Meenakshi Temple a world wonder?

M. Ramesh

Chennai , Feb. 12

TAJ Mahal: No. 3. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple: No. 26.

That's what you'll find if you go to www.newsevenwonders.com and check out the list of top nominees for the fresh list of `seven wonders of the world.' The list is drawn up by the `new seven wonders foundation,' established by Swiss filmmaker and adventurer Bernard Weber.

The `Seven Ancient Wonders of the World' was selected by Philon of Byzantium in 200 B.C. The new seven wonders will be democratically selected through an Internet-based voting process. Any group of seven people can put up a nomination for voting.

The process started in 2001 and the New Seven Wonders will be announced on January 1, 2006.

The nominations that make it to the first 21 by February 28 will enter the second phase of voting. Taj Mahal is almost certainly in. Will the Meenakshi Temple make it to the finals?

"The selection of Meenakshi Temple is not just a matter of pride. It will greatly enhance the tourism potential of the entire State," says S. Rethinavelu, President of the Madurai-based Tamilnadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Already a lot of time has been lost because nobody knew of even the `new seven wonders' effort, let alone the temple's nomination. The nomination itself was the work of the Indian diaspora, to whom the credit of bringing the temple to the No. 26 spot belongs.

What happens in the next fortnight will make a big difference to the development of Madurai in particular and Tamil Nadu in general.

In recent times there has been a tremendous public participation, says T. Kannan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Meenakshi Amman temple and a past Chairman of the Southern Region of the Confederation of Indian Industry. Indeed, the temple ranks first in the list of `Top 7 of the Week.' So a little more effort, one more shove, will do the trick.

To vote, a person has to make an international call to one of the two numbers (372-54-111-443 or 372-54-111-444) and get a six-digit code, which is valid for an hour. Then he goes to the seven wonders Web site, enters the code and casts his vote.

Many institutions can help the cause of the Meenakshi temple. The Tamilnadu Chamber put up a special stall at the Chamber's Trade Fair recently, where visitors could call the numbers and cast their votes. The chamber subsidised the cost of the calls.

"Our State Government is investing several thousands of crores of rupees for development of trade, industry and tourism in the State. We should not let this rare opportunity slip away," Rethinavelu has said in a letter to the Chief Minister.

The Chamber has called upon the State Government to set up facilities for Internet voting at concessional rates at several points throughout the State. "Even a mere statement by the Chief Minister requesting people to vote in favour of the temple will he a big help," Rethinavelu told Business Line.

The Meenakshi temple attracts some 6,000 visitors a day on an average. According to Kannan, this will go up by at least 50 per cent, if the temple is announced as one among the seven wonders of the world.

The temple gets annual revenues of about Rs 6 crore. This amount can be raised to at least Rs 7.5 crore if only the shops on the temple land are made to pay a fair rent to the temple. "Just the arrears from them is Rs 4 crore," Kannan said. The trustees are also trying to clear encroachments on the temple land, for which an order has been obtained under Section 78 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/02/13/stories/2005021300761600.htm

http://www.india-unveiled.com/india-unveiled/photos/img0096x.jpg

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more pics..

http://www.dinodia.com/photos/images/HSA-14356.jpg

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marvelous piece of work by our people...

stone architecture of such kind in the world is only in tamil nadu

http://img181.exs.cx/img181/2894/17tb.jpg
^ Model of the Temple complex


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^ The many pillared halls


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^ View of one of the Gopurams (towers)


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^ Detail view


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^ The intricately carved hallways


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^ The fabulous gilded and painted ceilings


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^ Golden Lotus


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^ View of Golden Lotus pond. Too bad I don't have a night view of it :(

wow..the whole complex is really huge and intricate! :eek:

it deserves to be one of the world wonder..

visit: www.new7wonder.com

and vote for madurai,meenakshi temple

it deserves to be one of the world wonder..

visit: www.new7wonder.com

and vote for madurai,meenakshi temple

I agree too... It is the best architectural marvell i've ever seen in India. Glad it is getting the attention now. :)
btw, can someone clarify for me when this great temple was built?

A temple has existed at that spot ever since the dawn of history of that region. The earliest recorded period in Tamil history is the Sangam era (before that, there was human habitation, but without any recorded history). This dates back to pre-Christian times (exact dates unknown). The 'Sangam' or the 'Academy of Learning' was in Madurai. There are references to a temple and associated places of learning even in the Sangam or post-Sangam literature. Many different dynasties ruled this region and each added to the temple. The major rulers were the Pandyas (with their capital at Madurai), Cholas (with Tanjore as a capital but Madurai as one of their most important cities), Vijayanagar empire and their vassals, the Nayakas, who later became independent upon the weakening of the Viajayanagar empire. Finally, the British came to rule the area. Madurai saw some bad days during the raids by Malik Kafur, the eunuch general of Ala-ud-din Khilji. There was also a Sultanate in Madurai for some time, but it did not last long enough to do permanent damage to the temple, though it was ransacked.

While each of these empires added to the temple, the Meenakshi temple as it exists today dates back to the Vijayanagar period. Krishna Deva Raya was the most illustrious ruler of the Vijayanagar empire and he endowed several construction works in the Meenakshi temple. But the greatest part of the current temple dates back to the period of Tirumala Nayaka, the greatest of the Nayaka rulers of Madurai. There is also a Tirumala Nayaka palace in Madurai, which he built. He built the Rajagopuram (main entrance tower) of the temple and also had the prakaras (perimeters) made. Madurai was also laid out with the temple as its centre - a feature that remains even today. The paintings and many-pillared halls (including the one with musical stone pillars) all date back to his period.

more pics of this massive temple in Madurai

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images courtesy of http://www.vaisnava.cz/clanek.php3?no=164

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http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/data/510/2904supremeview.jpg

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How the heck did my pic turn into a car?

^ Oh my.. That's kinda amusing (in a strange sort of way).. :)

Courtesy web site:http://www.madurai.com/meena.htm
The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple.
The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure, at the core of which are the two sanctums for meenakshi and Sundareshwara, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls. Especially impressive are the 12 gopuras. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases, and are covered with stucco figures of dieties, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colours.

Temple Towers

There are 12 temple towers(Gopurams). The outer towers are the landmarks of Madurai. They are:

1. East Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 161'3". This Gopura has 1011 sudhai figures.
2. South Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 170'6". This Tower has 1511 sudhai figures.
3. West Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 163'3". This Tower has 1124 sudhai figures.
4. North Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 160'6". This Tower has lesser figures of sudhai than other outer towers.

Gopura:
Pyramidal gates(gopuras) rise to a height of more than 50m. These towering gateways indicate the entrance to the temple complex at the four cardinal points, while lesser gopuras lead to the sanctums of the main dieties.

Stucco Work:
The figures of dieties on the tower are repaired, repainted and ritually reconsecrated every 12 years.

