Sri Meenakshi Temple (Pearland, Texas)

Last updated

Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam
Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam Temple.jpg
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
Deity Meenakshi (Parvati)
Location
Location Pearland, Brazoria County [1]
State Texas
CountryUnited States
USA Texas location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Location in Texas
Geographic coordinates 29°31′23″N95°17′51″W / 29.522919144347274°N 95.297626°W / 29.522919144347274; -95.297626
Architecture
Architect(s) S. M. Ganapathy Sthapathi
Type Dravidian architecture
Completed1982, 1995
Website
www.meenakshi.org

The Sri Meenakshi Temple (also called the Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam) is a Hindu temple located in Pearland, Brazoria County, Texas, in the Houston metropolitan area. The temple's presiding deity is the goddess Meenakshi, an aspect of Parvati whose consort is Sundareswarar, an aspect of Shiva. The Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland is the only temple outside of India that is dedicated to Meenakshi and it is a replica of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. [2] The Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland was built in 1982 and was designed by Indian architect S. M. Ganapathy Sthapathi in the South Indian Dravidian style of Hindu temple architecture. It is also the third-oldest Hindu temple in the United States. [3] [4] [1]

Contents

The Sri Meenakshi Temple attracts Hindu devotees and visitors from across the Houston metropolitan area. It is considered one of Greater Houston's most prominent religious landmarks as well as a major visitor attraction in Pearland. [4] [1]

History

The Sri Meenakshi Temple Society was established in 1977. The land for the temple, a five acre site, was acquired between 1976 and 1978. A plan for the site was drawn up by Ranjit Banerjee, a professor of architecture at the University of Houston. The temple's first permanent structure was a Ganesha temple. The first Mahakumbhabhishekam (inauguration ceremony) for the main shrine, designed by Indian architect S. M. Ganapathy Sthapathi, was performed in 1982, making it the third-oldest Hindu temple in the United States. Fundraising campaigns for the temple often included prominent Indian classical musical artists, including Parveen Sultana, M. Balamuralikrishna, Seerkazhi Govindarajan, and M. S. Subbulakshmi. [5] [4] [1]

The temple expanded in subsequent years, with the rajagopuram and corner temples being completed in 1995. The Sri Meenakshi Temple's architecture reflects the Dravidian architectural style of South Indian Hindu temples. [5] [4] [1] The temple is made of white granite. [6]

Shrines

The temple's main shrine is dedicated to Meenakshi, Sundareswarar, Venkateshwara (a form of Vishnu), and Lakshmi. Other shrines within the temple complex are dedicated to Ganesha, Murugan, Valli, Deivanai, Rama, Ayyappan, Durga, Nandi, and Garuda. In addition to the main shrine, the temple has four additional corner shrines – one at each corner. The temple also has sculptures of the Tamil Alvar and Nayanar poet-saints and gurus of Vedanta philosophy (Adi Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya). [4] [1]

There is a separate temple dedicated to Ganesh which served as the original temple in 1977 and it was reconstructed in 2013. [4]

Other facilities

In addition to the temple and other shrines, the Sri Meenakshi Temple is home to a peacock sanctuary, a kalyana mandapam (function hall), library, and a canteen that serves South Indian vegetarian food. [4] [1] There is also the Carriage House which houses chariots used for the deities for various festivals. [4]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore</span> Hindu temple in Singapore

The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. It is an agamic temple, built in the Dravidian style. Located at 244 South Bridge Road, in the downtown Chinatown district, the temple serves the majority Hindu Singaporeans, Tamilians, in the city-state. Due to its architectural and historical significance, the temple has been gazetted a National Monument and is a major tourist attraction. Sri Mariamman Temple is managed by the Hindu Endowments Board, a statutory board under the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meenakshi</span> Hindu goddess, avatar of Parvati

Meenakshi is a Hindu goddess. She is the tutelary deity of Madurai and is considered an avatar of the goddess Parvati. She is the divine consort of Sundareśvarar, a form of Shiva. She finds mention in literature as the queen of the ancient Madurai-based Pandya kingdom, and is later deified. The goddess is also extolled by Adi Shankara as Shri Vidya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Munneswaram temple</span> Hindu temple in Sri Lanka

Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Shiva in the region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Penang</span> Hindu temple in George Town, Penang, Malaysia

The Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple is a Hindu temple within George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. The oldest Hindu temple in the state, it was built in 1833, and features sculptures of gods and goddesses over its main entrance and facade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dravidian architecture</span> Architectural idiom in Hindu temple architecture

Dravidian architecture, or the Southern Indian temple style, is an architectural idiom in Hindu temple architecture that emerged from Southern India, reaching its final form by the sixteenth century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meenakshi Temple</span> Historic Hindu temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, also known as Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Thirukkovil, is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva. The temple is at the centre of the ancient temple city of Madurai mentioned in the Tamil Sangam literature, with the goddess temple mentioned in 6th-century CE texts. This temple is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, which are 275 temples of Shiva that are revered in the verses of Tamil Saiva Nayanars of the 6th-9th century CE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uttara Swami Malai Temple</span> Hindu temple in India

Uttara Swami Malai Temple, popularly known as Malai Mandir, is a Hindu temple complex in New Delhi, India located on the affluent Palam Marg primarily dedicated to Lord Swaminatha, most revered by the religious Hindus of Tamil and other South Indian community in the city. One can easily reach this temple by metro, nearest metro station is Vasant Vihar which is around 2 km away from there.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brihadisvara Temple</span> 11th century temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Brihadishvara Temple, called Rajarajesvaram by its builder, and known locally as Thanjai Periya Kovil and Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Shaivite Hindu temple built in a Chola architectural style located on the south bank of the Cauvery river in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest Hindu temples and an exemplar of Tamil architecture. It is also called Dakshina Meru. Built by Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE, the temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples", along with the Chola-era Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavatesvara temple, which are about 70 kilometres (43 mi) and 40 kilometres (25 mi) to its northeast respectively.

Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple located along Jalan Selangor in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. It is also generally referred to as the PJ Pillaiyar Temple. The resident deity is Ganesha in the form of Sri Sithi Vinayagar. The temple is said to be the largest temple in Malaysia dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruvaragunamangai Perumal Temple</span> Vishnu temple in Thoothukudi

Thiruvaragunamangai Perumal Temple is one of the Nava Tirupati, the nine Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located in the Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the banks of Thamiraparani river. All these 9 temples are classified as Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava tradition, called the Alvars. The temple at Natham also known Chandran Sthalam, the second of the Nava Tirupatis. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu who is worshipped as Vijayasana Perumal and Lakshmi as Varagunavalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thoothukudi

The Thirupuliyangudi Perumal Temple is one of the Nava Tirupati, the nine Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located in Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the banks of Thamiraparani river, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu who is worshipped as Bhumipalar and Lakshmi as Pulingudivalli. It is located 22 km from Tirunelveli. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The temple is also classified as a Nava Tirupati, the nine temples revered by Nammalvar located in the banks of Tamiraparani river. The temple is one of the Navagraha temples in the region, associated with Budha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Tirukulandhai</span> Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple or Sri Mayakoothar Permual Temple is one of the Nava Tirupatis, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located Perungulam along Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the southern bank of Thamiraparani river. It is located 5 km from Alvar Thirunagari. All these 9 temples are classified as Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet-saints of Sri Vaishnavism called the Alvars. The temple is referred to as Shani sthalam, a location for the planet deity, Shani (Saturn). Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Mayakoothar and his consort Lakshmi as Kulandhaivalli Tayar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Thoothukudi

The Makara Nedunkuḻaikathar Temple is one of the Nava Tirupathi, nine Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located Thenthiruperai along Tiruchendur-Tirunelveli route, Tamil Nadu, India in the southern bank of Thamiraparani river. It is located 5 km from Alvar Thirunagari All these 9 temples are classified as Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alvars. The temple is referred to as Sukra sthalam, a location for the planet deity, Sukra. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Makara Nedunkuḻaikathar and his consort Lakshmi as Tiruperai Nachiyar.

Nandrudayan Vinayaka Temple is a Hindu temple situated in East Boulevard Road in the neighbourhood of Devathanam in Tiruchirappalli district. The presiding deity is the Hindu god Ganesha. The Nandrudayan Vinayaka Temple is the only temple which contains an idol of Ganesha depicted in human form.

Velleswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Mangadu, a suburb of Chennai, India. This is a mid-size temple spread over 2 acres and is among the 3 principal temples in Mangadu – the other 2 being the Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple and Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple. The temple is managed by the HRCE Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It is situated about 2 kilometers from Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple in Mangadu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madhava Perumal temple, Mylapore</span> Vishnu temple in Chennai

The Madhava Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Vishnu, located in Mylapore, Chennai, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Madhava Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Amirtavalli. The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Peyalvar, one of the first three of the twelve Alvar saints of the 6th-9th century CE.

Muthiah Sthapati is an Indian sculptor, architect and builder of Hindu temple architecture. He is known for the design and construction of several temples in the UK and US, including the Hindu Temple of Minnesota. He is the creator of the 67.5-foot Buddha statue at Rambadagalla Vidyasagara Temple, in Sri Lanka, reported to be world's largest Buddha statue in the seated (samadhi) position. The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian award of Padma Shri in 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soundararajaperumal temple, Thadikombu</span> Hindu temple in Dindigul

The Soundararajaperumal Temple is a temple dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, located in Thadikombu, a village near Dindigul in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built by Achyuta Deva Raya during the 16th century CE. Vishnu is worshipped as Soundararaja Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Soundaravalli.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kallalagar Temple</span> Hindu temple of Vishnu in Alagar Koyil, India

KallalagarTemple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in Alagar Koyil, a village in Madurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshiped as Kallalagar, and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumagal. This temple is called as Thirumaliruncholai in Sangam literatures and Naalayira Divya Prabandham sung by Tamil Alvar saints.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sri Lakshmi Temple, Ashland, Massachusetts</span> Hindu temple in Massachusetts, United States

The Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland, Massachusetts, also known as the New England Hindu Temple, Inc. (NEHTI), is New England’s first traditional Hindu temple. The temple was inaugurated in 1990 by priests from India, the United States, and Britain. Following the inauguration in 1990, the temple was expanded in 2005 and 2018. The central deity worshiped is Lakshmi, who Hindus consider as the Goddess of Prosperity.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Sri Meenakshi Temple Society". Sri Meenakshi Temple Society. Archived from the original on 26 June 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  2. "Sri Meenakshi Temple, Houston". KERA. 23 September 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  3. "Sri Meenakshi Temple Society". Visit Houston. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Sri Meenakshi Temple Self-Guided Tour". Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  5. 1 2 "Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland – The 40-year History". Menon Lifetime Thoughts. 19 December 2020. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  6. The Shape of Texas | Sri Meenakshi Temple - The Shape of Texas | PBS , retrieved 24 February 2024