The Great Temple of Madurai Meenakshi

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Evolution of South Indian Temples. 2. Madurai – Its Legacy and Legend. 3. Legend. 4. Sporty deeds of the Lord. 5. Saivite Saints (Naalvar). 6. The presiding Deities. 7. Pillared Halls (Mandapams). 8. Towers (Gopurams). 9. Festivals and Ornaments. Glossary and Bibliography.

Madurai the name at once evokes a feeling of devotion and awe; devotion towards Mother Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar, the presiding deities at the most famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple of Tamil Nadu and awe at the long, uninterrupted history of literature, art and architecture that flourished in this temple town from pre-Christian era to the present day. That the divine grace and compassion of Goddess Meenakshi pervades and permeates through every aspect of life in this region, can be the only reason that through several. changes of dynastic rules, wars and vicissitudes, Madurai has been the centre of attraction for thousands of years to pilgrims and tourists, traders and travellers, Kings and commoners from all over the world.