The temple is designed based on the human body. There are 5 main entrances based on the human senses (see, hear, smell, taste and touch). There are 9 smaller entrances to the inside complex that denote the 9 orifices of the human body (2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 ears, mouth, urethra and anus). The streets of Madurai are constructed as concentric circles, with the temple at the center. This is also thought of as a “Lotus Formation”. The temple is one of the masterpieces of Dravidian architecture and many recent temples abroad were constructed based on this style.Siva Subramanya Temple in Fiji is such an example.

Above picture: The southern tower of Madurai Meenakshi Temple, heavily ornated by thousands of deities.

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