What are the materials used to build Meenakshi Temple?
Granite marble conglomerate slate limestone was used to build Meenakshi temple .
When was the Madurai temple built?
The earliest temple at Madurai was likely constructed in the 7th century C.E., but the temple complex we experience today is largely the work of the Nayak dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Who built Meenakshi Madurai?
King Kulasekara Pandya
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.
Which stone is used in Meenakshi temple?
The bottom part of the temple is made from granite, while its towers (gopuram) are made from limestone. On them is an astonishing array of sculptured and brightly painted gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The famous southern tower was constructed in 1559.
Who is Lord Meenakshi?
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. She is the divine consort of Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva.
Who built Meenakshi Temple in Madurai?
Meenakshi Temple, Madurai The ancient city of Madurai, more than 2,500 years old, was built by the Pandyan king, Kulashekarar, in the 6th century B.C. But the reign of the Nayaks marks the golden period of Madurai when art, architecture and learning flourished expansively.
What is the history of Madurai Mandir?
The temple was completely restored in 1995. The temple occupies a large area in the heart of Madurai, spanning 14 acres. The temple is surrounded by huge walls that were built in response to invasions. The entire structure, which appears from above, represents the mandala. Mandala is a structure built according to the laws of symmetry and position.
Why is Madurai famous for its art and architecture?
But the reign of the Nayaks marks the golden period of Madurai when art, architecture and learning flourished expansively. The most beautiful buildings in the city including its most famous landmark, the Meenakshi temple, were built during the Nayak rule.
Where is Meenakshi temple located?
The temple and the city of Madurai (only major roads sketched). The Meenakshi temple is located in the heart of historic Madurai city, about a kilometer south of the Vaigai River. It is about 460 kilometres (290 mi) southwest from Chennai, the state capital.