Shree Meenakshi Amman Temple

Sree Meenakshi Amman Temple is a world renowned temple and one of the most famous temples in South India. This temple was under the direct ownership and governance of the Madurai Aadheenam until 1865. This huge temple that extends beyond 6 hectares of land is dedicated to Paramasiva as Lord Sundaresvara and is named after His Consort Goddess Parvati as Meenakshi. The temple was constructed by King Kulasekara Pandya. The temple has been mentioned in the songs sung by ancient enlightened poet Saints as early as the 7th century. 

The thousand-pillared hall is one of the amazing works in the temple that is famous for architectural brilliance. It is the temple’s museum and the statues here are exquisite. 

The 1000-pillared mandapam (hall) in the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai

Puranic (Historical) Story of Amman Temple

The first happening is the incident where Indra’s (Chief of celestial beings) sin is effaced. The history goes thus: Indra, the Chief of Devas (celestial beings), was engaged in destroying a demon who was terrorising the three worlds for which he waged a war against the Asuras (demons). Unfortunately the demon was a high born Brahmin (scholarly caste of highest order), whose slaying brought upon Indra a grave sin. Indra tried various means to rid himself of the sin, but to no avail. Once, in the realm of humans, passing through a forest of Kadamba trees, Indra felt the burden of the sin being miraculously lifted. Relieved of his sin, he looked for the source and found a Shiva Linga of incomparable beauty and exceptional prowess, in the shades of a Kadamba tree. Next to the tree was a Golden Lily pond, wherein Indra proceeded to cleanse himself by bathing in its waters and offering the golden lily to the Shiva Linga. This golden lily pond is the spot where the Meenakshi temple sacred golden lily pond stands today. It is the water tank of the temple. 

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