Ashta Shakthi Mandapam:
A visitor who enters the temple through the eastern gateway, first enters this Mandapam(Hall). It was built by Thirumalai Nayakar's wives Rudrapathi Ammal and Tholimamai. In this hall food was once distributed to the devotees who came from far off places. Next to this hall is the Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa, a spacious columned hall used for shops and stores. This hall has a votive lamp-holder with 1,008 lamps, which are lit on festive occasions and present a spectacular sight. The sculptures on the pillars here relate some of Lord Shiva's Thiruvilayadals (miracles) and also the story of Meenakshi's birth and her life as the princess of Madurai.

The story descripted on the stones is as follows:

Malayadwaja Pandya, a king of Madurai , was childless for a long time. He performed a number of yagnas (sacrifices made before a sacred fire) because he wanted an heir to his throne. On one occasion, a three-year-old girl came out of the fire and Malayadwaja adopted her. But the girl had three breasts and this worried Malayadwaja. However, a divine voice assured him that the third breast would disappear as soon as she met her consort. The girl grew into a brave and beautiful princess. she won many battles, but eventually lost her heart to Lord Shiva, when she met him on the battle-field in Kailas. As soon as she saw him, her third breast disappeared and she recognized her divine consort, for the princess was none other than Shiva's wife, Parvathi. After ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a while, they settled in the Madurai temple as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam:
This big hall is adjacent to Ashta Shakthi Mandapam, consisting of 110 pillars carrying the figures of a peculiar animal with a lion's body , and an elephant's head called Yalli.

Potramaraikulam (golden lotus tank):
This temple tank is an ancient tank where devotees take bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting place of the Tamil Sangam - the ancient academy of poets. The history of the sangam goes back to the days when gods dallied with men. This academy judged the worth of any work of literature presented before it by throwing it into the tank. Only those that did not sink were considered worthy of attention. The tank is surrounded by a pillared corridor. Steps lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bathe in it.

Oonjal Mandapam:
The Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are on the western side of the tank. Every Friday, the golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Mandapam and hymns are sung as the deities gaily swing to and fro. The parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam have been trained to repeat Meenakshi's name. But more interesting are the 28 pillars of the mandapam which exhibit some excellent Sculptures of figures from Hindu mythology.

Swami Sundareswarar Shrine:
Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) the consort of Goddess Meenakshi is to the north of Kilikoontu Mandapam . On your way you can worship a gigantic idol of Sri Ganesh called Mukkurini Pillaiyar. When the king Thirumalai Nayakar excavated a temple tank 3 km from Meenakshi temple he unearthed this idol of Vinayaka and erected the same here.

In the outer pragaram (corridor outside the main shrine) there is stump of the kadamba tree, which is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshipped Shiva linga. Also in the outer corridor there are the Kadambathadi Mandapam and big hall called 'Velli Ambalam'. Here, an idol of Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance) is seen. This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver leaves. Hence this hall is named as Velli Ambalam (Silver Hall)..

The Thousand Pillar Mandapam:
It is the 'wonder of the palace'. Actually the number of pillars count to 985 beautifully decorated columns. Each pillar is sculptured and is a monument of the Dravidan sculpture. There is a Temple Art Museum in this 1000 pillars hall where you can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. There are so many other smaller and bigger mandapams in the temple.
Just outside this mandapam ,towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar when stuck, produces a different musical note. The kalyana mandapa, to the south of the pillared hall, is where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chitirai Festival in mid- April.

Vasantha Mandapam :
This mandapam was built by Thirumalai Nayakkar. Vasanthosavam - the Spring festival-is celebrated in this mandapam in Vaikasi (April/May). Its pillars contain elaborate sculptures of Shiva, Meenakshi, scenes from their wedding as well as the figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and their consorts. This is also called Pudhu Mandapam.

Courtesy: http://www.madurai.com
Madurai Meenakshi Ammal
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PAINTINGS ON CEILING
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PAINTINGS ON TEMPLE WALL
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INTRICATELY CARVED PILLARES (YALLI)
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STANDING LORD GANESH
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GODDESS LAXMI
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RARE PAINTING ON CEILING
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EVENING SHOT DURING KUMBHABHISHEKAM
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Nice shots!

THIS is one of the best things besides the pyramids in Egypt. But the Menakshi Temple is more colorful. BEAUTIFUL SITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Madurai is the first planned ancient city of india, the city was shaped like a lotus..
u can see all the towers from any part of the city.. dont miss to see meenakshi temple in ur next trip to india...

I will put a link into the Brazilian forum tomorrow! :)

thanks...hope all brazilians will enjoy...

They surely will!

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Cool find Anniyan!

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Interior Decoration with Gold

http://img32.echo.cx/img32/1451/madurai7ts.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

NITT making website on Madurai temple

The National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NITT) is preparing a comprehensive website on the famous Sri Meenakshi temple of Madurai, which would facilitate the temple to find a place in the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'.

the sanctum sanctorum of the Sri Meenakshi temple dates back to 1600 BC. The different structures had been built over a period of 900 years.

[QUOTE=Anniyan]dates back to 1600 BC. QUOTE]

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: to 1600BC ??? it that old?, WOW..

Everyone should spread that 7wonders voting site around, as it would be a shame if India wasnt the top country in the end, when it clearly deserves to be. Also its annoying that the Tak Mahal, which in my opinion is bland compared to these ancient temples, were to top yet another list whilst Meenashki gets no mention whatsoever - so post it on every forum you visit with a meenakshi picture thread, and get all the family and friends to vote too lol ;-)

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/7955/13mr.th.jpg (http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?image=13mr.jpg)


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That crossectional diagram above was excelent.

Meenakshi temple's greatness being documented

http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/15/stories/2005071509870100.htm

Photo:Velachery balu

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3029/menak5ob.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

MADURAI CITY

Copy right: oochappan

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Thousand Pillar Hall at Meenakshi temple

The Thousand Pillar Hall should count 999 pillars as the last is the leg of Shiva. In fact there are 985 beautifully decorated columns. Each pillar is sculptured in the Dravidan style (jumping Lion: Pallava III). Nowadays the hall is used as a museum where you can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history.

In the corner you find the music-pillars: each has his own sound as you knock on it.

At the end of the Hall you see Nataraja or the famous dancing Shiva.

South to this Hall you will find the Mandapam or hall where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chitirai Festival in mid- April.

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Wow, what beauty!

Great pics Anniyan!!

Glad to see this beauty so magnificently restored, finally!

Madurai at dusk

Copy right : Henk Jacobs aka oochapan


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One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD

This is one of the ancient planned city , The Pandyan King Kulasekarar built a great temple and created a lotus shaped city around the temple

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Photo:Velachery balu

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3029/menak5ob.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wow!!. :eek2: :eek2: This picture is mind boggling. so creative. perfect 10.

Maybe we should start a thread abt MMT in the main photo forums, and also of the Brihadiswar temple.

Such a magnificent temple...

Model of Madurai Meenakshi Temple

photo by: Carl Murphy

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A brief history

The Meenakshi temple is a Hindu temple in the Tamil Nadu city of Madurai.

