Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is on the banks of the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu. The Temple’s main deity is Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati) and her consort Sundareswara (Lord Shiva). The temple morning timings are 05:00 am to 12:30 pm, and the evening timings are 04:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
About the Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
Contents
- 1 About the Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
- 1.0.1 History of Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
- 1.0.2 Madurai Meenakshi Temple Architecture:
- 1.0.3 Madurai Meenakshi Temple Timings:
- 1.0.4 Best time to visit Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
- 1.0.5 Madurai Meenakshi Temple Sevas Timings:
- 1.0.6 Different Types of Rituals at Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
- 1.0.7 Festivals Celebrated at Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
- 1.0.8 Meenakshi Amman Temple Darshan Online booking:
- 1.0.9 Madurai Meenakshi Temple Dress Code:
- 1.0.10 Tourist places near Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
- 1.0.11 Hotels nearby Meenakshi Temple:
- 1.0.12 Madurai Meenakshi Temple Contact Details:
- 1.0.13 How to Reach Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
- 1.0.14 FAQs:
- 1.1 What is special about Madurai Meenakshi Temple?
- 1.2 How much time is required to visit Meenakshi Temple?
- 1.3 What is the entry fee for Meenakshi Temple?
- 1.4 Which day is special for Madurai Temple?
- 1.5 What is not allowed in Meenakshi Temple?
Initially, the Temple’s main deity was Lord Sundareswara, and over time, devotees worshipped Meenakshi as the main deity. Those who visit this city do not even think of leaving without taking the blessings of the Goddess.
The Madurai Temple Complex in Madurai has an estimated 33,000 magnificent sculptures. Meenakshi Devi is unique because she always represents a beautiful woman wearing a green sari and holding a parrot in her right hand.
King Thirumalai Nayakar built the beautiful and historic structures of the Meenakshi Temple. The present structure of the temple complex was built by the Madurai Nayaks, especially during the reign of King Thirumalai Nayak in the 15th century.
History of Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
The original Madurai Meenakshi Temple is believed to have been built by the Pandya king Kulasekara from the late sixth century to the early 7th century.
It is evident from the writings of the Tamil saint Thirujnanasambandar, who sang in praise of the Goddess and the Meenakshi Temple in his seventh-century work.
In the 14th century, after the fall of the Pandya dynasty, there was an internal conflict over the inheritance of the throne.
Taking advantage of the controversy, Ala-ud-din Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate sent his general Malik Kafur to invade Madurai in 1310.
When he reached Madurai, he demolished the temple towers and destroyed many sculptures and historical records. However, the main shrines of Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswara were kept intact.
This incident led to the spread of Islam in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. The Temple expanded to its present status during the reign of Thirumala Nayak from 1623 to 1655.
He was responsible for constructing several pavilions inside the Madurai Meenakshi Temple complex, especially the Vasantha Mandapam and the Kilikondu Mandapam (Parrot Corridor).
The famous and courageous Rani Mangammal, one of the few female rulers of ancient India, built the ancient Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Tank and the corridors of the Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Architecture:
The Temple is one of India’s finest examples of Dravidian-style architecture. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is a replica of the Dravidian style of architecture.
It indicates that Shiva had more ritualistic importance than Meenakshi Devi in ancient times. The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai has four main entrances, one in each cardinal direction.
The four domes of each main entrance are sculptures depicting many gods and goddesses, sacred animals and demons. The South Tower (built in 1559) is 170 feet tall (52 m).
The oldest of them is the Eastern Tower, built in 1238. Meenakshi Devi and Sundareswarar temples were covered with a golden plane or peak above.
