I want to start my blog sharing some good experience. Let me start with a beautiful place in Tamil Nadu. I am talking about the place called Madurai. When somebody hears about Madurai, we first remember “Madurai Meenakshi Temple” , which is a historic Hindu temple.
There is a saying that Madurai never sleeps. It is also beleived that the word “Meen” (Fish in Tamil) “akshi” (dynasty) depicts this. A fish never closes its eyes and this town which is under the shrine of Goddess Meenakshi never sleeps. She looks after this town all the time.
Meenakshi Temple:
The temple is around 2000 years old but still the grandeur of this temple has remained undiminished. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva with the name Sundareswarar (Beautiful Lord) and Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi Amman). These two sanctums form the core of the temple. There are many other shrines and halls around. The temple is enclosed by high-raised walls from all the sides. The temple has got marvellous architecture and it is the largest temple complex in India. The entire temple area is about 6 hectares.
Gopurams or Temple towers
There are 12 temple towers or Gopurams in this temple. Among them, four temple towers are considered to be the landmark of this temple. They are East, West, North and South Gopurams. The heights of these Gopurams range from 45 to 50 meters. The Southern Gopuram is the tallest among all. Each one of these four main Gopurams has got nine storeys. Each Gopuram consists of various statues of Lords and Goddesses each painted with bright and beautiful colours.
Temple Tank
There also exists a temple tank at the centre of this temple. The tank has a beautiful Golden Lotus at the centre. The area around this temple tank is considered to be the meeting place of ancient poets which is also known as TamilSangam. In ancient times any Tamil literature work is given importance only if it does not sink when thrown into this temple tank. People coming to this temple take a holy bath in this tank before they visit for darshan. Stairs lead to the water for the worshipers to take holy bathe. The tank is surrounded by huge corridors with pillars.
Important Festivals
There are many important festivals associated with this temple. The most important among them are Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam (Marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar), Ther Thiruvizhaha (Chariot festival), Navaratri (Gollu pooja in which various statues of God, Goddesses and other dolls are displayed in step format), Shivaratri etc. All these festivals are celebrated in a grand manner. The entire temple is decorated by huge, colourful rangolis, flowers (Thoranams). Many programs like Bhartanatyam, Classical music concerts, folk dances are organised inside various mandapams (Halls) in the temple.
Other Important Places around Meenakshi Temple
Thirumalai Nayak Palace (Light and Sound show is organised daily in the evenings about various historical events), Gandhi Museum, Azhagar Kovil, Palamudurcholai, Thirupparamkundram, Kodai Kanal, Kuttralam, Thanjavur (Brihadeeswarar temple and Palace), Kumbakonam, Trichy etc.
How to Reach?
Madurai is a well connected place with all major cities. It has got daily flights from Chennai and Bangalore. It has got daily trains from Chennai and Bangalore. Bus transports from all major cities to Madurai is also a very convenient mode. There are four big Bus stands in Madurai which connects the place to various other cities and towns around Madurai.
Stay and Food
There are various hotels and lodges available in and around temple where tourists can stay. There charges are cheap compared to other cities and are easily affordable. One should not miss out a chance to visit Murugan Idli restaurant. Though the prices are slightly on the higher side when compare to other hotels but are worth spending.
I personally have fond memories associated with this temple. One must not think twice to visit such a beautiful place and to get the blessings of Meenakshi Amman.
