The Meenakshi Temple Of Madurai
Left: Colourful godly stuccos at Meenakshi Temple.Photography by El-Branden Brazil
In the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu is the bustling, crowded city of Madurai. Within it, is one of Asia's great wonders, the Meenakshi Temple.
Dominating the city's skyline, 12 gopurams (temple towers) burst out towards the skies, engraved with thousands upon thousands of colourful images of Hindu gods and scenes.
The temple is devoted to the god, Shiva. The ground on which the current buildings are located, has been the focus of religious rites since the 7th. Century. Much of the grand architecture that defines the temple today, was constructed by the Nayaks during their tenure as rulers of Madurai from the Sixteenth to the Eighteenth Centuries.
Within the walls of the complex are many small temples, where offerings of oil, incense, colourful powders, candles and flowers are given.
Offerings At Madurai Temple
Photography By El-Branden Brazil
There are several different sanctums that the worshipper passes through. The inner sanctum is a space for only Hindus to enter. Becoming disorientated by the vast complex, I accidently entered into this space. It was poorly lit and extremely atmospheric. A large statue of Ganesh, illuminated by candles, caught my eye. As I was preparing to take a photograph, I was soon made aware of my mistake, when a saddhu (holy man) shouted at me to leave. Another man, came to me, and politely told me that I was not permitted to visit this area. I apologised appropriately and left quickly, so as not to further offend. However, I felt rather lucky and blessed to have entered the holy of holies and get more than a peek. I meant no harm nor disrespect.
7 comments:
That's really impressive! So colourful and intricate.
When I wrote up this piece, it suddenly dawned on me that once again, I was banished by a holy man! There seems to be a pattern.
But, I did enter an very holy place. It was extraordinarily atmospheric and I am very chuffed to have been there.
Best wishes,
El-Branden
The Mystic Traveller
haha, you do seem to have a knack of finding your way into the wrong place at the wrong time! Maybe one day a holy man will actually invite you in somewhere! ;)
Clearly these holy men recognise a dodgy spirit when they see one...
;)
Indeed, Kim! It must come from all those years of reading Crowley!
Meenakshi Temple is like a Kaleidoscope of colour and wackiness, isn't it. Meenakshi was on my route during my first visit to India about 9 years ago now. Being a young Brit new to India, it was like being in the middle of a scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Kalimaaaaar!!!
Btw. Perhaps things are not quite how they appear with all these holy "get out"'s? Perhaps it is not 'they' who are the master and you are the disciple. Rather, is it you who is the master,and they are the disciple? Hmmmmmm (strokes chin gently).
Interesting comments, Alexander. Thank you.
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