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| Meenakshi Temple Tour Information |
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| Location: |
| One of the most ancient and largest temples in the country, the Meenakshi temple is located in Madurai, a city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The Meenakshi temple is dedicated to the worship of the incarnations of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is one of the historical Hindu temples in the country whose tradition and culture date back to thousands of years. The temple is famous all over the world for its brilliant architecture and sculptures. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the country come to visit this temple all year round. |
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| Nearest Airport / Railway Station: |
| The nearest airport to the Meenakshi temple in Madurai is the Madurai airport that is served by regular flights from the cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Tiruchirapalli and Mumbai.
The nearest railway station to Meenakshi temple is the Madurai station that is connected to many of the major cities by several trains. |
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| Highlights: |
| Ashta Sakthi Mandapa, Samagam Meenakshi Naicker Mandapa, Mudali Pillai Mandapa, the Golden Lily Tank, the Unjal and Kilikatti Mandapas, and the historic shrines in the Prakaras |
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| Best Time to Visit: |
The best time to visit Meenakshi temple is during the winter especially during the months of October to March when the weather remains soothing and pleasant. The months of April and May are also apt for visiting the temple for the Chittirai Festival that is held here during this time. |
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| History of Meenakshi temple: |
| According to the Hindu mythology, Meenakshi temple was the place where Lord Somasundara an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, was married. It was one of the biggest marriages on the earth according to the legend. It is believed that all the Gods and Goddesses of heaven attended the event. The marriage of this divine couple is still celebrated in Meenakshi temple and all around the city of Madurai. Several couples till date visit Madurai to get married in the Meenakshi temple and take blessings of the deity. As per another legend, the Meenakshi temple was built by Lord Indra on his discovery of a 'Shiv Linga' at the place. The 'lingam' is believed to be worshiped till now.
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| Places to see in Meenakshi temple: |
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Ashta Sakthi Mandapa: it is one of the entrances of Meenakshi temple that leads directly to the shrine of Goddess Meenakshi. The Ashta Sakthi Mandapa is famous for its architecture that incorporates a brilliantly designed ceiling that is 4m long and 5.5m wide. The sculptures and carvings in the temple portray the marriage ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Somasundara. The eight sculptures of Sakthis are also very with the tourists from all over the world.
Samagam Meenakshi Naicker Mandapa: it is a large hall that is located at the center of the two 'mandapas'. It was built by the minister of Vijayaranga Chokkanatha in the year 1707. In the ancient times this place was used as a stable for the pets like camels, elephants and bulls, which belonged to the temple. Tiruvatchi which is a lamp stand located at this part of the temple is also well known for its design. The hall is also famous for its carvings and artifacts.
Mudali Pillai Mandapa: it is a 'mandapa' that is 183m long and 7.6m wide. The scenes from Puran inscribed on the walls of the 'mandapa' are well famous for its details.
The Golden Lily Tank: it is a water tank located beside the temple. The regions beside the tank provide wonderful view of the temple. The pillars of the tank have some wonderful pieces of sculptures and art that are famous for their craftsmanship. The steps to the lily tank are also famous for their architectural brilliance.
The Unjal And Kilikatti Mandapas: these are the two famous mandapas that are well known for the paintings on the ceilings. Most of the paintings and sculptures on the walls and ceilings of the 'mandapas' represent the scenes from the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi and the celebrations surrounding the event.
The Historic Shrines in the Prakaras: this place is famous for the shrines that have an historical importance. One of the major shrines in this region is the shrine of Lord Nataraja an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the pose of dancing.
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| Things to do in Meenakshi temple: |
| Offer prayers to the deity, listen to the hymns and religious songs performed at the temple, witness the evening 'aarti', shop at the local shops. |
| Shopping in Meenakshi temple: |
| Shops around the Meenakshi temple are famous for the handicrafts and religious memorabilias they sell. The numerous tailoring shops located outside the temple stitch garments within short span of time. Textile and fabrics, mementos, woodcarvings, idols and statuettes and cotton garments are the things to look for in the shops around Meenakshi temple. |
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