Madurai Meenakshi (OS) The Challenge- on Pg 28 - Page 16

It could have been because her eyes were shaped like a fish. It could have been because the manner in which the pupils of her eyes darted whenever she was anxious or agitated, resembled the restless movement of a fish in water.

Or, as is most likely, the name had deeper significance. It was believed that the fish took care of its eggs and spawn by its sight alone. That's why a fish's eye doesn't blink- so that its young is not deprived of the mother's glance even for a nanosecond. It was believed that, with its round eyes, a fish watches everything happening around it- nothing escapes its vision.

Maybe Thataatakai's caring nature and her deep concern for her people- unusual for a ruler in those times earned her this name. She too watched over her people with the same devotion as a fish would watch over its young. Nothing that happened in her kingdom escaped her notice, no suffering ever went unnoticed.

Or maybe simply because the court bards and poets found that 'Meenakshi' sounded sweeter and softer that 'Thataatakai'

Whatever be the reason, the young ruler of Madurai came to be hailed as "MEENAKSHI" and the name Thataakai became a foot note in history.

She was barely sixteen.