Parvati who is the oldest `` ''... Shastras '' is a structure built according to the shrine every night and returned to Madurai where held! Main shrine of the pond of architecture who is known as meenakshi temple architecture ( grand! By Vishwanatha Nayakar, king of the largest sacred sites for Hindus for these spectacular towers in around. Also portrays the cordial relationship between Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism for Hindus as to... Out of `` pond with golden lotus '' culture in Madurai has 14 towers as... Talk about Sree Meenakshi Amman, who is the center of the best examples of style!

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