Why Is the Meenakshi Goddess Green?

The goddess Meenakshi, a revered deity in Hinduism particularly in the Tamil Nadu region of India, is often depicted with green skin. This green complexion symbolizes several aspects that reflect her divine attributes and cultural significance in Hindu worship.

Symbol of Fertility and Prosperity

Green is commonly associated with nature, fertility, and abundance. Meenakshi’s green skin represents her nurturing qualities and her role as a provider of prosperity. This color emphasizes her benevolence and her capacity to bestow fertility upon her devotees. In Hindu tradition, such a portrayal underscores the goddess’s ability to bring abundant harvests and wealth.

Connection to Nature

The color green also reflects Meenakshi’s connection to the earth and the natural world. It emphasizes her role as a goddess who embodies the life force and vitality of nature. This connection to the natural world further reinforces her nurturing and protective nature. The green skin symbolizes her deep bond with the environment, highlighting her continuous existence and care for the earth.

Diversity of Worship

Meenakshi’s green complexion can also symbolize her universality and appeal across various cultural contexts. Different regions and communities may have their unique interpretations of deities, but the green skin of Meenakshi transcends these boundaries. This color serves as a unifying symbol that connects her to devotees from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the diverse nature of Hindu worship.

Mythological Context

The mythology surrounding Meenakshi often ties her to the fish. According to legend, she was born as a fish, and this association may have influenced her green skin. In Indian mythology, the fish is a symbol of wisdom and the water, which is associated with knowledge and the source of all life. The color green, therefore, serves as a reminder of her association with wisdom and the nurturing waters of life.

Historical and Cultural Traditions

In South Indian tradition, turmeric is used as a cosmetic product by both married women and unmarried girls. When Sri Meenakshi is worshiped, her image is often adorned with turmeric, which gives her a dusky complexion known as Shyama Varna. Interestingly, when turmeric is applied to the image of Meenakshi, it often takes on an emerald hue, adding to the rich symbolism of her green skin.

The idol of Sri Meenakshi at Madurai is made of a green tinged stone known as Maragatha Kal. This green stone itself adds to the visual symbolism of the goddess, ensuring that her greenness is not just a representation but also a material representation in the form of the stone from which she is crafted.

Philosophical Interpretation

From the standpoint of the ancient Indian philosophy, the universe is viewed as a verdant field and jungle. Meenakshi, as a form of Parvati, personifies Prakti or Matter. An artist painting the Goddess would naturally choose green as a representation of the world she embodies. Green, in this context, symbolizes life, growth, and fertility.

Final Reflection

While there is no definitive reason for Meenakshi’s green skin, it is widely accepted among devotees that this is simply the color they see when they envision the goddess. Those who have had visions of the real goddess Meenakshi report that She is green. This color serves as a unifying and culturally significant symbol in Hindu worship, reflecting her divine attributes and the deep connection between the goddess and her devotees.

The green skin of Meenakshi is a rich symbol that reflects her diverse attributes and cultural significance. Whether through mythological, artistic, or philosophical perspectives, her green skin continues to resonate with devotees and inspire reverence and devotion.