Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

Question: Which one of the following places was selected for the cleanest iconic place award-2017?
(a) Tajmahal
(b) Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple
(c) Vaishno temple
(d) Ajmer Sharif
Answer: (b)
Related Facts:

  • On October 1st, 2017, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation announced the 10 most clean iconic place under the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’.
  • Meenakshi Sundareswar temple of Madurai was remained at the first place as the Cleanest Iconic Place for 2017.
  • Under the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, on October 2, a special award was given to Madurai Municipal Corporation on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
  • Till March 2018, the temple complex has to be completely made of plastic free area.
  • This scheme worth approximately Rs 11.65 crore is being sponsored by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
  • This temple has 12 Gopurams and its sanctum is 2500 years old.
  • Malik Kafur, the Islamic conqueror (Allauddin Khilji’s general), almost demolished it after looting in 1310 AD.
  • It was reconstructed by Tirumalaya Nayak between 1623-1655 AD.
  • Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple is related to Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Reference:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/meenakshi-temple-gets-cleanest-iconic-place-tag/article19782075.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/madurais-meenakshi-temple-named-best-swachh-iconic-place-in-india/article19780817.ece
http://trinitymirror.tv/meenakshi-temple-gets-clean-award-cm-praises-officials/