Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Madurai - திருமலை நாயக் மஹால்
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King Thirumalai Nayak built the Thirumalai Nayak Palace in 1636 AD and was designed by an Italian architect. The palace is situated 2 km south east of the Meenakshi Temple. The building, which can be seen today, was the main Palace where the king lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure.
The Palace was the classic example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The palace was divided into two major parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. The royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden were situated in these two portions. The courtyard and the dancing hall are the major center of attractions of the palace. High walls running 300 m from the east to the west, 200 m from the north to the south and 12 mt high enclosed the complex. These walls are called the Pari Madil and are said to have survived till a hundred years ago.
The main palace has a rectangular courtyard flanked by tall arcades, each of which has a distinct carving. The original entrance was from the north but now a different entry is used which was repaired in the last century. The pillars supporting the arches are 12 m tall and are joined by foliated brickwork that carries a valance and an entablature rising up to a height of 20 m. The decoration is done in exquisite stucco called chunnam, (shell lime). The pavilions topped with finials that were covered with gold are on either side of the courtyard.
Swargavilasa or the celestial pavilion stands to the west of the court spanning 75 m from the north to the south and 52 m across. 12 columns, enclosing a square 21 mt across, support the central dome. The columns are joined together with massive Saracenic arches. Four arches are thrown across the corner out of which the octagonal drum rise, pierced by a clerestory. The octagon changes to a circle 15 m beyond this and the dome rises in the center to a height of 25 m from the floor. The celestial pavilion is accessible by a flight of steps guarded by stone horse riders that are now damaged. The stuccowork on its domes and arches is noteworthy. The huge pillars and structures represent the awesome architectural supremacy of the Nayak Kings. There are around 248 pillars of each 58 feet toll and 5 feet diameter. Furniture and utensils used by the kings have been exhibited inside the palace.
To the west, is a square building of black stone, in an outstanding dome-shaped hall, which have a chamber made of ivory inside it. A bejeweled throne was installed here, which the king graced during the Navaratra festivities. The harem and the queen's apartments were located to the west of Swargavilasa. None of which exists today. However, in the southwest part of the complex a morning room with black polished columns exists even today where the queen used to listen to music and literary discourses. The natakshala was a splendid hall measuring 22 m in length and 42 m in width in the northwest corner of the building. The roof is a pointed arch of brickwork strengthened by granite ribs springing from a double line of arches supported by columns. The palace shrine was located to the northeast of the building where Thirumalai Nayak offered prayers to goddess Rajrajeswari every morning. The shrine is richly carved in stone and the dome was covered with gold.
The grandson of the king Thirumalai Nayak, Chokkanatha Nayak, demolished much of this palace and transferred the precious jewels and woodcarvings so that he could use it to build his own palace at Tiruchirapalli. Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Madurai In the 19th century AD, Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras made several restoration works between 1866 and 1872 AD. The palace was to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration. The only surviving buildings of the palace are the Swargavilasa and a few adjacent edifices but their awe-inspiring splendor has vanished. The courtyard is a square measuring 3,900 m and is surrounded by massive circular pillars. The Throne Chamber is a vast room with a raised, octagonal dome lies to the west. The throne Chamber leads to the Dance Hall.
After independence, the Thirumalai Palace was declared as a national monument and is now under the protection of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. The time for the visit to the palace is from 9 am to 5 pm on the payment of the entrance fee.
The palace is well equipped to perform Light & Sound shows depicting the story of Silappathikaram in both Tamil and English languages. The show is for half an hour glorifies the merits of the King Thirumalai emphasizing particularly on his passion for arts, his victories in battle and his love for his subjects.
The Meenakshi Temple is nearly 2000 years old and is situated in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is a splendid example of Dravidian style of temple architecture. The Meenakshi Temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati known here as Sundareswarar and Meenakshi. Kulasekara Pandya built the original temple but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The temple as it stands today, was designed in 1560 AD by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century AD. Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are regarded as the Royal Pandya rulers of Madurai. Meenakshi's father is said to be Malayadwaja Pandyan, who was preceded by Kulasekhara Pandyan, the legendary builder of the city of Madurai.
