how to get married at meenakshi amman temple

The temple was rebuilt and reopened after the Vijaynagar Empire defeated the Muslim Sultanate. During the 14th century C.E, Malik Kafur, a commander of Delhi Sultanate, looted the temple. The temple was rebuilt throughout the 16th century as it was destroyed by the Muslim invaders. It is said that Kulashekarar Pandyan, a king who ruled over the Pandyan dynasty, built the temple as per the instructions given in his dream by Lord Shiva. The history of Meenakshi Temple dates back to the 1st century C.E. Vishnu presiding over the marriage of Shiva and Meenakshi, Meenakshi Temple, Madurai History of Meenakshi Temple Even today, the wedding ceremony is celebrated every year as ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’ which is also known as ‘Tirukalyanam’ (the grand wedding). The divine couple made their home in Madurai, where they ruled (and continue to symbolically rule) as queen and king. Since Parvati herself had assumed the form of Meenakshi, Lord Vishnu, Parvati’s brother, presided over the wedding of Shiva and Meenakshi and handed her over to Lord Shiva. Soon a human devotee witnessed the miraculous scene of gods worshipping at the lingam and notified the local king, Kulashekhara Pandya, who built a temple at the site.Īccording to legend it is believed that Lord Shiva assumed the form of Sundareswarar (the handsome one) and married Parvati (Meenakshi) at the site where the temple is currently located. Other gods followed Indra’s lead and began to worship there. Mythological and historical significanceĪccording to tradition, more than 3500 years ago the god Indra installed a small tower over a naturally formed stone lingam as a sign of devotion to Shiva, one of the primary deities in the Hindu pantheon.

Located in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the temple has a great mythological and historical significance.

Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, is one of the oldest and most important temples in India renowned for its astonishing Dravidian style of architecture.

How to get married at meenakshi amman temple