Meenakshi Temple, where Shiva is worshiped in the form of Sundareswarar and mother Parvati in the form of Meenakshi
A visit to the temples of South India is considered incomplete without visiting the Meenakshi temple. This temple is one of the most famous temples not only in Tamil Nadu but also in the country, which is known not only for its religious importance but also for its excellent architecture. Located on the banks of the Vaigai River in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, this temple is dedicated to Mother Parvati. In this temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, Mother is worshiped in the form of Meenakshi, while Mahadev is worshiped in the form of Lord Sundareshwar. The special thing is that here Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva are worshiped together.
This temple is also known as Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple or Meenakshi Temple. This historical temple has a lot of recognition.
How old is Meenakshi Temple?
What is the story of Goddess Meenakshi?
Why did Shiva marry Meenakshi?
Whose form is Sundareshwar?
Meenakshi had set out to conquer the world, what happened then?
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So let’s go back a few thousand years and know the story of Mother Meenakshi.
Malayadhwaja Pandya, the king of Madurai and his wife performed a yagya to get a son. They had a daughter, who was three years old when she was born and had three breasts. The king was very disappointed. Lord Shiva intervened and ordered the king that only that daughter would rule his kingdom after him. He also told that when the girl would get a suitable groom, her third breast would disappear at that moment. Later, Tadatgai’s name was Meenakshi and she sat on the throne.
Mighty queen Meenakshi wanted to rule the whole world. Leaving Madurai, moved towards North India. Defeated all the kings on the way. Even the deities, Shiva’s Gana and Shiva’s mount Nandi. Then he encountered a young monk. When their eyes met, Meenakshi’s third breast automatically disappeared. Then he understood that this monk is suitable to be his groom. That monk was Lord Shiva and then Meenakshi realized that he was the form of Parvati. She returned to Madurai with him and they got married. Then Shiva in the form of a monk was named Sundareshwar.
Mythological stories about Meenakshi temple
Many mythological stories are associated with the Meenakshi temple. It is believed that this temple was built by Indra Dev. When Indra came to Madurai to atone for his sins, he got the temple built. It is also believed that Lord Shiva came to earth with the desire to marry Goddess Meenakshi in a very beautiful form. Goddess Meenakshi had already incarnated here after being pleased with the penance of the king of Madurai.
How old is the history of Meenakshi Temple?
There are different stories regarding this. It is said that the self-manifested Shivling was born at that place. Lord Indra established a Gopuram over this Shivling. Gods started coming here to worship Shiva. When King Kulasekhara Pandya came to know about this, the king built a temple at that place. This thing is about eight hundred years old.
Sultan Alauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate marched on Madurai and demolished the temple. Later this temple was rebuilt by King Vishwanatha Nayaka of Madurai. The structure of the present temple is about five hundred years old.
Local stories about how Shiva
The beauty of this temple lies in its grand gopuram. The tallest is the Dakshina Gopuram, which is almost as tall as a 16-story building. It is said that a total of 32 thousand idols are inscribed on the premises of these gopurams and temple groups. All these sculptures tell stories. Local stories about how Shiva had turned foxes into horses, how a stone elephant came to life in greed of sugarcane.
Meenakshi temple is spread over 14 acres. The festival of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam or the divine marriage of Meenakshi is celebrated here every year with great pomp and show.
There is one more special thing about this temple. There are two temples on its premises, but the main temple is that of Maa Meenakshi. The temple of Sundareswarar (Shiva) is not prominent. Mother Meenakshi has a parrot in her hand and a small sword in one hand. There is a picture inscribed on the walls of the temple, of Kalyan Utsav. Here Shiva’s hand is handed over to Meenakshi in the water eclipse ceremony. Quite unlike the Hindu tradition, where Kanyadan takes place.
Every night there is a visit to the idol of Sundareswarar.
Chitirai festival is celebrated every year in mid-April in the month of Chaitra. Kalyan Utsav, Shiva-Parvati marriage is organized in this.
FAQs
Who is worshiped in Meenakshi temple?
In this temple, Mata is worshiped in the form of Meenakshi, while Mahadev is worshiped in the form of Lord Sundareswarar.
Is Meenakshi Temple a Shakti Peeth?
Yes, Meenakshi Temple is one of the direct Shaktipeeth temples. It is the only temple in India, which consists of 4 Rajagopurams (towers).
When should we visit Meenakshi Temple?
The best time to visit the temple is early morning. Less crowd and get good darshan of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. 5 to 6:30 in the morning is the time for the first worship. The temple opens at 4:30 am.