The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple and Madurai city originated together. According to legends, Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place. According to a mythical tradition, Indra once committed sin by killing a demon, who was performing penance. He could find no relief from remorse in his own kingdom so he came down to earth. While passing through a forest of Kadamba trees in Pandya land, he felt relieved of his burden. His attendants told him that there was a Shivalinga under a Kadamba tree beside a lake. Indra was certain that the linga had helped him and so he worshipped it and built a small temple around it. It is believed that it is this linga, which is still under worship in the Madurai temple. The shrine is called the "Indra Vimana".
The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure. There are two sanctums one for Meenakshi and the other for Sundareswarar, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and thousand pillared halls. The temple has 12 impressive gopuras. The soaring towers of granite rise from solid granite bases and are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colors. The soaring and exquisitely carved towers that enclose the temple are dedicated to Meenakshi. The south gateway contains the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi and is about nine storeys high. The four tallest gopuras stand on the massive outer walls of the temple, one on each side. The Southern gopuram is the tallest one and the only one that may be climbed. From atop this 60 ft high gopuram, one gets a complete view of the other gopuras as well as the two vimanas. Each of these gopuras is filled with countless stucco images portraying legends from the Puranas.
A visitor entering the temple through the eastern gateway first enters the Astha Shakti Mandapam (Hall). It was built by Thirumalai Nayakar's wives Rudrapathi Ammal and Tholimamai. The Meenakshi Nayak Mandapam is next to this hall. It is a spacious columned hall, which was once used for shops and stores. This hall has a votive lamp-holder with 1,008 lamps, which are lit on festive occasions. The sculptures on the pillars depict some of Lord Shiva's Thiruvilayadals (miracles) and the stories related to Meenakshi's birth and her life as the princess of Madurai. Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam is a big hall adjacent to Astha Shakthi Mandapam. It consists of 110 pillars carrying the figures of a peculiar animal with a lion's body and an elephant's head called Yalli.
Potramaraikula or the Golden Lotus Tank is an ancient temple tank where the devotees take bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the Tamil Sangam, the ancient academy of poets. A pillared corridor surrounds the tank. Steps lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bathe in it. The Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are on the western side of the tank. On every Friday, the golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Mandapam and hymns are sung as the deities are swung. The parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam have been trained to repeat Meenakshi's name. But more interesting are the 28 pillars of the mandapam, which exhibit some excellent sculptures from Hindu mythology. The idol of Vinayak was unearthed by the king Thirumalai Nayaka when he excavated a temple tank 3 km from the temple and erected it here. The Meenakshi Temple In the corridor outside the main shrine, there is stump of the kadamba tree. It is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshipped as Shiva linga. The outer corridor also has the Kadambathadi Mandapam and the Velli Ambalam or the Silver Hall. An idol of Nataraja, Dancing Shiva, covered with silver leaves can be seen. This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver leaves. The Thousand Pillar Mandapam is the 'Wonder of the Palace'. The actual number of pillars is 985 only. They are beautifully decorated and sculpted columns. The Thousand Pillared Hall houses the Temple Art Museum where one can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. Just outside the hall, towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar when stuck produces a different musical note.
The Kalyana Mandapam is to the south of the Pillared Hall. It is here the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chitirai Festival in mid- April. Thirumalai Nayakkar built Vasantha Mandapam. Vasanthosavam, the Spring Festival is celebrated in this mandapam in Baisakhi (April/May). Its pillars contain elaborate sculptures of Shiva, Meenakshi, and scenes from their wedding as well as the figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and their consorts. This is also called Pudhu Mandapam. The most amazing characteristic of this temple is the fact that it is a living legend, continuously following traditions for over two millennia. In its finished form, it represents the miraculous resilience of the Indian cultural ethos. Legends such as Meenakshi Kalyanam, the coronation of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar as the Queen and King of Madurai still form part of the grand festival traditions of the temple. It is complimented with architectural and sculptural splendor due to the vision and patronage of the Madurai Nayak rulers.
