Meenakshi Amman
Temple – Paintings
The drawings depicting incidents of the Thiruvilayadal
or miraculous dramas of Lord Shiva belong to the Naicker period. There are
paintings depicting the 64 miracles of Lord Shiva, all which were enacted in
Madurai. These aesthetic drawings can be seen on the northern wall facing the
Porthamarai Kulam (tank of the golden lotus). These drawings are at present
being given a facelift by using natural dyes at a cost of Rs 26.25 lakhs.
Many paintings which have been damaged due to neglect
are now being kept in the museum in the 1000 pillar hall or mandapam of the
temple.
Thiruezhukootrikkai
Drawings: Drawing explaining
the meaning of the songs sung by Nakkeerar has been drawn in the shape of a chariot
in the Petchiakkal mandapam.
Panchakkasabhai
Drawings: Drawings showing the
five sabhas or Panchaga sabhas of Tamil Nadu can be seen opposite to the Velliaymbala
Nadarajar Sannithi. The art belongs to Rani Mangammal period. These
drawings can be seen on the roof of the Palaya unjal mandapam (old swing hall)
in the eastern side of the unjal mandapam. These drawings depict Queen
Mangammal and her court watching the Meenakshi Thirukkalyanam or celestial
wedding. The drawings of the six abodes of Lord Muruga can be seen at the
entrance of the new glass unjal mandapam. The drawings of the Meenakshi Thirukkalyanam
and Pattabishekam in the entrance of the Amman Sannithi have also been touched.
Diagrammatic
representation of heaven and earth: There
are drawings depicting earth and heaven on both sides of the wedding stage in
the old Kalyana mandapam. The Kalyana mandapam also has drawings of 64
Thiruvilayadal and other celestial incidents.