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breast would disappear when she met the man
she was to marry, and this duly happened when
she met Siva on Mt Kailasa. Siva told her to
return to Madurai and, eight days later, arrived
there himself in the form of Lord Sundareshwara
to marry her. Henceforth they settled in the
Madurai Temple as Meenakshi (Fish-Eyed Goddess)
and Sundareshwar (Lord Shiva).
The temple is filled with devotees,
each performing his unique ritual—bowing
down before any of the 33,000 sculptures, young
Brahmin boys reciting the Vedas, devotees constantly
rubbing ash on hands and foreheads, drinking
the holy water, pressing close to the heart
the sacred flowers. An atmosphere full of incense
smoke, reverence and religious fervor, shrouded
in Godly mystery. The 1000 pillar hall has beautifully
carved columns, each different in pattern and
some made out of extraordinary stones which
ring out like metal when hit upon.
Outside you can find anything
from religious music and ladoos (sweets) to
sacred ash and literature about the temple.
Even elephants graciously accepting offerings
in their trunks. And cows acknowledging all
requests for a healthy harvest. It is estimated
that in a single day, at least 15,000 devotees
and visitors walk through the gopurams for a
glimpse of the Goddess. On certain auspicious
days (festivals and Fridays) the number literally
doubles. Keeping such numbers in mind, it is
but obvious, that the essence of Madurai lies
within the temple precincts. True, there is
a life on the outside, but can anything come
close to the self-giving seen and experienced
in the Meenakshi temple?
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