Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple – Sculptures – I

Madurai, dubbed as the Athens of the east, is the ideal place for both pilgrims and photographers. The city is home to thousands of temple and primarily the Meenakshi Amman Temple. This temple was my playground during my childhood. I remember how I used to freely roam around the temple, climb the elephant statues, feed the fishes, parrots and have fun. But now the situation has changed drastically. There is high security check before entering the temple. They wouldn’t let even my camera bag in. They have re-painted all the ancient wall paintings and literally destroyed it. In the name of chemical wash, all the statues look shiny and artificial. Boards, fences, warnings, restrictions, entrance fee and every trick in the book to spoil an ancient monument and strip its authenticity is now being followed. I am afraid that the next generation may not be able to enjoy the serenity of sanctity of this wonderful monument as I have. So to salvage whats possible and whats left in the temple, I have decided to go there whenever possible and click pictures and record videos. Here is the first of the many series… Sculptures of Meenakshi Amman temple – Part 1.