Meenakshi temple at dawn, sunrise, Madurai, India

Religions - Hinduism - Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Monument - Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Yalli, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Yalli, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in 1636 also in the center of Madurai. The palace is famous for its grand white columns each with a 4m diameter, the impressive stucco-work on its domes and arches and the Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) which is a large hall built without the support of a single rafter or girder. Though Thirumalai Nayak's grandson selfishly ransacked most of the palace to build his own which he finally never did, the palace was restored partially by Lord Napier between 1866-72.

The tower within the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai

Pazhamudhircholai Temple, Madurai, India

Pazhamudircholai temple, situated 19km from Madurai on the Vrishabhadri hill. This is the sixth sacred temple among the Aru Padaiveedu (Six abodes) of Lord Muruga. This is where Muruga is supposed to have toyed with Avvaiyar, the grand old lady of Tamil literature and his ardent devotee. On her way to Madurai she stopped here for some rest when she noticed a young boy sitting on the branch of a 'Naaval' (a type of berry) tree and asked him to throw down some fruits. He asked her if she wanted some hot or cold fruits and her curiosity piqued she asked for some hot fruits. The boy shook the branch of the tree and the berries fell to the ground. As she picked up the fruits and blew on them to remove the sand, the boy playfully asked if the fruits were too hot to eat and advised her to blow a little harder. Avvaiyar realized that the boy had tricked her with his word-play and then realised that it was her idol playing with her. The questions then asked by Lord Muruga in this encounter with Avvaiyar and the answers given by her in verse are a big part of Tamil literature.

Dwarapalayas guarding the entrance, Pazhamudhircholai Temple, Madurai, India

Pazhamudircholai temple, situated 19km from Madurai on the Vrishabhadri hill. This is the sixth sacred temple among the Aru Padaiveedu (Six abodes) of Lord Muruga. This is where Muruga is supposed to have toyed with Avvaiyar, the grand old lady of Tamil literature and his ardent devotee. On her way to Madurai she stopped here for some rest when she noticed a young boy sitting on the branch of a 'Naaval' (a type of berry) tree and asked him to throw down some fruits. He asked her if she wanted some hot or cold fruits and her curiosity piqued she asked for some hot fruits. The boy shook the branch of the tree and the berries fell to the ground. As she picked up the fruits and blew on them to remove the sand, the boy playfully asked if the fruits were too hot to eat and advised her to blow a little harder. Avvaiyar realized that the boy had tricked her with his word-play and then realised that it was her idol playing with her. The questions then asked by Lord Muruga in this encounter with Avvaiyar and the answers given by her in verse are a big part of Tamil literature.

Pazhamudhircholai tower facade, Madurai, India

Pazhamudircholai temple, situated 19km from Madurai on the Vrishabhadri hill. This is the sixth sacred temple among the Aru Padaiveedu (Six abodes) of Lord Muruga. This is where Muruga is supposed to have toyed with Avvaiyar, the grand old lady of Tamil literature and his ardent devotee. On her way to Madurai she stopped here for some rest when she noticed a young boy sitting on the branch of a 'Naaval' (a type of berry) tree and asked him to throw down some fruits. He asked her if she wanted some hot or cold fruits and her curiosity piqued she asked for some hot fruits. The boy shook the branch of the tree and the berries fell to the ground. As she picked up the fruits and blew on them to remove the sand, the boy playfully asked if the fruits were too hot to eat and advised her to blow a little harder. Avvaiyar realized that the boy had tricked her with his word-play and then realised that it was her idol playing with her. The questions then asked by Lord Muruga in this encounter with Avvaiyar and the answers given by her in verse are a big part of Tamil literature.

Muruga and Avvaiyar, Pazhamudhircholai Temple, Madurai, India

Pazhamudircholai temple, situated 19km from Madurai on the Vrishabhadri hill. This is the sixth sacred temple among the Aru Padaiveedu (Six abodes) of Lord Muruga. This is where Muruga is supposed to have toyed with Avvaiyar, the grand old lady of Tamil literature and his ardent devotee. On her way to Madurai she stopped here for some rest when she noticed a young boy sitting on the branch of a 'Naaval' (a type of berry) tree and asked him to throw down some fruits. He asked her if she wanted some hot or cold fruits and her curiosity piqued she asked for some hot fruits. The boy shook the branch of the tree and the berries fell to the ground. As she picked up the fruits and blew on them to remove the sand, the boy playfully asked if the fruits were too hot to eat and advised her to blow a little harder. Avvaiyar realized that the boy had tricked her with his word-play and then realised that it was her idol playing with her. The questions then asked by Lord Muruga in this encounter with Avvaiyar and the answers given by her in verse are a big part of Tamil literature.

