Meenakshi Temple

We came all the way to Madurai to see the Meenakshi Temple which is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (considered a form of Parvati) with a sanctum for her consort. The complex itself is a splendid example of the south Indian Dravida architectural idiom. Four immense gopurams or temple towers crown the gateways at each cardinal direction, easily visible from a distance. Each tower is encrusted with more than a thousand brilliantly painted sculptures depicting an assortment of mythological and auspicious themes. We stored the luggage at the train station, ate late lunch on the way to the temple, and walked within the temple about 1-2 hrs, prior to walking 2 km back to the train station then to the hostel. I was beaten up after the long train ride and temple visit.