Description of Sree Meenakshi Temple (A Self Explantory 2 )

As Directed by the divine voice.Malayadhwaja Pandyan taught Thadadhagai all branches of learning and arts of warfare.In due course, Thadadhagai became the ruler of the Pandyan kingdom.The people lived in bliss under the Divine Ruler.

After the death of king Malayadhwaja,Kanchanamala was sad that her daughter still remained a virgin.However the virgin consoled her mother that she would marry at the proper time.

Thadadhagai then set out to establish her power by defeating all other rulers.After her victory over several kings and Gods.Thadadhagai besieged the Kailas Mountain the Abode of Lord Siva.

Countless Ganas (The Lord's Servants) were sent by Lord Nandi,the Guard of Kailas,to fight with Thadadhagai .But they were all rooted At once Lord Siva Himself bore the weapons of war and came to battlefield.He saw before him the majestic figure of his consort standing erect like a lioness.Thadadhagai also saw Her Lord drapped in tiger skin and with long plait of hair.His graceful look enticed Thadadhagai.That very moment Her third breast vanished.A sense of shame ran through Her frame she bent her head as it lord to accept Her his wife.

Those around were spying the scene with awe and wonder ,Lord Siva announced that He would come to Madurai on the eighth day namely. Monday and marry Thadadhagai.Accordingly,Holy Marriage took place in presence of Gods saints and citizens.

Sree Meenakshi's birth crowning and ruling are portrayed in the paintings in the Ashta Sakthi Mandapam.The other painting on the western side relate it the reign of Sri Somasundara and Ukra Pandyan.

On the eastern side ,we can see the statues of Sree Meenakshi and the four Saiva Saints.Thirugnanasambandhar,Thirunavukkarasar,Sundara moorthi Nayanar and Manikkavasagar.

The Ashta Sakthi Mandapam was built by Rudrapathi Ammai and Tholiammai,the consorts of Thirumalai Naicker,the famous ruler of Madurai,The purpose of building the Mandapam was to distribute food of the devotees who came from other places.

Now there are fruit stalls on both sides of the Mandapam.