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The festival of Meenaskhi Kalyanam is an annual solemnization of the marriage of Meenakshi with Lord Sundareshwar (Shiva) and this event stands as one of the most magnificent festivals in temple in the city of Madurai. The venue of this festival is the famous and revered temple, the Meenakshi temple, forming a part of the southern state of India, Tamil Nadu.
Meenaskhi Kalyanam is a marriage ceremonial festival of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar. Like every temple festival, this too is associated with a legendary story and has a tale to tell. The story state that in course of the excursion of the Goddess Meenaskhi, she landed up there at Mount Kailash and met Lord Shiva and fell in love with Him.
Lord Shiva directed and advised Goddess to return back to Madurai and promised her for His visit after 8 days and on His arrival He married Goddess Meenakshi with splendor and grace and this festival is celebrated till today with equal pomp and grandeur in the city. This divine couple also gave birth to Ugra Pandyan, who is also known by a name Subramanya.
This twelve day festivity marks its beginning on the 2nd day of the lunar month, which arrives after two days of the new moon and is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (April-May). The festival is carried along with the car processions of the Goddess and the God.
At the festival event the royal umbrellas are all decorated and the car parades are held with background music of traditional instrumental music. There are some scenes from the mythology, that are associated to the deities Lord Shiva, Goddess Shakti and Goddess Meenakshi are also enacted, which adds essence to the festival.
History
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. A few religious texts that belong to the 1st to 4th century C.E talk about the temple and describe it as the central structure of the city. Texts dating back to the early 6th century, describe the temple as a place where scholars met to discuss important topics. The temple as it stands today, however, was rebuilt throughout the 16th century as it was destroyed by the Muslim invaders.
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. Valuables, such as gold, silver and precious gems were taken to Delhi. Since temples in those days had abundance of valuables, most of the temples were destroyed and were left in ruins. When the Vijayanagar Empire took over Madurai after defeating the Muslim Sultanate, the temple was rebuilt and reopened. The temple was further expanded during the late 16th century and early 17th century by Vishwanatha Nayakar, a king of the Nayaka dynasty. According to researchers, while rebuilding the temple, the rulers of Nayaka dynasty followed the architectural style of ‘Silpa Shastras.’ ‘Silpa Shastras’ are a set of architectural laws found in the ancient texts.
Tamil Nadu has been a pilgrim’s favourite for ages. This southern state of India is frequented by people seeking spiritual awakening and transformation. Travellers from across the world embark on a journey to Tamil to revel in the religious festivities. Festivals of Tamil Nadu take place throughout the year, from Pongal to Sivarathri, Good Friday to Janmashtami. Here is a list we compiled.
