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Meenakshi Temple
 One of the most ancient and largest temples in the country, the Meenakshi temple is located in Madurai, a city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Rich in traditions, festivals & art, Madurai is second to none in representing the rich cultural heritage of India. The Meenakshi temple is dedicated to the worship of the incarnations of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is one of the historical Hindu temples in the country whose tradition and culture date back to thousands of years. The temple is famous all over the world for its brilliant architecture and sculptures. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the country come to visit this temple all year round.
According to the Hindu mythology, Meenakshi temple was the place where Lord Somasundara an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, were married. It was one of the biggest marriages on the earth according to the legend. It is believed that all the Gods and Goddesses of heaven attended the event. The marriage of this divine couple is still celebrated in Meenakshi temple and all around the city of Madurai. Several couples till date visit Madurai to get married in the Meenakshi temple and take blessings of the deity.
Its highlight is the Dravidian-style Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara temple with fabulous carvings, huge Gopurams and a thousand-pillared 'Mandapam'. There are musical pillars here too that are carved out of a single granite rock and send out a musical note when tapped. Tamilian culture and religion has found a safe haven in the temple and it promotes and sponsors Tamilian literature, art, dance and music.
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