Meenakshi Temple
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One of the large towers in the temple. This photo really doesn't do justice to the vibrancy of the colors.
Madurai is also a center for textiles, and the bright colors used here reflect the dyes used in the textile industry. |
It's difficult to choose just a few images of this amazing place. Fortunately, while cameras are banned, smart phones are not, and it is permitted to use them to take photos.
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| It is common for worshippers to add spots of turmeric and vermillion to statues of their favorite gods. This was at the entrance to the temple. |
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| The first few corridors are filled with shops selling flowers, worship items, and souvenirs. In many respects, it was reminiscent of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul -- a maze of passages and rooms bustling with people. Of course, the temple has many sculptures and worship spaces as well as shops! |
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| The inside of the temple is a brilliantly colored as the outside. |
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| The tank in the middle of the temple was a popular spot to perform family worship. |
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| A painted design on the stone floor. |
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| Shiva's Nandi Bull |
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| A brilliant corridor filled with several worship groups celebrating. Today was apparently an auspicious day for asking the gods for pregnancies to have a good outcome. |
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| A priest is pouring milk over Shiva and Parvati in a ceremony. Other offering to the gods included sandalwood, honey, yogurt, and fresh fruits. |
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| Oil lamps |
We returned to the temple in the evening for the night ceremony where Meenakshmi invites Shiva into her chamber for the night.
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| Shiva is inside the silver palanquin, waiting for Meenakshi to send out food, flowers, and a lotus blossom. |
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