BELLS Of THE SOUTHERLY

Couples are made in heaven, descended on Earth, reunited by love, and sealed with matrimony. Matrimony that lasts longer than life and is more profound than emotions. Matrimony that brings halves together to completion with faith intertwined. Matrimony that walks on the path of trust and swings in the air of love. Such matrimony must be celebrated in the epitome of beliefs, the temples of the heavenly South.

If there is oneness between two individuals, a marriage ceremony needs no evidence of its venue. But where there is belief and faith, religion and spirituality, nothing can equate to the presence of the holies when a nuptial is performed right under the blessed hands of the divine. Most temples in India can host holy knots, but only a few hold rooted ideal for your foremost ceremony, your holy wedding.

MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE, MADURAI

Located in the heart of the foot of India, Tamil Nadu Meenakshi Amman Temple is your go-to sacred wedding destination if you, along with your partner, want to take the vows in the arms of ancient spirituality and architecture. The foundation of the magnificent temple was laid by the King of Devas, Indra, who discovered the sacred Suyambulingam while returning from his pilgrimage and enshrined it on the lands of Madurai.

It is said that the temple's history dates back to the earlier years before AD, but it was destroyed mainly by Islamic rulers, only to be rebuilt by the Hindus in power in the 14th-century. It perfectly contemplates the essence of a long-lasting relationship which might break down into pieces of despair but goes on to build itself back, stay firm to its grounds and maintain what is called faith in love.

Another famous folklore associated with the Meenakshi Amman Temple is the love story of Goddess Meenakshi. Legends narrate that Meenakshi was born out of a sacrificial 'Yajna' (fire) as a three-year-old with triple breasts. Her royal parents became concerned about the abnormalcy and also her marriage. However, a divine voice guided their path that the third breast would disappear as soon as Meenakshi met her soulmate and husband. Later, in the course of her life as a successor, she captured the abode of Lord Shiva, which forced him to appear before her.