Initially there was only the Shiva temple. It was expanded by Vaishvanâtha of the Vijayanagara empire in 1560 and took 120 years to complete, with most of the construction being done between 1623 and 1660 at the behest of Kulasekara Pandya. The massive structure measures 254 by 237 meters. The temple precinct is surrounded by nine gopurams (monumental gateways covered with sculpture) which rise up to 200 feet high. Its tallest spire rises 60 meters, and was for many years the tallest structure in its category in Asia.

A smaller Mandapa connects the large one with another large one with another large hall, called the "Samagam Meenakshi Naicker Mandapa", after its builder, a minister of Vijayaranga Chokkanatha (1706-32), who erected in 1707. In former times the temple's elephants camels and bulls used to be stabled here. A brass "Tiruvatchi" holding a thousand and eight lamps stands here, 7.6m high. Marudu Pandya, one of the early opponents of the growing British power, installed it.

The temple is dedicated to Shiva, known locally as Sundareshvara, and his consort Meenakshi, or Fisheyed One. The dual shrines dedicated to god and goddess add to the complexity of the plan. The Shiva shrine lies at the centre of the complex, suggesting that the ritual dominance of the goddess developed later. The shrines are small and crowned by modest shikaras (towers) with gold plated finials. They are surrounded by their own walled and roofed enclosures with a connecting gate in their common side-wall. Within the outermost enclosure are various other features such as the Golden Lotus tank in which rainwater is collected for ritual ablution, the Marriage Hall that is used at the festival of the marriage of Shiva and Meenakshi, and the 16th century Hall of a Thousand Pillars. Outside the main entrance the New Hall was constructed, an immense pillared pavilion, built in the 17th century by a Nayak ruler who commissioned life-size images of Nayak royalty to be carved against its granite columns. A massive unfinished gopuram, or gateway-tower precedes the New Hall. These gopurams are characteristic of Vijayanagara temple cities. Their tall and highly decorated concave profile increase in size from the inner to the outer enclosures. The gopuram to the south, for example, rises up to 60 m and is covered with over 1500 brightly-painted figures of gods and demons.

The Meenakshi Naicker Mandapa is a huge hall, 42.9m long and 33.5m wide. It contains 110 stone columns, each 6.7m high. There are yalis in the capital and delicate reliefs below. Some of the carvings are unfinished.

The Mudali Pillai Mandapa follows the Chitra Gopura. Added in 1613, it is 183m long and 7.6m wide. On its wall are many puranic scenes. It used to be without any natural light, but windows were added in the last renovation.

The Meenakshi-Temple remains the symbol and heart of the city of Madurai and one of the holiest sites in India, attracting pilgrims and tourists.

http://www.madurai.com/meena.htm
http://www.indiaplaces.com/india-monuments/meenakshi-temple.html

I wish this was more publicised - when watching Discovery chan, it was ironic that the documentary on Ankor Watt was more appretiative of Indian civilisation than the one on Indian temples ;-)

Meenakshi Temple - From mythology to recorded history

The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara temple and Madurai city originated together.The City of Madurai, was built around the Meenakshi temple. Rectangular streets named after the Tamil months of Aadi, Chithirai and Maasi surround the temple, symbolizing the structure of the cosmos. It is Tamil Nadu's oldest city and one of India's oldest cities, with a history dating back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. It was home to the ancient Tamil Sangam (The Academy of Tamil Learning), the literary conclave that produced the first Tamil epic Silappathikaaram and other masterpieces of Tamil literature. Megasthenes, the ancient Greek diplomat and envoy to India in 3rd century BC, had written in glowing terms about it in Indica, his celebrated account on India.

Legend has it that Indra, the ruler of the Devas was engaged in a duel with a demon by name Virudran. The demon, pursued by Indra reached a hill top and began penance; Indra, caught in the heat of the battle and the pursuit, killed the defenseless demon. Full of remorse, he set out on a pilgrimage of various shrines, in an attempt to absolve himself of the sin of having killed the demon.

In the course of his pilgrimage he reached a forest of Kadamba trees in the southern portion of peninsular India, in the Pandya Kingdom. Upon experiencing a feel of positive energy and a relief from the weight of guilt, he discovered a Shiva Lingam beneath a kadamba tree on the banks of a lake. The Shivalingam denotes the primeval energy of the Creator.It is believed that at the end of all creation, during the great deluge, all of the different aspects of God find a resting place in the Lingam; Bhrama is absorbed into the right, Vishnu to the left and Gayatri into the heart. The Shivalingam is also a representation of the infinite Cosmic Column of fire, whose origins, Vishnu and Bhrama were unable to trace. Thanking Shiva for his atonement, he raised a shrine to Shiva and built a Vimanam over it (the Indra Vimanam). The lake, on whose shore, the Shiva Lingam was discovered, is now venerated as the Potraamarai Kulam (the golden lotus tank). Indra bathed in this tank to rinse out his sins and worshipped Lord Shiva with the golden lotus from this tank.A stump of the kadamba tree, seen now in the temple, is all that is said to remain from the forest of Kadamba trees .

Dhananjaya, a merchant of Manavur, where the Pandyas had arrived after the second deluge in Kumari Kandam, having been overtaken by nightfall in Kadamba forest, spent the night in the Indra Vimana. When next morning he woke up, he was surprised to see signs of worship. Thinking that it must be the work of the Devas, he told the Pandya, Kulasekhara, in Manavur, of this. Meanwhile Lord Shiva had instructed Pandya in a dream to build a temple and a city at the spot Dhananjaya would indicate. Kulasekhara did so. Thus originated the temple and city.

Kulasekhara Pandyan was the founder of the ancient city of Madurai. He was succeeded by Malayadwaja Pandyan. Malayadwaja Pandyan and his consort Kanchanamala who did not have any children of their own, worshipped with the desire of obtaining progeny. During the course of their ceremonial prayer, a baby girl appeared in the sacrificial altar miraculously.The Royal couple brought up this child as their own and named her Tataatakai. An odd feature about the baby was that it had three breasts instead of two, and that a divine prophecy decreed that the third one would miraculously disappear, at the princess’s sight of her consort to be.

Tataatakai grew up to be a valorous queen; she was also known as Meenakshi, the one endowed with fish like eyes. Tataatakai embarked upon a DigVijaya or a tour of victory, across the length and breadth of the Indian subcontinent. In the course of her travels she came to Mount Kailash where she encountered Shiva; upon standing in front of Shiva her third breast disappeared and a valorous warrior princess transformed into a blushing bride.

