What is the story behind Meenakshi Temple?

What is the story behind Meenakshi Temple?

It is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva. The temple is at the center of the ancient temple city of Madurai mentioned in the Tamil Sangam literature, with the goddess temple mentioned in 6th-century-CE texts.

What is the story of Madurai Meenakshi?

The story of the figure of Meenakshi is also legendary. It describes a Pandya king, Malayadhvaja, who hoped for a son and heir. He carefully performed a fire ceremony requesting that the gods fulfill this wish. Instead, he was granted a daughter, Meenakshi, who was born with three breasts.

What is special about Madurai Meenakshi temple?

The principal deity of this temple is Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, which has been carved in emerald hued stone. The idol has three breasts, as it is believed that Goddess Meenakshi was born with three breasts and was blessed with it which would supposedly vanish once she meets the right man of her life.

Who is Meenakshi Amman?

Meenakshi (Sanskrit: Mīnākṣī; Tamil: Mīṉāṭci; sometimes spelled as Minakshi; also known as Aṅgayaṟkaṇṇi, Mīnāṭci and Taḍādakai), is a Hindu goddess and tutelary deity of Madurai who is considered an avatar of the Goddess Parvati also referred to as Durga. She is the divine consort of Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva.

Why goddess Meenakshi has a parrot?

The main icon of Meenakshi shows her holding a parrot, symbol of Kama, god of love. She also has a small dagger on her waist band, reminding everyone who is the overlord. On the temple wall is the image of her marriage.

Who destroyed Meenakshi Temple?

During the 14th century C.E, Malik Kafur, a commander of Delhi Sultanate, led his army into most parts of southern India and looted many temples including the famed Meenakshi Temple.

Why Madurai Meenakshi has a parrot?

How old is Madurai Meenakshi temple?

The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak(1623-55 AD). Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sundareswarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple.

Why Goddess Meenakshi has a parrot?

Who built Madurai Meenakshi Amman?

It is said that the temple was originally built in the 6th century BC by survivors of the Kumari Kandam. In the 14th century, the Sultanate Muslim Commander Malik Kafur plundered the temple and looted it of its valuables. It was rebuilt by the Nayak ruler Vishwanatha Nayakar around the 16th century.

Do parrots bring good luck?

As per Vastushashtra, parrots are considered to be lucky as they bring good health and love between the occupants of the house. Parrots should always be kept in the North direction. Love birds are also lucky and should be kept in their cage in the North-West, North-East or East direction.

Why Meenakshi goddess has a parrot?

What is the old name of Madurai?

Madura

Madurai, formerly (until 1949) Madura, city, south-central Tamil Nadu state, southern India. It is located on the Vaigai River, about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Dindigul. Madurai is the third most populous, and probably the oldest, city in the state.

Why Meenakshi goddess has a parrot in Tamil?

Which God vehicle is parrot?

The vahanas of other gods include the hamsa (goose or swan) of Brahma and Sarasvati, the bandicoot rat of Ganesha, the peacock of Skanda, the elephant Airavata of Indra, the parrot of Kama, the owl of Lakshmi, and the lion of Parvati.

Who built Madurai Meenakshi temple?

The history of Meenakshi Temple dates back to the 1st century C.E with scholars claiming it to be as old as the city itself. 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.

Which bird is lucky for home?

Peacock. In ancient times, people believed that peacocks could predict good or bad luck and would protect their homes from evil spirits.

Which pet is lucky for home?

Dogs. Dogs represent loyalty and protection as your household pet. The dog should be kept in a kennel that faces north, according to Vastu Shastra. It’s also good for the house.

What does the parrot symbolize?

Parrots are also playful animals. In many ways, they represent our ability to go about our lives with a lot of energy and in a playful manner. They’re also almost symbolic of our childhoods because of the many tricks we can teach them and their ability to speak.

Why is Madurai called Sleepless city?

Madurai is popularly called ‘Thoonga Nagaram,’ the city that never sleeps. That nickname justifiably describes its night life. But it also appears to apply to the swelling ranks of the city’s insomniacs and sleep deprived.

What is Madurai famous for?

Madurai is famous for its temples built by Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings in the Dravidian style of architecture. It is also one of India’s most outstanding Hindu pilgrimage centres.

Which God is parrot?

The deity of Kamadeva along with his consort Rati is included in the pantheon of Vedic-Brahmanical deities such as Shiva and Parvati. In Hindu traditions for the marriage ceremony itself, the bride’s feet are often painted with pictures of Suka, the parrot vahana of Kamadeva.

Which god vehicle is dog?

Shiva, in his aspect as Bhairava, had a dog as a vahana (vehicle) (mentioned in the Mahabharata).

Which bird is symbol of happy marriage?

Cranes are revered in Asia as symbols of long life. Cuckoos are welcomed as a sign of spring in Europe and are considered omens of a happy marriage.

What are signs of luck?

Here are some of the most well-known signs of good luck:

  • 1) Elephants.
  • 2) Horseshoes.
  • 3) Four Leaf Clovers.
  • 4) Keys.
  • 5) Shooting Stars.

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