How was the Meenakshi temple built?

How was the Meenakshi temple built?

Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple was built by King Kulasekara Pandya (1190–1216 CE). He built the main Portions of the three-storeyed gopura at the entrance of Sundareswarar Shrine and the central portion of the Goddess Meenakshi Shrine are some of the earliest surviving parts of the temple.

When was Meenakshi Amman temple built?

The temple you see today was rebuilt in the 16th century by Vishwanatha Nayakar who was a Nayak ruler after it was destroyed and looted by Muslim raider Malik Kafur in the 14th century. It is believed that the original structure of the Meenakshi Temple dates back to the 6th century BC.

What were the architectural features of the Brihadeshwara temple?

The outer walls of the temple are built like fort having a deep moat surrounding it. There are two entrances to the temple. The first is the five storey gopuram and the second is the free standing gopuram to which people reach through a quadrangle. Vimanam or the Shikhara of the temple is 60.96m high.

Are non Hindus allowed in Meenakshi Temple?

Non Hindus are permitted inside the temple. However they may not be able to visit the main Shrine both Sundareswarar and Meenakshi Amman. They are at free to enjoy the depicted sculptures, 1000 Pillars and variety of shops.

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.

How did Indians build temples?

Influenced by early Buddhist structures such as the stupa, the first Hindu temples were built from rock-cut caves and repeated the idea of relief panels and the decorative gavaska window form.

Why do we construct temples?

Temples were built for religious patronage. Muslims built mosques, Christians built Churches and Hindus built temples for their worship. They were also other structures for worship. Some rulers considered the destruction of temples of other religions shows their power.

Who was the first person to build the Meenakshi Temple?

The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi – Sundareswarar Temple.

How tall is the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai?

The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi – Sundareswarar Temple. There are 12 temple gateway towers (Gopurams). The outer towers are the landmarks of Madurai. They are: East Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 161’3″. This Gopura has 1011 sudhai figures

Which is the tallest tower in Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple?

The tallest of these is the southern tower, rising to a height of 170 feet. There are thus a total of 12 gopurams, two gold plated vimaanams (crowning the sancta) and several mandapams with carved pillars within the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple complex.

Which is the oldest gopuram of Meenakshi Temple?

Kadaka Gopuram – This towering gateway leads to the main shrine that houses Goddess Meenakshi. The gateway was rebuilt by Tumpichi Nayakkar during the mid-16th century. The ‘gopuram’ has five storeys. Sundareswarar Shrine Gopuram – This is the oldest ‘gopuram’ of the temple and was built by Kulasekara Pandya.