Shiva directed Meenakshi to return to Madurai, and promised her that he would join her in eight days as her groom. Accordingly Meenakshi returned to Madurai, and at the appointed time, the divine wedding was celebrated with pomp and splendour. Maha Vishnu, believed to be the brother of Meenakshi is said to have given the bride away.Legend has it that Meenakshi and Sundareswarar ruled over the city of Madurai for a long period of time. Sundareswarar also goes by the name Sundara Pandyan. Ugra Pandyan the son of the divine couple is believed to be none other than Subramanya.(alias murugan,skanda, kartikeya)

The earliest references available to any structure in this temple is the second Prakara a shrine, now called that of the Sangam poets, contains images of many of them. In the same Prakara there is a shrine apparently dedicated to Kariyamanikka Perumal, but now empty. Also in the same Prakara there is a row of fourteen small shrines, called the "isvarams". Many of them contain Lingas. Expansive corridors surround this holy tank and on the pillars of the northern corridor the figures of 24 poets of the third Tamil Sangam are etched. On the walls of the northern and eastern corridors exquisite painting depicting scenes from 'puranas' can be seen. The verses of Tirukkural are inscribed on marbles slabs on the southern corridor.

Paranjothi Munivar wrote the Tiruviayadal Puranam in the sixteenth century. It is regarded as the temple's Sthalapurana. An earlier work adds a few celestial sports not included in the latter. These are, or rather were painted on the walls around the Golden Lily Tank. Some of the painted wooden panels are in the Temple Museum.

The original temple was razed to the ground by the invading armies of Malik Kafur, the general of Allauddin Khilji of the Khilji dynasty of Delhi, in early 14th century. All of the temple, along with the surrounding streets were completely brought down, with the exception of the twin shrines of Meenakshi and Sundareswara. It is believed that the shrines were spared, thanks to infighting between the invaders.

With amazing resilience the temple came back to shape. Viswanatha Nayak of the Nayak dynasty – successors to the Vijayanagar Empire, commenced the task of reconstruction, sticking meticulously to the original plan of the temple.

http://i1.tinypic.com/mi1ngw.jpg

^^If you wanna see smaler size of this picture, check post number 28.

Anniyan, I have your thousand pillar photo as my desktop. Recently during my official talk I let the International audience see my desktop before my talk. After my talk people had question about the photo and I was very proud. Thank you.

Most of the cracks detected in the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple may have formed a decade ago, says A. Boominathan, Professor and Head, Geotechnical Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Madras.

"Only a few of them may have formed recently," he told The Hindu here on Friday, after inspecting the temple along with a team led by Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments K.R. Periakaruppan.

"Extensive testing" of the soil beneath the temple would be carried out over the next few weeks to ascertain the reason for the cracks.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/21/stories/2006102108770400.htm

Its atmost important that a monument like the meenakshi temple which has been for centuries be properly maintained and preserved for the future generations to cherish its architectural marvel.

Government should take stern actions to prevent highrise buildings in the vicinity. Government should take actions to decongest that part of city which could reduce all kinds of pollutions from affecting the temple.

MADURAI : The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple here is all set to receive a major facelift as a sum of Rs. 2.20 crore has been sanctioned by the Tourism Department for renovation works.

This sum is apart from the Rs. five crore sanctioned by the State, which was announced by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister, KR. Periakaruppan, during his visit to the temple on Friday.

"The works include provision of a facelift to the art museum as in the case of the Chennai Fort Museum," said a department official here on Monday. The Rajagopuram and `Tirukkalyana Mandapam' will be the areas where renovation work has been planned. A lion's share of the funds will be directed towards the Thousand Pillar Hall, for which Rs. 175 lakh has been allotted. The Rajagopuram will get Rs. 10 lakh and the `Tirukkalyana Mandapam' Rs. 35 lakh.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/24/stories/2006102414920300.htm

http://i14.tinypic.com/2lo5549.jpg

Restoration of wall mural panels running along the 1000 pillar mandapam.

Courtesy : ommphoto Source : www.flickr.com Date : Aug 05

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/5526/1427899225b3437e301obf1.jpg

are they painting fresh on already existing ones?

anyway, it is a good move and will go a long way in preserving the history and culture for next generation.

are they painting fresh on already existing ones?

anyway, it is a good move and will go a long way in preserving the history and culture for next generation.

Old ones, they are re-painting over the existing ones. They use the same kind of natural paint mix as used orginally.

WOW!

Impressive stuff.

This should be a World Heritage Site thats if it isn't already?

Such an impressive and beautiful temple doesn't feature in the "World Heritage Center" list.

Golden Lotus Tank in the temple

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/4967/354935629e47f9d369bhk7.jpg

North Tower - Meenakshi Temple

A view on the majestic North Gopuram of the Meenakshi Temple enlightened by spots and streetlights at night. The Temple has 4 of these impressive gates as an entrance. The newer the Temples the higher the Gopurams, compared to the old Temple in Thanjavur the Gopurams there are small but the Sanctuorum is immens.

This Gopuram is by the local people also called 'mottai Gopuram' or bald headed cause this tower was never finished, it has only a few small statues, the other 3 Gopurams has more statues. As you can see between the small pillars on the left side there are no statues.

The Meenakshi Temple is a lively meeting place for pilgrims from all over India.

Text and Copyright : Oochappan

Source : www.pbase.com

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8760/56180118img1691di5.jpg

North Tower - Meenakshi Temple


Is it been newly painted? and I know the lighting for the towers were designed by P C Shreeram, but later changed. Is it new lighting?

Is it been newly painted? and I know the lighting for the towers were designed by P C Shreeram, but later changed. Is it new lighting?

The above posted picture was taken in 2005.

MADURAI: A high-level expert committee constituted to study and rectify distress in some of the stone pillars, beams and roof slabs of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple here has decided to replace some structures with new pillars, stone slabs and so on.

The decision was taken at a recent meeting in Chennai. According to the minutes of the meeting, a copy of which is available with The Hindu , it has also decided to replace the cracked stone beam at the entrance of Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam adjacent to Ashtasakthi Mandapam.

The committee resolved to go ahead with the replacement works pursuant to the tabling of a report on the soil investigations conducted on the temple premises by a private firm. The report had concluded that sandy soil stratum was available in the sub-soil and there would not be any further settlement in the soil.

The new pillars should be identical in design to the distressed pillars. The size and shape of the pillars and beams (to be replaced) should be recorded and photographs taken before commencing the dismantling work, the committee said. Further, the committee resolved to go ahead with the work of removing the weathering course and machine-pressed tiles on the roof to take core samples from `Pavukkal' (stone slabs). The samples would be tested to assess slab strength.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/20/stories/2006122012190100.htm

Chennai, Jan 2: Chief Minister M Karunanidhi tonight sanctioned Rs 4.78 crore for taking up repairs on the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple, which had reported cracks recently, and for developing the surrounding areas.

An official press release said funds would come from the Centrally-aided Tourism Development Programme.

In the first stage, Rs 3.82 crore would be spent, it said.

http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7BFC98FA76%2D7EC4%2D46DF%2D9764%2DF6BE26D40152%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Tamil+Nadu

A new day dawns in the "Temple City"

Copyright : PrasoonRana

Source : www.flickr.com

-----> scroll to the right for the complete view


http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9900/3597108792428f4f047ord4.jpg

Nice.

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/6307/398553865c8c10b3302ojh8.jpg


Indian tourism department has allocated 2.80 crore Rs. for developing the 4 chithirai streets surrounding the temple.