Madurai or "the city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king,Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. It has been a center of learning and pilgrimage,for centuries. Legend has it that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks gave the city its name - 'Madhurapuri',now known as "Madurai".
The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara temple and Madurai City originated together. The structures that are standing today date mostly from the twelfth to the eighteenth century. They occupy a vast space,258-m by 241m. There are the two main shrines,no less than twelve Gopuras,a pool and innumerable Mandapas. At every turn there is superb sculpture,magnificent architecture.
The Meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest and certainly one of the most ancient. According to legend Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place. The gigantic temple complex,the statues exploring the entire range of human emotions,everything here is larger than life. The soaring and exquisitely carved towers enclose the temple dedicated to Meenakashi. The south gateway contains the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi and is about nine storeys high.
Once Dhananjaya,a merchant of Manavur,where the Pandyas had arrived after the second deluge in Kumari Kandam,having been overtaken by nightfall in Kadamba forest,spent the night in the Indra Vimana. When next morning he woke up,he was surprised to see signs of worship. Thinking that it must be the work of the Devas,he told the Pandya,Kulasekhara,in Manavur,of this. Meanwhile Lord Shiva had instructed Pandya in a dream to build a temple and a city at the spot Dhananjaya would indicate. Kulasekhara did so. Thus originated the temple and city.
In the 14th century an invasion by Malik Kafur damaged the temple. In the same century Madurai was under Muslim rule for nearly fifty years. The temple authorities closed the sanctum,covered up the Linga,and set up another in the Ardhamandapa. When the city was liberated,the sanctum was opened,and,tradition says the flower garlands and the sandalwood paste placed on the Linga were as fresh as on the first day,and two oil lamps were still burning. Inside Meenakshi temple Inside Meenakshi temple
This Mandapa is an impressive structure,with a hemispherical ceiling. It is 14m long and 5.5m wide. There are bas-reliefs all over the place. Over the entrance one of them depicts the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Somasundara. The Mandapa derives its name,the "Ashta Sakthi",from the fact it contains sculptures of the eight Sakthis (also spelt as Shakti). Those of the four principal Nyanmars were added during renovation of the temple in 1960-63. closer View,Meenakshi temple Closer View,Meenakshi temple
Every Friday,the golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Mandapam and hymns are sung as the deities gaily swing to and fro. The parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam have been trained to repeat Meenakshi's name. But more interesting are the 28 pillars of the mandapam which exhibit some excellent Sculptures of figures from Hindu mythology. Swami Sundareswarar Shrine : Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) the consort of Goddess Meenakshi is to the north of Kilikoontu Mandapam . On your way you can worship a gigantic idol of Sri Ganesh called Mukkurini Pillaiyar. When the king Thirumalai Nayakar excavated a temple tank 3 km from Meenakshi temple he unearthed this idol of Vinayaka and erected the same here.
In the outer pragaram (corridor outside the main shrine) there is stump of the kadamba tree,which is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshipped Shiva linga. Also in the outer corridor there are the Kadambathadi Mandapam and big hall called ' Velli Ambalam' . Here, An idol of Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance) is seen. This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver leaves. Hence this hall is named as Velli Ambalam (Silver Hall)..
The famous festivals held at Madurai,include Teppam festival,the annual Float Festival,wherein the images of Sri Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara (also spelt as Sundreshwara) are mounted on floats,and taken to Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank,where for several days they are pulled back and forth across the water in the middle of the tank,on an illuminated raft embellished with flowers,before being taken back to the main temple.
Meenaskhi Kalyanam,the wedding festival of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar is celebrated for twelve days from the second day of the lunar month (i.e. two days after the new moon). This is a spectacular festival celebrated in the month of Chaitra (April-May). The festival is characterized with royal decorated umbrellas,fans and traditional instrumental music. Scenes from mythology are enacted and the deities of Lord Shiva,Goddess Shakti and Goddess Meenakshi are taken out in a colourful procession. Thousands of devotees from all over the country gather in the city of Madurai on this occasion.
