Meenakshi Amman, Madurai
Born a warrior princess of the Pandya line, Meenakshi conquered the world until she met Shiva, who came as Sundareswarar to marry her. The present temple, with fourteen gopurams, is largely of the Nayaka period.
Sacred origin
[Traditional account]
The Tiruvilaiyadal Puranam tells of the princess with three breasts who would lose one on meeting her husband — which happened when she met Shiva on Mount Kailasa. Their wedding is re-enacted every year in the Chithirai festival.
Documented history
[Archaeological evidence]
Madurai appears in Tamil Sangam literature; the temple was damaged in the 14th century and rebuilt and expanded by the Madurai Nayakas, especially Tirumalai Nayak (17th century).
The journey continues for members
- Inside the temple
Sources
- Tiruvilaiyadal Puranam