As a part of this work landscaping would be done along the four streets in front of the temple. The 4 streets would be relaid with cement paver blocks and all electricity lines would be laid underground. A wall would be built around the temple with decorative grills.

Always has been my favourite temple in looks, simply stunning, and excellent photography work, guys

tNe

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9075/3953932502db4bf39d9oez7.jpg

Copyright : Keithng

Copyright : manjulaa


http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1374/126484245508956babd2oga2.jpg

some recent pics from flickr.com

1
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1145/597619202_a4f26e95f3_m.jpg
2
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/597357643_5532a8104f_m.jpg
3
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1296/597655102_09ae97d884_m.jpg
4
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/28/51414733_aa2cfcf8f2_m.jpg

It realy Is the best still in use temple on the planet.
Always breathtaking. And on that site was the main temple of ancient Madurai, that the Romans saw.wild

Maybe we should start a thread abt MMT in the main photo forums, and also of the Brihadiswar temple.

Did anyone do that.?Great idea

It’s now possible for devotees anywhere in the world to reach Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai sitting at home – through the internet as the famous temple’s e-puja was activated recently.

By accessing the website maduraimeenkashi.org, devotees can book pujas or abhishekams and order prasad by paying Rs 500 to Rs 2,250.

“Traffic is picking up gradually as we have not promoted it (e-puja) in a big way yet,” deputy commissioner of the temple B Raja told HT. So far 10 per cent of 600 registered users have ordered pujas, he added. “We are sure the numbers will multiply once more people come to know about this service,” said Raja.

After registering their names with the website, devotees need to enter their personal information such as their name, rasi, natchathiram, gothram. They can then specify the name of the puja they want performed and the date. They can even sponsor the daily annadanam for Rs 2,250. For an extra charge, all paid through credit cards, sandal paste prasad would be sent from any of the six major deities.

The temple website has been designed and hosted by Madurai-based software company Winways Systems, a major advocate of open source software.

Tirumala Tirupathi was the first temple to enter the e-age with internet-based services from booking rooms to pujas.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=38662b18-edab-4ca6-bf73-f69cb3718c06&MatchID1=4578&TeamID1=7&TeamID2=3&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1148&PrimaryID=4578&Headline=Offer+prayers%40+Meenakshi+temple

Beautiful thread.

Great photos about Meenakshi Amman of Madurai Managar.

Thanks to Anniyan.

Thirumalainayakar Mahal

http://www.madurai.com/suryatours/thirumalai.jpg

Categorisation of exhibits at the Thousand Pillar Hall Museum in Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple commenced here on Thursday.

Sathyabhama Badhreenath, Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, inspected the articles kept at the museum along with members of a Technical Advisory Committee.

The committee has been established for upgrading the hall into a world-class heritage museum. Special importance is being accorded to lighting arrangement.

“An inventory of the articles has been drawn up. We will ensure that the chosen articles integrate with the living heritage of this temple. This museum will be one of its kind in the State,” she said.

B. Raja, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and Executive Officer of the temple, said, “We expect the work to be completed by March 2008. However, this is not a regular civil structure like other museums. ” The Rs.1.55-crore project is funded by the Tourism Department.

L. Manivannan of Thiagarajar College, a member of the committee, said that touch screen monitors containing detailed literature about architecture and other significant aspects of the temple would also be made available.

“With all these details, it will be a treasure trove for researchers and the public alike,” he said. Since foreigners were the most impressed by ancient structures, details of the other important Jain monuments found in and around Madurai would be made available at the museum.

Other members who inspected the paintings included G. Madusoodan, Superintending Engineer, HR and CE Department, and temple engineers J. Kesavan and P. Kumaran.


http://www.hindu.com/2007/11/17/stories/2007111758120600.htm

Everyone should spread that 7wonders voting site around, as it would be a shame if India wasnt the top country in the end, when it clearly deserves to be. Also its annoying that the Tak Mahal, which in my opinion is bland compared to these ancient temples, were to top yet another list whilst Meenashki gets no mention whatsoever - so post it on every forum you visit with a meenakshi picture thread, and get all the family and friends to vote too lol ;-)

Folks, you may want to explore discovery channel documentaries on how and why temple structures like Meenakshi temple are not on world map.

It has to do with religious sentiments in british period, during which the modern perceptions on architecture, cultures, civilizations were formed in the west. At that point in time, religion was as deeply rooted in british society as it in some noticeable muslim soceties today. When they discovered temples (kahjuraho) they were stunned to see sexual images. they were anyway not comfortable with disticntive features of Indian religions and hence they found everything demonic in it. As a result none of Indian architecture (whatever percieved to be hindu) was ever brought onto world map in a positive light at that time. Taj was percieved to be a muslim monument, which was seen as close to british christianity (in ideological sense) and hence got british blessing. and thats how we still do not see many of the mysteriously amazing monuments any refernce on world map, as it such awareness never picked up the momentum. Of course in modern times popularizing these monuments purely on merit, stand a better chance now, at least in west. In fact in the documentary I am referring to, it was not about Meenakshi temple, it was about some Granite made temple which had 80 tonnes solid granite on the top and theme was how they took that peice on top of such a tall temple, around 1000-1200 years back..Cant actually remember that its been years since I saw that in UK

In fact in the documentary I am referring to, it was not about Meenakshi temple, it was about some Granite made temple which had 80 tonnes solid granite on the top and theme was how they took that peice on top of such a tall temple, around 1000-1200 years back..Cant actually remember that its been years since I saw that in UK

Its not granite made temple.

I think the temple you are refering here in Thanjavur Brahadeshwar Big Temple in Tamilnadu.

The architecture of the temple is also admirable. All the carvings were done by the kingdom's best artisans. There are even stone figures of all the architects in the main gopuram. One noticeable figure is that of a foreigner who was there at that time and has contributed to the work The Linga measures 9 ft in height, 23.5 ft in circumference. The Linga was brought from the shore of Narmadha river. This Linga is also called as "Raja Rajeswara Mudaiyan " because of its bright appearance. The total area of the temple measures 237.9m in length and 119.1m in breadth. The height of centre Vimana is 64.8m. The top of the tetrangled vimana has been closed with a round stone measuring 81.3 tons weight and fashioned from a single piece of black stone. To get the stone to the top of the vimana, a slope path was made for six km from the northern side of the Thanjavur

http://chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/tanjoretemple.asp

This is the temple photo:

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/4/4e/Thanjavur_temple.jpg

[QUOTE=Arul Murugan;16534566]Its not granite made temple.

I think the temple you are refering here in Thanjavur Brahadeshwar Big Temple in Tamilnadu.

The architecture of the temple is also admirable.


Wow stunningly beautiful. Maan, even on paniting it on plain cloth is no mean task, and here its on on mammoth rocks...Amazing...

