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News: The Maha Kumbabishekam ceremony of Madurai Meenakshi Temple was held after seventeen years, with thousands of devotees witnessing the event.
About Madurai Meenakshi Temple
- Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple.
- Location: It is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on the southern bank of the Vaigai River.
- Deities: The main deities are Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundareswarar (Shiva).
- Alagar, a form of Vishnu, is also associated with the temple.
- Architecture Style: The temple follows the Dravidian style and Nayaka school of architecture.
- Builders: The Pandya kings built the original temple.
- Vishwanatha Nayaka and Tirumala Nayaka contributed to its present form during the 16th–17th centuries CE.
- Key Features
- Temple Complex: The temple covers 45 acres and measures 254 × 237 metres.
- Gopurams: It has 14 gopurams, including four tall outer gopurams.
- Tallest Gopuram: The Southern tower rises to over 170 feet and was built in 1559.
- Thousand Pillar Hall: The Ayirakkal Mandapam was built around 1569 CE and contains 985 carved pillars.
- Musical Pillars: The Musical Pillars are located outside the Thousand Pillar Hall towards the west, and each pillar produces a different musical note when struck.
- Festival: Meenakshi Tirukalyanam is the annual festival celebrated during the Chithirai festival in April–May.
- The Maha Kumbabishekam ceremony was held after seventeen years.
- Recognition: The temple was recognised as “Best Swachh Iconic Place” in 2017 and has been nominated for World Heritage.