The ceilings of the interior corridors are decorated with vibrant colours to provide a beautiful visual experience.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Timings:
The temple morning timings are 05:00 am to 12:30 pm, and the evening timings are 04:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
| Days | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
| Monday | 05:00 am to 12:30 pm | 05:00 am to 12:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 04:00 pm to 9:30 pm | 05:00 am to 12:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 04:00 pm to 9:30 pm | 05:00 am to 12:30 pm |
| Thursday | 04:00 pm to 9:30 pm | 05:00 am to 12:30 pm |
| Friday | 04:00 pm to 9:30 pm | 05:00 am to 12:30 pm |
| Saturday | 04:00 pm to 9:30 pm | 05:00 am to 12:30 pm |
| Sunday | 04:00 pm to 9:30 pm | 05:00 am to 12:30 pm |
Best time to visit Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
The perfect time to visit Madurai Meenakshi Temple is from October to February, as the weather is pleasant, and the Temple hosts various festivals and events during this period, providing visitors with a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Sevas Timings:
The temple special sevas are here
| Sevas Names | Timings |
| Thiruvanandal puja | 05:00 am – 06:00 am |
| Vizha puja | 06:30 am – 07:15 am |
| Kalasandhi puja | 06:30 am – 07:15 am |
| Thrikalasandhi puja | 10:30 am – 11:15 am |
| Uchikkala Puja | 10:30 am – 11:15 am |
| Maalai puja | 04:30 pm – 05:15 pm |
| Ardhajama Puja | 07:30 pm – 08:15 pm |
| Palliarai puja | 09:30 pm – 10:00 pm |
Different Types of Rituals at Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
Daily worship includes puja eight times a day. Each puja includes the abhishekam of the deities, alankaram(adornment with ornaments), naivedyam (annadanam), and Deepa aradanai (aarti with lamps).
- Thiruvanandal Puja
- Vizha Puja and the Kalasandhi Puja
- Thrikalasandhi Puja and the Uchikkala Puja
- Maalai Puja (Evening Aarti)
- Ardhajama Puja
- Palliarai Puja
- Annadanam
Festivals Celebrated at Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
Some of the festivals are here
- Chitthirai Brahmotsavam or Arulmigu Thirukalyanam
- Aavani festival
- Navarathri
- Teppotsavam
Meenakshi Amman Temple Darshan Online booking:
Travellers can visit the Temple for darshan, puja and service through the official website of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
- Visit their official web page; worship names, times, and amounts are on the home page.
- Then, click the Register & Book tab. You will be redirected to the registration page.
- If you have an account, enter the email ID and password you provided and login.
- If you do not have an account, click the Register Now tab.
- Fill in the details asked and click Register.
- You will be successfully registered.
- Visit the login page now, enter the email ID and password, and log in to book.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Dress Code:
The dress code for Meenakshi Temple requires visitors to dress modestly and appropriately. Men were advised to wear traditional attire like dhoti or formal pants with a shirt.
Women were expected to wear a saree, salwar kameez, or other modest clothing. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and miniskirts are not allowed.
Tourist places near Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
- Thirupparakunram Murugan Temple
- Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
- Alagar Kovil
- Vandiyur Mariamman Temple
- Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple
- Bannari Amman Temple
- Thirumohoor Chakrathalvar Temple
Hotels nearby Meenakshi Temple:
- Cosmopolitan Hotel
- Moskva Hotel
- Hotel President
- The Golden Park
- Hotel Royal Court
- TM Hotel
- Hotel Nambi
- Prem Nivas Hotel
- Hotel Park Plaza
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Contact Details:
- Address: Meenakshi Amman Temple, South Avani Moola Street, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001, India.
- Contact Numbers: +91 452 2345503, 0452 234 4360
- Madurai Meenakshi Temple: Official Website
How to Reach Madurai Meenakshi Temple:
By Road:
The nearest bus stand to Meenakshi Temple is the Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, also known as the Madurai Integrated Bus Terminus (MIBT).
By Rail:
Madurai Junction is a major railway station in the southern region of India and is well-connected to various cities across the country.
By Air:
Madurai has an international airport, Madurai International Airport (IXM), which is well-connected to major cities in India and a few international destinations.
FAQs:
What is special about Madurai Meenakshi Temple?
In his incarnation as Sundareswarar, Lord Siva and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. There are five gateways enclosing these two shrines.
How much time is required to visit Meenakshi Temple?
Two to three hours are required to visit the Temple.
What is the entry fee for Meenakshi Temple?
There is no entrance charge for visiting the Temple. There is an art museum, and its ticket price is Rs 5 for Indian tourists and Rs 50 for foreign tourists if you wish to visit it.
Which day is special for Madurai Temple?
The celestial wedding, or Thirukalyanam of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, is performed on the tenth day.
What is not allowed in Meenakshi Temple?
Photography/videography was prohibited inside the temple premises. So, kindly leave handbags/photos & video cameras/torch lights/pen knives/scissors in your car. Parking is 100ft from the Temple. After visiting the Temple, you may return with your cameras and take photos from outside.