I wonder, why we cant model some of our new buildings inspired by Indian/south asian ancient architecture...It would be a world of good contribution to mankind.
Imagine, at the moment we are enjoying India being rebuilt in glass and steel, thats great too, but visualize the world at the end of this century, everything may look similar thruout the world..I call it subtle "Architectural Evangelism". Not only Indian arhitecture but Indian architects/builders ahve the opportunity to resurrect, preserver and evolve all form of diverse architects from politically lesser dominant cultures...

Cheers


Folks just imagine yourself to be a non Indian for sometime

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/439729219_b864263e0a_m.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/120/286606551_91acad8ca1_m.jpg

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8885/mtbf4.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-11-21

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/9418/20780377tr0.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-11-21

^^ I just visited your profile in imageshack and looks like you have removed all the pictures you had previously uploaded. If you do that then your pictures will no more be visible in the forum.

http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli/

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/7203/1000rn9.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-11-20

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7357/m12dn2.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-11-21

Decorated Madurai Meenakshi Temple for Karthigai Deepam festival

courtesy: Dinakaran epaper

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/25112007/DN_25-11-07_E1_14-02%20CNI.jpg

deleted

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6825/mad3fw1.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-12-01

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8415/madu1pr7.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-12-01

The top of the tetrangled vimana has been closed with a round stone measuring 81.3 tons weight and fashioned from a single piece of black stone. [/url]


They say its made of single stone, but its not true. Archaeological Survey of India have found that its made of three stones each weighing 80tons.

During my recent trip to India, I got special permission (with some influence) from Archaeological department and climbed upto the first level of the tower. The tower has cavity wall upto certain height, you can actually walk in between the two walls, there are sculputres of Bharatanatayam steps and ancient paintings. I will create a new thread and post some very rare pics (may be first in the internet) and interesting hidden information about tanjore big temple

Can't wait for surprise Dude!.

They say its made of single stone, but its not true. Archaeological Survey of India have found that its made of three stones each weighing 80tons.

During my recent trip to India, I got special permission (with some influence) from Archaeological department and climbed upto the first level of the tower. The tower has cavity wall upto certain height, you can actually walk in between the two walls, there are sculputres of Bharatanatayam steps and ancient paintings. I will create a new thread and post some very rare pics (may be first in the internet) and interesting hidden information about tanjore big temple

Anniyan, it is thrilling!

Most of people talk about Tanjore temple was about the single stone of weight 80 Tons.

Waiting for your new thread!

They say its made of single stone, but its not true. Archaeological Survey of India have found that its made of three stones each weighing 80tons.

During my recent trip to India, I got special permission (with some influence) from Archaeological department and climbed upto the first level of the tower. The tower has cavity wall upto certain height, you can actually walk in between the two walls, there are sculputres of Bharatanatayam steps and ancient paintings. I will create a new thread and post some very rare pics (may be first in the internet) and interesting hidden information about tanjore big temple

Anniyan, we are waiting for more than 48 hrs.. pl upload ur fotos. cant wait anymore....

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/1860/dsc00690dw3.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-12-06

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/3553/temple1cf6.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-12-06

Gilli,

Can you tell me how can we post the pics here?. dont know the steps.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/597/36394287hx5.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

Originally given taken by Vijay Mdu

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6453/54455135qb5.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8158/33960927xl5.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2294/63581181ib5.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4150/48901275ml4.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/4961/11067307vo7.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2408/87513897ey5.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7364/95327198dc5.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

The Golden Lotus Tank in the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple here will soon find a new source of water.

The Madurai Corporation has submitted a proposal to the temple authorities for laying a six-inch pipeline to the tank.

“The Corporation has asked the temple to share half the cost estimated at Rs. 24 lakh. We have asked them to send a report for the project,” said B. Raja, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, and Executive Officer of the temple. The details of the estimate, once obtained, would be placed before the Board of Trustees. Thereafter, the proposal would be sent to the Commissioner of HR and CE for approval.

The temple management has asked the civic body to supply water to ensure that at any point of time, the tank had one foot of water. This requires one lakh litres. At present, the tank has 6 inches of water. It can contain a maximum of three feet.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/18/stories/2007121854680500.htm

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/623/a1hb8.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/3602/a2si3.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/9438/a5yg3.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/8268/a6fm2.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3834/78705198dz3.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3741/image052gl6.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/8993/image054up5.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6492/image055cy3.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/1306/image059yl8.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4897/image060sl0.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1729/image061rx1.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/457/image100ry2.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/2713/image101xi6.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/1341/83491965yk5.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/1381/22678146np8.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/4675/27823665zc4.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

Thanks Gilli...

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/2356/image043xs3.jpg
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2007-12-17

Gilli,

Is that you or Vijay in this pic? :)

Nice pics!!!

Gilli,

Is that you or Vijay in this pic? :)

Nice pics!!!

Dear RAJ,
That's not me ! and I don't know whether it's VIJAY !
Hye Vijay ! Are you he who was in the picture ?

Raj - Actually the real efforts were taken by VIJAYMdu in shooting these pictures on Madurai's famous Meenakshi Amman Temple...
He didn't know how to post the images in the thread...
He mailed me how to post it and in return I replied him the procedures of posting the pictures in the thread !
He again mailed me and requested me to post the pictures myself in the thread.He enclosed the pictures along with the mail.I had downloaded it and done it for VIJAY!

Hi RAJ - You also asked me how to post the image in thread - know ?
Please Follow me :

1. Signup with the www.imageshack.us and get your personal id and Pwd.

2. Login using your id and pwd.

3.After you login - click on " Upload Image " Option in the rightside box.

4. It'll ask you to select the picture - Browse the picture from which folder you saved it and click UPLOAD in that box.

5. It'll upload your picture and add it in " MY IMAGES " Option which is at the top toolbar of the site.

6. Then come to our thread - click POST REPLY - then minimize it.

7. Come to imageshack.us - MY IMAGES - Click on the (i) button which is the first one in the side of your uploaded image's thumbnail....It'll show you the URLs seperately to be posted in the forum and direct link for image there...

8. The first large link in a large space box is the URL for our forum .... copy that URL and paste it in our POST REPLY Box of skyscrapercity thread - You can see your image after posting the message.

9. If you copy the last one at the box - URL for the direct link of the image and paste in the POST REPLY Box of the skyscrapercity thread - the direct link or URL will be shown in your message in which one can get the image in another new window after clicking it.

Thank you - If you have any doubt - please feel free to ask me - I'll sure be in sides of you.

Hi Guys,

The hero who stands in the picture is not me my friend Jegatheesh...He is also joining in our forum soon...i think we should avoid things which r personal...

Gilli thanks a lot,i hope still there are some collections...i'm there for Nuyear i request you to join me to take some photographs on Infrastructure Developments...

Our Friends Gilli,Babulal,Madhan,Jawahar,Mukesh,Jyas and all who r in overseas can hav a meet...Pls send me private msg / mail to me @ vijayog@rediffmail.com for any help in this regards..sorry for the forumers i missed out in this...

