One of the main attractions of South India with thousands of devotees thronging it every day, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is the epicenter of Madurai’s history. Dedicated to Parvati and Shiva, here is one of the most revered temples in the country. India’s Unmissable Experience series is curated by Rupali Dean.

Notwithstanding many people visiting it every day, the temple is well-maintained and was named the ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’ (cleanest iconic place) in India. The temple is spread over 14 acres and is enclosed with huge walls built in response to the invasions.

MADURAI’S EPICENTRE: THE MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE

It is held that Lord Shiva presumed the form of Sundareswarar (the handsome one) and married Parvati (Meenakshi) at the place where the temple is now located. The temple is celebrated for its astonishing architecture.

During the ‘Tirukalyanam Festival’, which takes place over a period of 10 days, the temple attracts more than a million devotees. Since Meenakshi is the main deity of the temple, the temple signifies the importance of woman in a Tamil Hindu family.

Apart from the main festival, a number of other festivals are also celebrated in the temple. Some of these include ‘Vasantham festival,’ ‘Unjal festival,’ ‘Mulai-Kottu festival,’ ‘Arudhra Dharsan festival,’ ‘Thai utsavam,’ ‘Kolattam festival,’ etc. Each of these festivals has its own significance – celebrated at different intervals all throughout the year.

Image Credits: wikipedia.com