Measuring 254m by 238m, the temple was founded in Pandya times but completely rebuilt by the Nayakas. Most of the present structures date from the 17th - 18th centuries.
The Nayaka Palace in Madurai was built by Tirumalai Nayaka (1623 - 1660) and restored in the 19th century.
The Palace was the classic example of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The palace was divided into two major parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. The royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden were situated in these two portions. The courtyard and the dancing hall are the major center of attractions of the palace. High walls running 300 m from the east to the west, 200 m from the north to the south and 12 mt high enclosed the complex. These walls are called the Pari Madil and are said to have survived till a hundred years ago.
The main palace has a rectangular courtyard flanked by tall arcades, each of which has a distinct carving. The original entrance was from the north but now a different entry is used which was repaired in the last century. The pillars supporting the arches are 12 m tall and are joined by foliated brickwork that carries a valance and an entablature rising up to a height of 20 m. The decoration is done in exquisite stucco called chunnam, (shell lime). The pavilions topped with finials that were covered with gold are on either side of the courtyard.
Swargavilasa or the celestial pavilion stands to the west of the court spanning 75 m from the north to the south and 52 m across. 12 columns, enclosing a square 21 mt across, support the central dome. The columns are joined together with massive Saracenic arches. Four arches are thrown across the corner out of which the octagonal drum rise, pierced by a clerestory. The octagon changes to a circle 15 m beyond this and the dome rises in the center to a height of 25 m from the floor. The celestial pavilion is accessible by a flight of steps guarded by stone horse riders that are now damaged. The stuccowork on its domes and arches is noteworthy. The huge pillars and structures represent the awesome architectural supremacy of the Nayak Kings. There are around 248 pillars of each 58 feet toll and 5 feet diameter. Furniture and utensils used by the kings have been exhibited inside the palace.
To the west, is a square building of black stone, in an outstanding dome-shaped hall, which have a chamber made of ivory inside it. A bejeweled throne was installed here, which the king graced during the Navaratra festivities. The harem and the queen's apartments were located to the west of Swargavilasa. None of which exists today. However, in the southwest part of the complex a morning room with black polished columns exists even today where the queen used to listen to music and literary discourses. The natakshala was a splendid hall measuring 22 m in length and 42 m in width in the northwest corner of the building. The roof is a pointed arch of brickwork strengthened by granite ribs springing from a double line of arches supported by columns. The palace shrine was located to the northeast of the building where Thirumalai Nayak offered prayers to goddess Rajrajeswari every morning. The shrine is richly carved in stone and the dome was covered with gold.
The grandson of the king Thirumalai Nayak, Chokkanatha Nayak, demolished much of this palace and transferred the precious jewels and woodcarvings so that he could use it to build his own palace at Tiruchirapalli. Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Madurai In the 19th century AD, Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras made several restoration works between 1866 and 1872 AD. The palace was to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration. The only surviving buildings of the palace are the Swargavilasa and a few adjacent edifices but their awe-inspiring splendor has vanished. The courtyard is a square measuring 3,900 m and is surrounded by massive circular pillars. The Throne Chamber is a vast room with a raised, octagonal dome lies to the west. The throne Chamber leads to the Dance Hall.
After independence, the Thirumalai Palace was declared as a national monument and is now under the protection of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. The time for the visit to the palace is from 9 am to 5 pm on the payment of the entrance fee.
The palace is well equipped to perform Light & Sound shows depicting the story of Silappathikaram in both Tamil and English languages. The show is for half an hour glorifies the merits of the King Thirumalai emphasizing particularly on his passion for arts, his victories in battle and his love for his subjects.
The Meenakshi Temple is nearly 2000 years old and is situated in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is a splendid example of Dravidian style of temple architecture. The Meenakshi Temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati known here as Sundareswarar and Meenakshi. Kulasekara Pandya built the original temple but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The temple as it stands today, was designed in 1560 AD by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century AD. Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are regarded as the Royal Pandya rulers of Madurai. Meenakshi's father is said to be Malayadwaja Pandyan, who was preceded by Kulasekhara Pandyan, the legendary builder of the city of Madurai.
The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple and Madurai city originated together. According to legends, Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place. According to a mythical tradition, Indra once committed sin by killing a demon, who was performing penance. He could find no relief from remorse in his own kingdom so he came down to earth. While passing through a forest of Kadamba trees in Pandya land, he felt relieved of his burden. His attendants told him that there was a Shivalinga under a Kadamba tree beside a lake. Indra was certain that the linga had helped him and so he worshipped it and built a small temple around it. It is believed that it is this linga, which is still under worship in the Madurai temple. The shrine is called the "Indra Vimana".
The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure. There are two sanctums one for Meenakshi and the other for Sundareswarar, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and thousand pillared halls. The temple has 12 impressive gopuras. The soaring towers of granite rise from solid granite bases and are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colors. The soaring and exquisitely carved towers that enclose the temple are dedicated to Meenakshi. The south gateway contains the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi and is about nine storeys high. The four tallest gopuras stand on the massive outer walls of the temple, one on each side. The Southern gopuram is the tallest one and the only one that may be climbed. From atop this 60 ft high gopuram, one gets a complete view of the other gopuras as well as the two vimanas. Each of these gopuras is filled with countless stucco images portraying legends from the Puranas.
A visitor entering the temple through the eastern gateway first enters the Astha Shakti Mandapam (Hall). It was built by Thirumalai Nayakar's wives Rudrapathi Ammal and Tholimamai. The Meenakshi Nayak Mandapam is next to this hall. It is a spacious columned hall, which was once used for shops and stores. This hall has a votive lamp-holder with 1,008 lamps, which are lit on festive occasions. The sculptures on the pillars depict some of Lord Shiva's Thiruvilayadals (miracles) and the stories related to Meenakshi's birth and her life as the princess of Madurai. Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam is a big hall adjacent to Astha Shakthi Mandapam. It consists of 110 pillars carrying the figures of a peculiar animal with a lion's body and an elephant's head called Yalli.
Potramaraikula or the Golden Lotus Tank is an ancient temple tank where the devotees take bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the Tamil Sangam, the ancient academy of poets. A pillared corridor surrounds the tank. Steps lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bathe in it. The Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are on the western side of the tank. On every Friday, the golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Mandapam and hymns are sung as the deities are swung. The parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam have been trained to repeat Meenakshi's name. But more interesting are the 28 pillars of the mandapam, which exhibit some excellent sculptures from Hindu mythology. The idol of Vinayak was unearthed by the king Thirumalai Nayaka when he excavated a temple tank 3 km from the temple and erected it here. The Meenakshi Temple In the corridor outside the main shrine, there is stump of the kadamba tree. It is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshipped as Shiva linga. The outer corridor also has the Kadambathadi Mandapam and the Velli Ambalam or the Silver Hall. An idol of Nataraja, Dancing Shiva, covered with silver leaves can be seen. This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver leaves. The Thousand Pillar Mandapam is the 'Wonder of the Palace'. The actual number of pillars is 985 only. They are beautifully decorated and sculpted columns. The Thousand Pillared Hall houses the Temple Art Museum where one can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. Just outside the hall, towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar when stuck produces a different musical note.
The Kalyana Mandapam is to the south of the Pillared Hall. It is here the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chitirai Festival in mid- April. Thirumalai Nayakkar built Vasantha Mandapam. Vasanthosavam, the Spring Festival is celebrated in this mandapam in Baisakhi (April/May). Its pillars contain elaborate sculptures of Shiva, Meenakshi, and scenes from their wedding as well as the figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and their consorts. This is also called Pudhu Mandapam. The most amazing characteristic of this temple is the fact that it is a living legend, continuously following traditions for over two millennia. In its finished form, it represents the miraculous resilience of the Indian cultural ethos. Legends such as Meenakshi Kalyanam, the coronation of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar as the Queen and King of Madurai still form part of the grand festival traditions of the temple. It is complimented with architectural and sculptural splendor due to the vision and patronage of the Madurai Nayak rulers.