Dear RAJ,
Raj - Actually the real efforts were taken by VIJAYMdu in shooting these pictures on Madurai's famous Meenakshi Amman Temple...
He didn't know how to post the images in the thread...
He mailed me how to post it and in return I replied him the procedures of posting the pictures in the thread !
He again mailed me and requested me to post the pictures myself in the thread.He enclosed the pictures along with the mail.I had downloaded it and done it for VIJAY!

Hi RAJ - You also asked me how to post the image in thread - know ?
Please Follow me :


Thank you - If you have any doubt - please feel free to ask me - I'll sure be in sides of you.

Dear Gilli,

Thanks for bringing some lights on th pic, and very much appriciate your uploading steps. it is awesome!

it is good to see that we, forumers have strong co operation inbetween us, helping each others, and we r learning each others.

sure, I will follow the steps n upload my pics!

Good go Vijay! Massive!

Vijay : as u said, we r expecting more pics from Gilli's dream project RR site.:cheers:

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/3044/templeworksoz9.png
By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli) at 2007-12-22

Dailythanthi - 23/12/2007

Dear Gilli,

Thanks for bringing some lights on th pic, and very much appriciate your uploading steps. it is awesome!

it is good to see that we, forumers have strong co operation inbetween us, helping each others, and we r learning each others.

sure, I will follow the steps n upload my pics!

Good go Vijay! Massive!

Vijay : as u said, we r expecting more pics from Gilli's dream project RR site.:cheers:

Sure....Just wait for some days......I'll post the clear pictures on RR IT SEZ.

Perfect Closer view : base of one tower Sree Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai..

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/8530/image056ay8.jpg
By vijayymdu (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayymdu), shot with 6300 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=6300&make=Nokia) at 2008-01-05

Great temple, i love it. Thanks for d pics.

Renovation work expected to be completed in eight months

http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/23/images/2008012358080201.jpg

MADURAI: Renovation work on the towers of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple here, part of the ongoing works for kumbabishekam conducted every 12 years, began on Sunday.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Karumuttu T. Kannan, presided over the pujas, a continuation of ‘Balalayam’ created last October marking the commencement of renovation work, performed along with other trustee members including Rukumani Palanivel Rajan and Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department K. Rajanayagam.

In this phase, the four ‘Rajagopurams’ (North, East, West and South towers), ‘thanga vimanam’ and Ainthunilai Mukuruni Vinayakar Gopuram would be completely renovated.

While the works on East tower alone would cost Rs.29 lakh, around Rs.25 lakh would be spent on the remaining towers.

“Donors have come forward to bear the cost for all the towers,” Joint Commissioner, HR and CE Department and Executive Officer of the temple, B. Raja, said. He added that the works would take around eight months to be completed. Each and every compartment in the internal parts of the towers would be cleaned and wherever necessary patch works would be done. If the wood in any of the towers were found to be in a dilapidated condition, it would be replaced with.

“The sculptures on the temple towers, a speciality of this city, will be cleaned thoroughly and damages attended to. Photographs will be taken before commencement of any work. The entire process will be well documented,” he said.

The temple authorities have also planned to install a lightning conductor in the north tower at a total cost of around Rs.2 lakh.

It would have a radius of 10 km. The lightning conductor, which would be imported from France, would cover the entire temple premises and also the surroundings areas. The donor for North Tower agreed to bear its cost also, said Mr. Raja.

Construction works would be undertaken to ensure that no rain water stagnated as it resulted in growth of weeds.

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3738/meenakshixo1.png

^^^^ Kumbaabishekam for meenakshi tem-ple was held last in 1995...

Rs.5 Crores works are in well progress in Madurai Meenakshi temple...

A Bangalore Architect team was appointed for Madurai Meenakshi temple to avoid scratches, spoilage of temple walls,pillars etc.,

Now the works are going on in the Meenakshi Nayackar entrance area..
After the 5 crores works finished in 6 months , Kumbaabishekam will be held for Madurai Meenakshi temple very grandly...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/437997544_27e1042e7c.jpg?v=0

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1021/img0153um6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

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Under MOON light!

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2127/img0302ez8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with K550i (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=K550i&make=Sony+Ericsson) at 2008-02-26

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By maduraigilli (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/maduraigilli), shot with K550i (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=K550i&make=Sony+Ericsson) at 2008-02-26

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http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7750/r6kt8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^

Excellent collections.

First photo is superb!

Shelter for 15,000 devotees getting ready

http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/02/images/2008040255230601.jpg

MADURAI: The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple here is buzzing with activity in the past few days with work being carried out at a frenetic pace for the annual Chithirai festival.

In the North and West Adi streets, temporary shelters with tin roof are being erected to accommodate around 15,000 devotees.

The stage for ‘Tirukkalyanam’ (celestial wedding), the highlight of the festival, is located at the junction of the two Adi streets.

The routes, on which the deities will be taken in procession during the festival, are also being readied. Trees on the Masi streets have been trimmed to facilitate smooth movement of deities. Business associations will be requested for providing drinking water to devotees along these routes.

The cooperation of the district administration, Madurai Corporation and police department has been sought. While the Corporation has been requested to provide basic amenities for devotees during the festival, police personnel will be deployed for crowd regulation.

When contacted on Tuesday, B. Raja, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and Executive Officer of the temple, said that cleaning of the temple car would commence soon.

He added that once the cleaning work was completed, personnel from the Public Works Department would assess the temple car’s stability before it was taken out.

Floral decoration of the temple car and the tirukkalyanam stage would take place on the eve of the event. ‘Madurai malli’ would be used to decorate the stage and deities. The entire temple was being spruced up for the event, he said.

http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/02/stories/2008040255230600.htm

:nocrook: :hi:


Excellent RAJ....Excellent collections on Madurai Meenakshi temple...:applause:

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1077/r1sh4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2509/r22jo1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
6kt8.jpg[/IMG][/URL]


Superb photos mr. raj. Keep it up

The celestial Wedding of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswar at the famous Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai will be telecast live on the internet on April 18, temple officials said.

Devotees can log on to www.maduraimeenakshi.org website to watch the event, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Temple T.Kannan and the Executive Officer B.Raja said.

They told newsmen Madurai that the 12-day festival would begin on April 9 and Pattabhishekam(Coronation)would be held on April 16 followed by Dhigvijayam (Deities visiting the city)on April 17. The Car festival would be held on April 19.

A temple feast would be organised when about 50,000 devotees would be provided free feast on the wedding day.

Since the four 'Chitrai' streets were in a bad shape,the Corporation authorities had been requested to repair them
for the festival.

The wedding programme would be telecast using LCD projectors in two big screens in the temple. Besides 40 TV sets would be installed at different points in the temple to enable people to see the function, they said.

http://newstodaynet.com/newsindex.php?id=6414%20&%20section=6

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/5139/15403241100f4988f065oo2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/2443/1540326048a5a5d00fd7ic0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Kallile Kalai Vannam Kandaar!!

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8397/15403852787a1f6a2befmuu0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/2573/153952056702a2bfe614mac9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hello all Guys! MUST SEE Video! Awesome! ON your speakers!

