New coffee table book chronicles Madurai Meenakshi temple's heritage
A new illustrated book on the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple was launched; HR&CE Minister announced virtual reality history halls for temples.
A comprehensive new publication on one of South India's most revered shrines was released on Wednesday. Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) S. Ramesh launched The Goddess's Realm: Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, a coffee table book produced by The Hindu Group.
The volume arrives just ahead of the temple's scheduled kumbhabhishekam on September 17. It spans 252 pages printed on matt art paper and features over 300 photographs in both colour and black and white.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ramesh noted that the government, following discussions with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has announced plans to establish virtual reality history halls at prominent temples. These installations are intended to enrich the visitor experience and will be available in multiple languages.
The book brings together contributions from scholars, historians, and epigraphists. Its scope covers the temple complex's origins and architectural evolution, its mandapams, festivals, and the roles played by Pandya, Chola, Vijayanagara, and Nayaka rulers in shaping the structure.
Curated by former Frontline Associate Editor T.S. Subramanian, the publication also explores lesser-known narratives. These include the absence of fish in the Golden Lotus Tank, the depiction of Lord Nataraja dancing on his right leg, and the appearance of Mahatma Gandhi in a mural of the divine wedding. It also draws on archival reports, including accounts of a fire that damaged artworks and the Veera Vasantharayar Mandapam.
The first copy was presented to N. Murali, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited. The book is available through the group's online bookstore at a cover price of ₹2,999, with a 25% launch discount offered for a limited period.