Prayagraj: A replica of the iconic Meenakshi Temple of Madurai will take shape in Prayagraj this Durga Puja, with the Darbhanga Barwari Durga Puja Committee choosing the famed Dravidian-style shrine as the theme for its 69th Durga Mahotsav.The will be 70 feet high and 40 feet wide. Around 20 artisans brought from Kolkata began work on Sept 10 and have already completed the basic framework using bamboo poles. The structure will now be covered and finished with plastic fibre to give it the appearance of the Madurai temple.Meenakshi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, regarded as a form of Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shiv. In keeping with the theme, idols of Shiv, Parvati and several other deities are being created at the main entrance of the pandal. The idols will be decorated in blue and red, with the finishing work to be completed in a couple of days.The committee has also ordered a 13-foot-tall idol of Goddess Durga from Kolkata for this year’s celebrations. According to committee president Sanjay Mukherjee, the idol has already reached the pandal premises.The Durga Mahotsav will formally begin on Oct 16, Shashti (the 6th day) during Navratri, with the ceremonial consecration of the idol. The organisers expect the temple-inspired pandal, with its distinctive architecture and elaborate deity figures, to emerge as one of the major attractions for devotees and visitors during the festival.
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