Raya Gopuram (Madurai)
இந்தப் பக்கத்தை தமிழில் வாசிக்க: இராய கோபுரம் (மதுரை)
Raya Gopuram was built by Thirumalai Nayakar in the Avani Moola street, outside the Meenakshi Amman temple. The first floor of this gopuram (tower) is 18 meters high. The first floor is twice as big as the other gopuram inside the temple. This would’ve been the biggest gopuram in the south of India if the construction had been completed. It is situated on the Ezhu Kadal street on the eastern side of the Meenakshi Amman temple.
History Of Construction
Thirumalai Nayakar completed the construction of the mandapam (hall) inside the Meenakshi Amman temple in 1654. Subsequently, he started constructing the Raya Gopuram in the Avani Moola street. He desired to construct gopurams like these in 64 Vaishnava shrines from Ootathur to Kanyakumari, in the Madurai region.
The construction of the Raya Gopuram was halted because of the economic situation in Madurai, and since Thirumalai Nayakar was over the age of seventy; he had a few ailments.
The first floor of the Raya Gopuram is embellished with a variety of sculptures, unlike other gopurams. The foundational pillars are made of one stone; it is built in the Dravidian style of architecture.
Structure
The first floor is 18 meters high. The depth under the surface is 10 feet and above is 35 feet.
There are sculptures of Thirumalai Nayakar along with his minister, Sokkapar, and a temple dancer, Ponnaiyal, near the entrance.
Reason Behind The Name
“Raya” means stone in Telugu. It was named Raya Gopuram since it’s made of rocks.
About
J. P. L. Shenoy I. C. S., the commissionership of Maduraisaid, “This would’ve been one of the greatest buildings in India if it had been completed” in his book “Kovil Nagaram Madurai”.
Year Of Construction
Thirumalai Nayakar started constructing the gopuram in the year 1654; after completing the mandapam. The construction was suspended the year he died—in 1659.
Reference
- Madurai Nayakar's history.