This good video contains 1. Temple 2. Nayak Place 3. Pushkarni Tank 4. Greeny Kodai Road 5. K Kumari 6. Close up shot of ThiruValluvar statue

http://ishare.rediff.com/filevideo.php?id=140685

MADURAI: Improvement work at Thousand Pillar Hall Museum in the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple here has commenced with flooring taken up in the first phase.

“Granite stones will be laid on the entire museum premises, which spans 55,000 square feet. The flooring work alone, which commenced on Sunday, will cost Rs. 45 lakh,” B. Raja, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department and Executive Officer of the temple, told The Hindu on Wednesday.

The work is taken up following the recommendation of the Technical Advisory Committee, which was constituted for upgrading the hall into a world-class heritage museum. After the flooring work, display of items would be taken up. “The renovation is aimed at making it more visual.

Special importance will be attached to lighting arrangements.” The items on display would be shifted to wooden cupboards from their present structures.

Boards explaining the significance of the items on display would also be kept. Further, additional information about the historical significance of Madurai would also be depicted.

Initially flooring would be completed in one section of the museum. Once the rearrangement of bronze idols, paintings and wooden items was worked out, it would be taken up in the remaining sections also. The estimated cost of the development work at the museum is Rs.1.55 crore. The entire project cost is being borne by the Tourism Department.

Tourist Officer, K. Dharmaraj, said that this sum was part of Rs. 1.97 crore provided to the Meenakshi temple to carry out restoration of paintings and renovation work at a temple tower and museum. Once completed, the projects would go a long way in attracting more tourists.

http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050954440800.htm

Kumbabishegam is performed once every 12 years during which the temple is given a facelift. The bamboo scaffolding around two gopurams has been done for this purpose.

Copyright: matthew.crompton

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21190507@N03/2491973121/sizes/l/


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2491973121_463f396949_b.jpg

Virtual Tour - Sree Meenakshi Amman Temple MADURAI :)

Really an Wonderful Stuff ! i'm sure you would love it ! Million Thanks to the Developers !

http://www.view360.in/virtualtour/madurai/

CROSS POSTING FROM MADURAI REGION II THREAD .

PICTURE COURTESY - DHANDAPANIK

Renovated parks in Chithirai street

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ojCmtD9M3bQ/S5hmNYBE7kI/AAAAAAAAFvs/ShDsOoVs2tA/s640/DSC03194.JPG



South west corner of Meenakshi temple

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ojCmtD9M3bQ/S5hmNtIfa8I/AAAAAAAAFvw/hGIzeFek1pc/s640/DSC03195.JPG



Park in South Chithirai street along with the Meenakshi amman temple walls

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegman/4395005198/

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Great pics.

Those brightly coloured modern paints are such a contradiction from the age old temple, I hope they stop the using such paints and try to restore the temple to how it used to be originally.

Actually they kinda look cool. What I truly hate is the vertical red-and-white stripes that they have painted all over the temple tank.

Can anybody tell me why the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Koil is not a UNESCO world heritage site?

Sudharshan

^Well I guess because it is not being preserved like a heritage site. The temple management makes all sorts of modifications and alterations to the temple complex.

^Well I guess because it is not being preserved like a heritage site. The temple management makes all sorts of modifications and alterations to the temple complex.

That's a shame. Because a UNESCO world heritage site status would help preserve these beuatiful temples. Moreover these these are the heritage mon uments that belong to all people of Tamil Nadu, India and the world irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity or nationality. We cannot let the temple administration make alterations to the ancient architecture. Any repairs should be undertaken with ASI supervision and proper expertise. Where is the government and authorities in all of this?

^Sudarshan, Meenakshi temple is very much a "living" temple (lakhs of people visit it every year) so there is a need for greater expertise in managing it. As of now, it is being treated like a government building like other temples in Tamil Nadu and whenever the "kumbhabhishekam" is done every 12 years, they make significant alterations in the decoration, paint and other things.

The TN government should form a panel of experts with consultation from ASI and international as well as local experts on conservation to advise the temple management on how to best preserve the temple.

Secondly, there should be proper research done on how the temple originally looked (pre-Independence) and there should be attempts to restore it to that original look as far as possible.

Few Snaps around Temple South Tower !

http://a.imageshack.us/img409/4175/24072010005l.jpg
By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-08-21

http://a.imageshack.us/img822/676/24072010002.jpg
By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-08-21

hello everybody,i am new member,best wishes for everyone!

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5100/09112010028.jpg
By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

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By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

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By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

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By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

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By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

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By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

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By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

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By vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9462/09112010031.jpg
By Vijayneo1 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/Vijayneo1) at 2010-11-10

hmmm...really bring back memories of my school days when I had a tour from my school to Madurai..Really enjoyed the city of Madurai a lot, as we had to stay there for almost 2 days..

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai (http://www.pbase.com/prisha/image/59201558)

Western Gate
http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201558.IMG_4587.JPG

On the Parapet
http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201559.IMG_4588.JPG

Approach to the main temple
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201560.IMG_4591.JPG

Filled With Colors
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201561.IMG_4592.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201562.IMG_4594.JPG

Gopuram
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201563.IMG_4595.JPG

Elephant's Blessings
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201564.IMG_4596.JPG

Oil Painting
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201565.IMG_4607.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201566.IMG_4614.JPG

Deepam
http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201568.IMG_4617.JPG

Lord Vinayak
http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201569.IMG_4618.JPG

Circle of Life
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201570.IMG_4620.JPG

Old Carvings
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201571.IMG_4623.JPG

Sunset
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201572.IMG_4624.JPG

Gods & Goddesses
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201573.IMG_4627.JPG

Mandapam
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201574.IMG_4633.JPG

http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201577.IMG_4636.JPG

http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201578.IMG_4637.JPG

Holy Cow
http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201579.IMG_4638.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201580.IMG_4639.JPG

Lord Shiva
http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201581.IMG_4642.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201582.IMG_4643.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201584.IMG_4645.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201585.IMG_4646.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201586.IMG_4647.JPG

http://ic2.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201589.IMG_4656.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201590.IMG_4658.JPG

http://i.pbase.com/o4/62/610862/1/59201593.IMG_4663.JPG

Kindly I request our friends to stick to the following threads alone, to avoid confusions in our posts/discussions.

Newly Organised threads :

1. Heritage & History of Madurai (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1467658)

2. Tourism & Festivals in Madurai (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1585207)

3. Madurai region - Industries & Developments (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1479564)

4. Medical Tourism & Institutions in Madurai (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1585216)

5. Madurai - Commercial & Entertainment (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1585214)

6. Madurai City Transport (Road & rail) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1056337)

7. Madurai - Miscellaneous discussions (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1585212)

8. Awareness Association of Madurai - a NGO by SSC & AAM (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1553712)

9. Madurai - a Cosmopolitan abode for Multi-linguals (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1542000)

10. Madurai Airport (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=818650)

11. Madurai Views (Images) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=238873)

12. Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=179812)