Meenakshi

What does Meenakshi mean?

Meenakshi means ‘fish-eyed’ in Sanskrit, combining mīna, ‘fish’, with akṣi, ‘eye’. Monier-Williams records the compound and identifies the goddess worshipped at Madurai. Fish-shaped eyes are a poetic image of beauty, giving context to a literal translation that may otherwise seem unfamiliar. The goddess's identity as the daughter of a Pandya king supplies the name's Madurai connection, alongside the descriptive meaning.

Source: Monier-Williams Sanskrit dictionary, मीनाक्षी. How we use sources.

Spelling and pronunciation

मीनाक्षी is read mee-naak-shee, in three syllables with long vowels. Minakshi is another Roman spelling. The ksh combines k with a sh made with the tongue curled back. Meenakshi makes the opening ee explicit, while leaving the lengths of the other vowels unmarked.

Also spelled Minakshi.

Meenakshi in tradition and story

Meenakshi is the presiding goddess of Madurai's Meenakshi Amman temple. Tamil tradition presents her as a queen who marries Shiva as Sundareshvara. The Chithirai festival celebrates their wedding, giving the name a specific connection with the city's religious life.