HISTORY - MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE

	According to legend,  the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods indira at Kadambavanam,  was later  enshrined  by him in  Madurai.  The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of  Indira in this temple is said to be proof  for this.
	Many historical evidences of the temple have been found  dating back from early A.D
	The temple was almost completely destroyed in  the year 1310 following the invasion of  the Islamic   conqueror Malikkapur. As  kings who were followers of Islam were noted for their  intolerance towards other religions, the invaders destroyed most of  the ancient sculptures of the temple.
	Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has mentioned the temple in his songs which go back to early 7thcentury.  The Lord has been described  as Alavai Iraivan  in his songs.
	The temple was restored to its pristine glory in the late 14th century when the Hindu Kings came back to power in Madurai. This can also be termed as a new beginning  of  a new era in the history of the temple, when it was almost rebuilt.
	The King  Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple according to records.
	The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is now under the administration of the HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu.