Postcards from India II - Madurai - Sri Meenakshi Temple

The Sri Meenakshi Temple, which pays homage to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati or Meenakshi, depending on her incarnation, is in Madurai, in the state of Tamil Nadu. When we arrived, the towers of the temple were covered because they are being renovated. They have been undergoing renovation for the past year or so.

This holy tree is where Hindus may come and ask the Lord Shiva for a blessing, namely either a woman will come and request a good man and marriage to follow shortly thereafter, or a couple may come if they are seeking the blessing of children. For a husband, a woman will add an orange rope to the tree, and if I remember correctly the baskets come from the couples.

The Hall of a Thousand Pillars is open to tourists, however "foreigners" may not see the emerald and diamond Deity. Only Hindus may enter certain parts of the temple.

A shrine to Ganesha, Remover of Obstacles and Lord Shiva's child, is also located in the temple.

The Golden Lotus Tank is located in the center of the temple, and many pilgrims will bless themselves from the water in the pool.