Madurai: Festive season is a time in India when devotees across the country flock to different temples to offer prayers and seek blessings of deities in different forms. But this time, just after Diwali, solar eclipse will be seen on October 25 causing closure of few temples in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Owing to this event, the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple in Madurai as well as 22 other satellite temples will remain closed for about eight hours on October 25.Also Read – Madurai Man Builds Temple For His Parents At His Home, Worships Them Every Day
According to a statement by deputy commissioner, the solar eclipse will occur around 5:23 pm to 6:23 on on Tuesday. Also Read – Weather Update: IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall For Chennai On August 1, Several Districts To Receive Strong Wind Too
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE CLOSED ON OCTOBER 25
- On Tuesday, in view of solar eclipse, pujas will be performed in the morning.
- Temple doors will be shut from 11 am till 7 pm and public darshan will not be permitted.
- By 5:51 pm, special pujas will be performed owing to the eclipse.
- Devotees will be permitted only after 7 pm once doors are opened again.
- Along with Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, Mariamman temple, Mukheeswarar temple, Adhi Chokkanathar temple will also observe a similar protocol.
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, MADURAI
Synonymous with Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin Temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city – one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak(1623-55 AD). Also Read – Domestic Flights: SpiceJet Announces 26 New Flights From July 22. Check Route Details Here
Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sundareswarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. There are five massive gateways enclosing these two shrines. Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures.