MADURAI MEENASHI TEMPLE, MADURAI
15-March 2009

Large temple gopurams, Rock sculpture, temple archetecture , Paintigs etc amd more than that a virtual walk along the Old Madurai streets is exciting.

According to legend, the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods `Indiran' at Kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in Madurai. The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of `Indira' in this temple is said to be proof for this. Many historical evidences of the temple have been found dating back from early A.D Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has mentioned the temple in his songs which go back to early 7th century. The lord has been described as `Aalavai Iraivan' in his songs.

The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310 following the invasion of the Islamic coqueror Malikkapur. As kings who were followers of Islam were noted for their intolerance towards other religions, the invaders destroyed most of the ancient sculputures of the temple.  The temple was restored to its pristine glory in the late 14th century when the Hindu Kings came back to power in Madurai. This can also be termed as a new beginning of a new era in the history of the temple, when it was almost rebuilt.  The King Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple.

HOW TO REACH

Madurai is easily connected from All major cities of India.

Bangalore: Both Bus and Trains are available to madurai. Mysore Express which starts from Mysore move along Madurai. There are many buses too. (Bangalore> Krishnagiri > Selam> Erode> Karur> Dindigul> Madurai  110Rs 8 Hours By Train)

Coimbatore : 5 Hours There are buses very  frequently from Singanaloor Bus stand of Coimbatore (65 Rs 5 Hours).

Thekkady : There are buses every 15 Minutes  (39 Rs 4 Hours)

I have been to madurai many times, but this is the first time, i m moving with a camera. The maintainance works were going on and I am not interested in making a lot of shots. I will get more shots next time i go

FOOT NOTES

Thanks To Sudakar, My Friend from Coimbatore

LINKS

The Official webite of the Temple

http://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/