Sri Meenakshi Temple, Houston

17130 McLean Road

Pearland, Texas 77584

Built:  1982

Architect Style: Dravidian, a south Indian temple style

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The Sri Meenakshi Hindu Temple is the only temple of its kind outside of India dedicated to Meenakshi, the goddess of marriage. It was the third Hindu temple erected in the United States. The structure is composed of gleaming white granite imported from India. The temple was built to be a replica of the Sree Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. Delicate sculptures and intricate stonework are found throughout the complex.  

Features of Dravidian Temple Architecture:

Garbhagriha 
The central part of the temple, which houses the main deity—this is where the most sacred part of the temple is located. According to Hindu rule, the Garbhagriha must be the first part of the temple built.  

Shikhara 
The word shikhara translates to “mountain peak” and refers to the rising tower over the garbhagriha chamber.  

Gopuram 
The gopuram refers to the tower placed in the center of each boundary wall surrounding the temple. These fixtures are usually ornate, and one typically stands as the tallest feature of the compound.  

Mandapa 
The Mandapa is a pillared hall or pavilion used for public ceremonies. 

Other Hindu Temples to visit in Texas :

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 
1150 Brand Lane, Stafford, Texas  

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan in Stafford is an 11,500-square-foot open-air, traditional Hindu temple surrounded by a 25,000-square-foot deck. The architecture features 33,000 Italian marble and Turkish limestone hand-carved pieces created by 3,000 craftsmen in various parts of India. 

Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple Tower 
12030 Independence Parkway, Frisco, Texas

The Hindu temple and the tower are based on the “Agama Shastras,” or treatise on Hindu temple architectural design, which originated almost 2,000 years ago. The main entrance of the temple is situated under the 72-foot tall, six-level, “Rajagopuram,” or monumental entrance gateway. As is the tradition, the temple faces east which allows the morning sun to shine on the Sanctum Sanctorum. The tower has windows at each level which also allows the morning sun to shine through.  

Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center 
9801 Decker Lake Rd, Austin, Texas  

The travel blog traveltriangle.com describes the Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center as “a work of art in every sense.” It’s located on elevated ground which provides great views of the surrounding area. The unique architectural design features intricate carvings of South Indianian deities. 

Credits:

Thanks to Sri Meenakshi Temple Society