meenakshi temple

Another legend says that Shiva's idol, in the form of the lingam ,was discovered by the God of heaven, Indra, who built the original temple. This tradition is still followed in the temple - the deity is accompanied by a model of Indra's vehicle, during festive processions.
The complex is in around 45 acres and the temple is a massive structure measuring 254 by 237 meters. The temple is surrounded by 12 towers, the tallest of which, the famous Southern tower, rises to over 170 ft (52 m) high.
Potramarai Kulam, the sacred pond inside the temple, is a very holy site for devotees. People go around the 165 ft (50 m) by 120 ft (37 m) lake before entering the main shrine. The name means the Pond with the Golden Lotus, and the lotus that grows in it has a golden color. According to legend, Lord Shiva promised a stork that no fish or other marine life would grow here and thus no marine animals are found in the lake. In the tamil legends, the lake is supposed to be a judge for judging a worth of a new literature. Thus, authors place their works here and the poorly written works are supposed to sink and the scholastic ones are supposed to float.

How to Reduce Tension

ESSENTIALS OF PRACTICEYoga is a Scientific System of physical and mental excellence which requires obedience to certain rules, principle and methodology in order to acquire satisfactory results. If these rules and principles are not followed it may cause reverse results, i.e. harm and injury to the body.There is no specific time for doing yoga. In the point of view of convenience, morning is always better as you will be free for the rest of the day. Whatever time you have chosen, stick to the same time of practice every day. Practice yoga regularly and continuously. Irregular practice will not bring good results. Practice only once within twenty four hours. Practice at least 15 minutes a day , for 5 days a week. 15 minutes can be gradually increased to a maximum of 1 hour.The place of yoga practice should be neat, clean and airy. Try to practice at the same place regularly. Practice alone, if possible.Yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach. If you have taken food, wait for two or more hours before practicing. Practitioner must avoid hot food or excessive spices and try to eat a balanced diet.Relax in between asanas for 6 to 8 seconds. Take 2 or 3 normal breaths between asanas. Rest at the end of the asana session. The general principle is to rest 1/4th of the time of actual practice. For example if you practice asanas for 30 minutes, your rest time is 71/2 minutes.Your body should be neat and clean nor it should be tired or under any excessive physical pain. Wear clean and light cloth while practicing. Avoid excessive intake of coffee, tea, alcohol and drugs.Try to keep the mind free from anxiety, worries and any strenuous involvement while you are practicing.Women should not practice yoga during their menstrual periods. Pregnant women should take care to practice moderately.window.google_render_ad();
Asanas / pranayamaYoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago. The references to yoga are available in 'Upanishads' and 'Puranas' composed by Indian Aryans in the later Vedic and post- Vedic period. The main credit for systematizing yoga goes to Patanjali who wrote 'Yoga Sutra', two thousand Years ago. He described the principles of the full eight fold yogic discipline. He composed the treatise in brief code words known as 'Sutras'. 'Yoga Sutra' is the most important basic text on Yoga. It is through this basic treatise that the essential message of yoga spread throughout the world.Aim of Yoga is the attainment of the physical, mental and spiritual health. Patanjali has recommended eight stages of Yoga discipline.They areYamas- Yamas (abstentions or restrains)Niyamas- Niyamas (observances)-austerities, purity, contentment, study, surrender of the egoAsanas- Physical postures or exercisesPranayama- Control of vital energy (Breathing control)Partyahara- Withdrawal of the sensesDharana- Concentration of the mind (Contemplation)Dhyana- Meditation Samadhi- Attainment of The super conscious state