The grand Meenakshi Amman temple forms the heart of the bustling southern city, Madurai. About 10 minutes walk from the railway station down dusty streets, the gopurams (towers) of this temple stand tall and proud having withstood centuries.
The temple is an enormous complex of granite popular with locals and tourists. A huge Ganesha greets you. The image of Meenakshi is simply breathtaking.
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple Tamil: மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோவில் is an historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar or Beautiful Lord) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is believed to have been built in 1600. The tallest temple tower is 51.9 metres (170 ft) high. Source: Wikipedia.
Check out more photos at the Wikipedia entry.
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