Goddess Meenakshi is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti – Adi Parashakti. The story of Goddess Meenakshi and Shiva who are worshipped in Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai is found in the Halasya Mahatmyam. Goddess Meenakshi was born as the daughter of King Malayadhwaja and Kanchanamala. She was named Tadatagai. She was the sole child of the royal couple and soon became well versed in arts, science and warfare. After the death of Malayadhwaja, she ascended throne and went on a conquest of the northern regions. Here in the Himalayas, she met Lord Shiva who promised her that he would marry her in Madurai. As promised, Shiva appeared as Soma Sundareswarar – the most handsome man in the universe with a crescent moon on this head. The marriage took place and it is celebrated even today in Chithirai month in Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Shiva then stayed in Madurai with his wife and ruled over the kingdom for some time. He performed numerous miracles to please h