Enthralling and Miraculous Story of Sri Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamilnadu, India

The enthralling and miraculous story of Sri Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple takes us back to ancient times, where divine legends and human devotion intertwine. The temple attracts millions of seekers and visitors every year, seeking the blessings of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva.

Even today, the temple continues to be a center of devotion, where people from all walks of life come to offer their prayers and seek solace. The story of Meenakshi Amman Temple remains a captivating saga of love, devotion, and divine grace that has touched the hearts of countless devotees over the centuries.

Did you know ?

1. Why did they send Meenakshi’s pendant to Queen Victoria of England?

2. Why did Madurai temple pillars go to the Philadelphia Museum in USA?

3. Why did an English collector present gold shoes to Goddess Meenakshi?

4. Why did Victoria and Albert Museum in London hang a Meenakshi curtain?

5. Why does the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford have Madurai pillar replicas?

6. Why does the India office Library keep pictures of Madurai Temple?

7. How did the Houston (USA) Meenakshi temple receive a Madurai idol even after the plane crashed?

Meenakshi Amman and Peter Pandian

A British Collector named Rous Peter was appointed as Collector of Madurai from 1812 to 1828. Though a Christian by faith, he respected all faiths including Hinduism and also honored local practices.

Collector Peter was the temple administrator of the Meenakshi Amman Temple and conducted all his duties with sincerity and honesty and respected the religious sentiments of all people. Collector Rous Peter respected and treated people of all faiths equally and this noble trait earned him the popular nickname ‘Peter Pandian'. Goddess Meenakshi Amman Temple was situated between Collector Peter's residence and office.

Everyday he used to go to the office by his horse and while crossing the temple, he got down from his horse, removed the hat and his shoes and crossed the whole path on his foot. Through this small gesture he expressed his reverence to the Goddess! One day there was a heavy downpour in Madurai city and River Vaigai was in spate.

Collector was sleeping in his residence and was suddenly disturbed and woken up by the sound of anklets and he left his bed to find out from where the sound had came. He saw a small girl wearing pattuvastrams (silk garments) and precious ornaments and addressing him as 'Peter come this way'.

And he came out to follow her and was running behind the little girl to find out who she was! As he came out of the house and was running, he was shocked as he turned to see behind him, his residence (whole bungalow) being washed away by the flood waters of River Vaigai!

He turned to follow the girl but she disappeared into thin air! He saw that the girl ran without any shoes and was wearing anklets.

He believed that his devotion for Mother Goddess Meenakshi had saved his life. Later, he wished to give a gift to Meenakshi Amman & consulted the priest of temple and ordered for a pair of golden shoes for Goddess Meenakshi Amman. It is thus that the pair of Paadhukams consisting of 412 rubies, 72 emeralds, and 80 diamonds were made and donated to the temple. His name was sculpted as "Peter" on the shoes. Till this day the pair of Paadhukams are known as *'Peter Paadhukam'*

Every year at the time of 'Chaitra Festival', utsava moorthy of Goddess Meenakshi Amman is decorated with the Padukams. This is the incidence that had happened 200 years back in 1818 and for all those who have faith and belief Goddess Meenakshi had been benevolent with her blessings.

Every year, a British family from England embarks on a pilgrimage to the temple to seek the divine blessings and have the darshan (sacred sight) of Mother Goddess Meenakshi. Despite the geographical distance and cultural differences, their devotion draws them to the sacred grounds of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.

With reverence in their hearts, the family embarks on this spiritual journey, guided by their unwavering faith and connection to the divine. They make their way through the vibrant corridors, adorned with intricate sculptures and vibrant paintings, immersing themselves in the sacred atmosphere.

As they approach the sanctum sanctorum, anticipation and awe fill their beings. They catch a glimpse of the resplendent deity, Mother Goddess Meenakshi, radiating grace and compassion. In that sacred moment, the boundaries of nationality and culture dissolve, and they feel a deep sense of unity and connection with the divine.

The family offers their prayers, expressing their gratitude, seeking blessings for their loved ones, and pouring out their hearts in devotion. They soak in the spiritual energy of the temple, finding solace and inspiration in the presence of the divine.

Through their annual pilgrimage, this British family from England reaffirms their bond with Mother Goddess Meenakshi and the timeless traditions of the temple. Their devotion transcends borders, reminding us that the pursuit of spirituality knows no boundaries and that divine grace is accessible to all who seek it with sincerity.

Their annual visit stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the profound impact of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple on devotees from all corners of the world. It serves as a reminder that spiritual journeys can bridge cultures and connect hearts, uniting people in their shared reverence for the divine Mother Goddess Meenakshi.

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