MEENAKSHI AMMAN
TEMPLE
Madurai,
Tamil Nadu, INDIA
most
prominent landmark and most visited tourist attraction in the city
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. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Parvati, known as Meenakshi. Meenakshi - is an
avatar of Parvati, one of the few Hindu female deities to have a major temple
devoted to her. The name "Mīnachchi" means fish-eyed and is derived
from the words "mīna" meaning fish and "akṣi"
meaning eyes.
The temple is
the geographic and ritual center of the ancient city of Madurai and one of the
largest temple complexes in Tamil Nadu. It forms the heart and lifeline of the
2,500 year old city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the
Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature though the present
structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. The temple is
surrounded by 14 gateway tower,
the tallest of which, is the famous southern tower, rises to over 170 ft
(52 m) and was built in 1559. The oldest is the eastern one, built by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan during 1216-1238 and the shrine has
gold plated Vimanam (tower over
sanctum).
Meenakshi Amman Temple was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". The temple is the most prominent landmark and most visited tourist attraction in the city. The annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, celebrated during April and May, attracts 1 million visitors.
Meenakshi Amman Temple was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". The temple is the most prominent landmark and most visited tourist attraction in the city. The annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, celebrated during April and May, attracts 1 million visitors.