Madurai or "the city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king,Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. It has been a center of learning and pilgrimage,for centuries. Legend has it that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks gave the city its name - 'Madhurapuri',now known as "Madurai".
The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara temple and Madurai City originated together. The structures that are standing today date mostly from the twelfth to the eighteenth century. They occupy a vast space,258-m by 241m. There are the two main shrines,no less than twelve Gopuras,a pool and innumerable Mandapas. At every turn there is superb sculpture,magnificent architecture.
The Meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest and certainly one of the most ancient. According to legend Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place. The gigantic temple complex,the statues exploring the entire range of human emotions,everything here is larger than life. The soaring and exquisitely carved towers enclose the temple dedicated to Meenakashi. The south gateway contains the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi and is about nine storeys high.
Once Dhananjaya,a merchant of Manavur,where the Pandyas had arrived after the second deluge in Kumari Kandam,having been overtaken by nightfall in Kadamba forest,spent the night in the Indra Vimana. When next morning he woke up,he was surprised to see signs of worship. Thinking that it must be the work of the Devas,he told the Pandya,Kulasekhara,in Manavur,of this. Meanwhile Lord Shiva had instructed Pandya in a dream to build a temple and a city at the spot Dhananjaya would indicate. Kulasekhara did so. Thus originated the temple and city.
In the 14th century an invasion by Malik Kafur damaged the temple. In the same century Madurai was under Muslim rule for nearly fifty years. The temple authorities closed the sanctum,covered up the Linga,and set up another in the Ardhamandapa. When the city was liberated,the sanctum was opened,and,tradition says the flower garlands and the sandalwood paste placed on the Linga were as fresh as on the first day,and two oil lamps were still burning. Inside Meenakshi temple Inside Meenakshi temple
Ashta Sakthi Mandapa
This Mandapa is a convention in this temple,different from that followed in others,that the devotee offers worship first to Goddess Meenakshi. Therefore,while there are four other entrances into the temple,under huge Gopuras in the four cardinal directions,it is customary to enter not through any of them but through a Mandapa,with no tower above it. This entrance leads directly to the shrine of the Goddess.This Mandapa is an impressive structure,with a hemispherical ceiling. It is 14m long and 5.5m wide. There are bas-reliefs all over the place. Over the entrance one of them depicts the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Somasundara. The Mandapa derives its name,the "Ashta Sakthi",from the fact it contains sculptures of the eight Sakthis (also spelt as Shakti). Those of the four principal Nyanmars were added during renovation of the temple in 1960-63. closer View,Meenakshi temple Closer View,Meenakshi temple
Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam
This hall 42.9m long and 33.5m wide is adjacent to Ashta Shakthi Mandapam. It contains 110 stone columns,each 6.7m high carrying the figures of a peculiar animal with a lion's body,and an elephant's head called Yalli. Potramaraukulam (Golden Lotus Tank) : This temple tank is an ancient tank where devotees take bath in the holy water. The corridors around the tank are rightly called the Chitra Mandapa,for the walls carry paintings of the divine sports of the Lord. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the Tamil Sangam - the ancient academy of poets.This academy judged the worth of any work of literature presented before it by throwing it into the tank. Only those that did not sink were considered worthy of attention. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor. Steps lead down to the tank,enabling worshippers to take bathe in it. The Thousand Pillar Mandapam : It is the 'wonder of the place',Actually the number of pillars count to 985. Each pillar is sculptured and is a monument of the Dravidan sculpture. There is a Temple Art Museum in this 1000 pillars hall where you can see icons,photographs,drawings,etc.,exhibiting the 1200 years old history. There are so many other smaller and bigger mandapams in the temple. Just outside this mandapam,towards the west,are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar when stuck,Produces a different musical notes.Vasantha Mandapam
