Things worth knowing
A few things about the temple that most visitors never hear.
A Shakti Peedam
In the temple's own tradition this is the Meenakshi Peedam, counted among the sixty-four Shakti Peedams.
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Pillars that sound
The stone pillars outside the Thousand Pillar Hall each sound a different note when struck. Carved from single blocks, they work as an instrument.
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Thirukkural on the walls
Verses from the Thirukkural are inscribed along the walls of the corridor around the golden lotus tank.
A city built around a temple
Madurai is laid out as concentric squares around the temple — Aadi, Chithirai, Aavani Moola and Masi streets spreading outward, an arrangement often likened to the petals of a lotus.
A rare Nataraja
The Nataraja in the silver hall dances with the right leg raised — the reverse of the usual form.