Ghee lamps, Pazhamudhircholai Temple, Madurai, India

Pazhamudircholai temple, situated 19km from Madurai on the Vrishabhadri hill. This is the sixth sacred temple among the Aru Padaiveedu (Six abodes) of Lord Muruga. This is where Muruga is supposed to have toyed with Avvaiyar, the grand old lady of Tamil literature and his ardent devotee. On her way to Madurai she stopped here for some rest when she noticed a young boy sitting on the branch of a 'Naaval' (a type of berry) tree and asked him to throw down some fruits. He asked her if she wanted some hot or cold fruits and her curiosity piqued she asked for some hot fruits. The boy shook the branch of the tree and the berries fell to the ground. As she picked up the fruits and blew on them to remove the sand, the boy playfully asked if the fruits were too hot to eat and advised her to blow a little harder. Avvaiyar realized that the boy had tricked her with his word-play and then realised that it was her idol playing with her. The questions then asked by Lord Muruga in this encounter with Avvaiyar and the answers given by her in verse are a big part of Tamil literature.

Azhagarcoil architecture, Madurai, India

Azhagarcoil, a Vishnu Temple dedicated to Sundararajar or Kallazhaghar. This temple plays an important part in the legend of the city as Vishnu the brother of Parvati couldn't attend the wedding due to a misunderstanding. Vishnu swore never to enter Madurai and thus is only present in this temple 21 kms from the city though every year on Chitra Poornima day, an elaborate procession is held on the river Vaigai with Vishnu bearing gifts travels to the Meenakshi temple to bless his sister and her husband. For this deity, Abhishekam is only done with water from a particular spring in the hills as it is believed that anything else will discolor the idol.

An elephant at the entrance to the Azhagarcoil temple, Madurai, India

Azhagarcoil, a Vishnu Temple dedicated to Sundararajar or Kallazhaghar. This temple plays an important part in the legend of the city as Vishnu the brother of Parvati couldn't attend the wedding due to a misunderstanding. Vishnu swore never to enter Madurai and thus is only present in this temple 21 kms from the city though every year on Chitra Poornima day, an elaborate procession is held on the river Vaigai with Vishnu bearing gifts travels to the Meenakshi temple to bless his sister and her husband. For this deity, Abhishekam is only done with water from a particular spring in the hills as it is believed that anything else will discolor the idol.

Entrance to Azhagarcoil, Madurai, India

Azhagarcoil, a Vishnu Temple dedicated to Sundararajar or Kallazhaghar. This temple plays an important part in the legend of the city as Vishnu the brother of Parvati couldn't attend the wedding due to a misunderstanding. Vishnu swore never to enter Madurai and thus is only present in this temple 21 kms from the city though every year on Chitra Poornima day, an elaborate procession is held on the river Vaigai with Vishnu bearing gifts travels to the Meenakshi temple to bless his sister and her husband. For this deity, Abhishekam is only done with water from a particular spring in the hills as it is believed that anything else will discolor the idol.

Azhagarcoil, Madurai, India

Azhagarcoil, a Vishnu Temple dedicated to Sundararajar or Kallazhaghar. This temple plays an important part in the legend of the city as Vishnu the brother of Parvati couldn't attend the wedding due to a misunderstanding. Vishnu swore never to enter Madurai and thus is only present in this temple 21 kms from the city though every year on Chitra Poornima day, an elaborate procession is held on the river Vaigai with Vishnu bearing gifts travels to the Meenakshi temple to bless his sister and her husband. For this deity, Abhishekam is only done with water from a particular spring in the hills as it is believed that anything else will discolor the idol.

East Entrance - marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Lord Muruga, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

A closeup of Veerabhadra, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Guests to the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Symmetric scultpures, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Paintings and scultpures mingle, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Brass carvings, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

South Gopuram with the Golden Lily Tank, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Gopuram, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

North gopuram, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Gopuram sculptures, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Brahma, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Mukkuruni Vinayakar, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Nandi, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

The wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Half man, half woman, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Corner stone carvings, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Narasimha Avatar, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Rathi, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, India

Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The magnificence of this temple almost became world renowned with it being a strong contender for the modern Seven Wonders of the World contest. The mythological story tells us that a Pandya king, Malayadwaja Pandya was childless and upon performing a number of yagnas (austere penance and sacrifices) he was rewarded with a 3 year old girl who rose from the fire. He adopted her. The girl had three breasts and it was believed that she would become normal the day she met her consort. She became a powerful princess and while fighting in Mount Kailas she saw Lord Shiva and she immediately attained her true form of Goddess Parvati. Eight days later they were married and after ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.