This mandapam was built by Thirumalai Nayakkar. Vasanthosavam - the Spring festival-is celebrated in this mandapam in Vaikasi (April/May). Its pillars contain elaborate sculptures of Shiva,Meenakshi,scenes from their wedding as well as the figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and their consorts. This is also called Pudhu Mandapam. Oonjal Mandapam : Two Mandapas,the Unjal (swing) and the Kilikatti (parrot cage),are on the western side of the tank. On their ceilings are more paintings. The Kiliatti Mandapa has on its walls the carvings of the divine sports. The most ornamental of the temple's Mandapas,it was built in 1623.Every Friday,the golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Mandapam and hymns are sung as the deities gaily swing to and fro. The parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam have been trained to repeat Meenakshi's name. But more interesting are the 28 pillars of the mandapam which exhibit some excellent Sculptures of figures from Hindu mythology. Swami Sundareswarar Shrine : Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) the consort of Goddess Meenakshi is to the north of Kilikoontu Mandapam . On your way you can worship a gigantic idol of Sri Ganesh called Mukkurini Pillaiyar. When the king Thirumalai Nayakar excavated a temple tank 3 km from Meenakshi temple he unearthed this idol of Vinayaka and erected the same here.
In the outer pragaram (corridor outside the main shrine) there is stump of the kadamba tree,which is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshipped Shiva linga. Also in the outer corridor there are the Kadambathadi Mandapam and big hall called ' Velli Ambalam' . Here, An idol of Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance) is seen. This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver leaves. Hence this hall is named as Velli Ambalam (Silver Hall)..
The famous festivals held at Madurai,include Teppam festival,the annual Float Festival,wherein the images of Sri Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara (also spelt as Sundreshwara) are mounted on floats,and taken to Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank,where for several days they are pulled back and forth across the water in the middle of the tank,on an illuminated raft embellished with flowers,before being taken back to the main temple.
Meenaskhi Kalyanam,the wedding festival of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar is celebrated for twelve days from the second day of the lunar month (i.e. two days after the new moon). This is a spectacular festival celebrated in the month of Chaitra (April-May). The festival is characterized with royal decorated umbrellas,fans and traditional instrumental music. Scenes from mythology are enacted and the deities of Lord Shiva,Goddess Shakti and Goddess Meenakshi are taken out in a colourful procession. Thousands of devotees from all over the country gather in the city of Madurai on this occasion.
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Alagarkoil (koil is a word meaning "temple") lies a few kilometers north of Madurai. It is dedicated to a form of Vishnu as the brother of Minakshi, and the temple participates in the annual marriage rites of Minakshi at Madurai.Minakshi Temple
Minakshi temple in Madurai (plan) is another large temple compound, like Ranganatha in Srirangam. In this rooftop view, surrounding gopuras watch over the temple's inner shrine, which is capped by a golden dome.Measuring 254m by 238m, the temple was founded in Pandya times but completely rebuilt by the Nayakas. Most of the present structures date from the 17th - 18th centuries.
Tirumalai Nayaka Palace and Museum
Madurai was the Pandya capital in Tamil Nadu between the 7th and 13th centuries. After a brief but destructive invasion by the Delhi Sultanate, Madurai became a provincial capital under the rule of Vijayanagara (14th - 16th century). By the second half of the 16th century, the Nayakas of Madurai, who were originally the provincial governors under Vijayanagara, broke away and ruled independently until the arrival of the British in the 18th century.The Nayaka Palace in Madurai was built by Tirumalai Nayaka (1623 - 1660) and restored in the 19th century.
 Photo by : audiovideodisco in Flickr |
 Photo by : ericparker in Flickr |
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 Photo by : ericparker in Flickr |
 Photo by : Kamil Merchant in Flickr |
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