MADURAI

Normally devotees enter through the Astha Sakthi Mandapam, facing the east.  The sculptural representation of the wedding of Meenakshi Sundareswar adorning the entrance affords a grand sight and promises many more marvels inside.  Just below are seen the images of Ganesh and Muruga.  As the much-adored eight Sakthis adorn the pillars on two sides, it is called the Ashtasakti Mandapam.

The walls are beautified with the paintings and images of several gods.  Crossing this, they step into the Meenakshi Naicker Mandapam. The idols of Siva and Parvathi in their hunting attire installed in the hall beckon their attention invariably. Then they enter the Mudali Pillai Mandapam.  Among the beautiful carvings found here, the images of Muruga, Vinayaka, and the builder Kandanathi Mudaliar deserve attention.  Next comes the Golden Lotus tank called Potramaraikulam. It is in this tank Lord Devendra bathed and worshipped the deities with the golden lotuses, for purification.

It has a fascinating fast, and tradition attributes it to having the powers of judgement. It was used as legends say, to judge the literary works.  Manuscripts when thrown into it, meritorious works used to float on its discerning wagers; while the inferior ones were sinking like stones.  Ah! what a tank! How grand was its verdict! This is surrounded by long corridors.  The pillars of the Northern corridor are adorned with the figures of 24 poets of the third Tamil Sangam.  Along with them, the figures of Dhanurijai, the merchant who discovered the linga in the Kadambavana and Kulasekhara Pandyan responsible for building the temple and city are found.  They merit reverence. 

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