The Meenakshi Wedding is a renowned festival that takes place in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India. The festival is a grand celebration of the marriage between Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, two Hindu deities. The festival takes place every year during the Tamil month of Chithirai, which falls between April and May.
The story of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar’s marriage dates back to ancient Hindu mythology. Meenakshi, the daughter of King Malayadwaja Pandya and Queen Kanchanamala, was born with three breasts. A prophecy foretold that the third breast would disappear when she met her future husband. She was named as Meenakshi, meaning “fish-eyed,” for her beautiful eyes.
Meenakshi, who was also a fierce warrior, went on to win many battles and expand her kingdom. She eventually arrived in Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, and met Sundareswarar, who was struck by her beauty. The two fell in love and were married in a grand ceremony that was attended by many gods and goddesses.
The Meenakshi Wedding festival is a vibrant and colorful event that lasts for 10 days. The preparations for the festival begin months in advance, with the construction of a massive temple car that is used to carry the deities.
The festival officially commences with the flag hoisting ceremony called ‘Kodi Yetram’ in the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The ceremony marks the beginning of the wedding festivities and is attended by thousands of devotees. The temple premises are decorated with flowers, lights, and colorful banners and arches.
On the fifth day of the festival, the ‘Thirukalyanam’ ceremony takes place, which is the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. The deities are decorated with the finest jewelry and garments and are carried on the temple car around the city. Thousands of devotees pull the massive temple car with ropes, and the entire city comes to a standstill to witness the grand spectacle.
The Thirukalyanam ceremony is followed by a grand procession of the deities, called the ‘Alagar Vaigai Elenthuarulal,’ where Lord Vishnu, in the form of Alagar, is taken to the Vaigai River for a holy dip. The event is attended by devotees from all over India and is considered one of the most auspicious events of the festival.
Throughout the festival, various cultural performances, including traditional music and dance performances, are held in the city. The city is also famous for its street food, and during the festival, food stalls and vendors line the streets, selling traditional Tamil Nadu dishes.
The Meenakshi Wedding festival is more than just a celebration of the marriage between two deities. It is a prime example of the cultural and religious diversity that is inherent in India. The festival brings together people from different walks of life, and the entire city is united in its celebration of the event.
In conclusion, the Meenakshi Wedding festival is a grand celebration of love, tradition, and culture. The festival is deeply ingrained in the history and mythology of Tamil Nadu and is a shining example of the region’s rich heritage. The festival is an essential part of the lives and traditions of the people of Madurai, and it continues to attract visitors from all over India and the world.
Posted by chandrasekaran a 84 lakhs views . Thanks to all. on 2014-12-18 00:44:57