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Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

It is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi Amman, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva.

The west tower (gopuram) of the temple is the model based on which the Tamil Nadu State Emblem is designed.

North tower (gopuram) seen from north

  • The shrines of Meenakshi temple are embedded inside three walled enclosures and each of these have four gateways, the outer tower growing larger and reaching higher to the corresponding inner one.
  • The temple has 14 gopurams, the tallest of which is the southern tower, which rises to over 52 m (170 ft) and was rebuilt in the late 16th century.
  • The oldest gopuram is the eastern one, built by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan during 1216–1238.
  • Each gopuram is a multi-storeyed structure, covered with sculpture painted in bright hues.
  • The outer gopurams are high pyramidal tower serving as a landmark sign for arriving pilgrims, while the inner gopuram are smaller and serve as the entrance gateways to various shrines.

Horizontal panorama of the north tower seen from the northwest
Mottai gopuram (lit. "bald" gateway) was started by Krishnappa Nayakkar, also called the North Raya gopuram.

  • It was completed by the Amaravati Purur Vayinagaram Chettiyar family in 1878 CE.
  • The Mottai gopuram for nearly three centuries did not have a roof structure, is simpler and has fewer stucco images than the other major entrances, giving it a relatively bald appearance and the local name.
  • Before its completion in the 19th century, the gopuram made of stone and brick had even fewer stucco images.

    • Vertical panorama of the north tower seen from the northwest
    The gopuram, or temple tower, is a significant feature in South Indian temple architecture. Its various levels symbolize the journey towards the divine.

    • Base Level (Bhooloka): The lowest level represents the earthly realm, also known as Bhooloka. This is where humans reside, and it signifies the material world and the everyday life of devotees.
    • Middle Levels (Antariksha): The middle tiers signify the celestial space or Antariksha. This region represents the transitional state between the earthly realm and the divine. It is often adorned with sculptures of mythological figures and deities.
    • Upper Levels (Svarga): The higher levels symbolize Svarga, or heaven. This is where the gods reside, and it represents spiritual enlightenment and closeness to the divine. The upper levels are richly decorated with intricate carvings and statues of deities, symbolizing the devotee's journey towards spiritual awakening and union with the divine.
    • Kalasha (Crowning Element): At the very top of the gopuram is the kalasha, a pot-like structure often made of metal. It represents the ultimate spiritual goal, the union with the divine, and the attainment of moksha (liberation).
    • Each level of the gopuram thus symbolizes a step in the spiritual ascent, guiding devotees from the material world to the spiritual realm and, ultimately, to divine consciousness.

    Detail panorama of the north tower seen from the northwest
    At the top of the tower we can see Yali.

    • The Yali, often depicted as a mythical lion-like creature, plays a significant role in Hindu temple architecture, particularly in South India.
    • These fierce and protective beings are commonly found on gopurams, the towering entrance gateways of temples.
    • Yalis symbolize strength, bravery, and the power to ward off evil spirits.
    • They are considered guardians, protecting the sacred space within the temple from negative influences.
    • Their placement on gopurams is both symbolic and aesthetic, as they add to the grandeur and spiritual ambiance of the temple.
    • In essence, Yalis are not just ornamental but carry profound spiritual meanings, representing the divine protection and the triumph of good over evil.

    West tower (gopuram) seen from north

    Gold plated Vimanam (tower over sanctum) between the trees
    The shrine for Sundareswarar is the largest within the complex and its entrance is aligned with the eastern gopuram. The shrine for Meenakshi is smaller, though theologically more important. Both the Meenakshi and Sundareswarar shrines have gold plated Vimanam (tower over sanctum).

    • The golden top can be seen from a great distance in the west through the apertures of two successive towers.

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    Location

    Location: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001, India