Hare Krishna
Madhurai Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple is a historic temple located near the bank of river Vaigai in Madhurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The deity worshiped here is Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswara (Shiva). The name Meenakshi means Fish Eyed Goddess. The temple is 1400 years old
The Story begins with the Pandyan King Malayadhwaja and Queen Kanchanmala, they wanted a Son. So they performed a Yagna but instead a girl appeared from Yagna fire. The princess was considered the incarnation of Goddess Parvati but was born with Three Breasts. With the advise of gods the royal couple accepted the girl as their daughter and brought her up as heir of the throne. As per the prediction of astrologers, the third breast would disappear when she meets her husband.
After the death of the King Malayadhwaja, young Meenakshi became the Queen. Leading her army and conquering many kingdom, she moved to Swarga in Himalayas and came in conflicts with the gods. The gods went to Shiva and requested him to save them. When Lord Shiva appeared on the battlefield Meenakshi's third breast vanished, as she realised this she asked Shiva to marry her.
As Shiva accepted her proposal, he asked her to return to Madurai and wait for him. He visited her after 8 days in the form of Sundareswara and married her in a magnificent ceremony called Thirukalyanam. Lord Vishnu came on a Golden horse and gave away his sister Devi Meenakshi to marry Lord Sundareswara. Later they has 2 Sons Subramanya (Kartikeya) and Ganesha. It is said that Subramanya also celebrated his marriage in Madurai
The Icon of Meenakshi shows her holding parrot, symbol of Kama, god of love. On the temple of the wall is the image of her marriage. According to myth, Goddess Meenakshi had a dusky complexion as her Dravadian origin. And when a dusky woman applies turmeric on her face, they get a greenish tint and thus Meenakshi Amman is depicted green in color.
Another striking point of Meenakshi Temple is the engraving. These engraving can be seen on the walls to the sancturies of Sundareswarar and Meenakshi Amma shrine. Every part of the temple is an illustration of mesmerizing artificer. The majestic structure of this temple along with compelling sculptures, drawings, paintings and serenity of religious piousness mesmerizes every visitor.
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