Madurai Meenakshi amman temple represents the face of TamilNadu tourism. It is one of the frequently visited tourist places in south India by Indians as well as foreigners due to its spectacular towers and rich cultural heritage. The temple is famous for its magnificent architecture of Pandiyan dynasty and any person who has once visited this huge temple are bound to come again owing to its captivating structural design.
Goddess Parvathy is worshipped in the name of Meenakshi along with her partner Lord Shiva. Due to its enormous size and structural design it attracts thousands of tourists each day. Importance of thus mammoth temple radiates outward from the shrines and spread across the entire Taminadu and even beyond.
History
Madurai Meenakshi Temple is believed to be built during 12th century by Sadayavarma Kulasekara Pandayan. After several renovations the existing structure of the temple is built during 1623-1655 AD. The massive construction of Pandiyan King was largely destroyed by the invasion of Malikapur in 1310.
Meenakshi Amman Temple Structure
Unlike other temples in India, where Lord Shiva is the major deity, this temple hosts Goddess Meenakshi as the principal deity. The temple consists of 14 Gopurams or temple towers each of them with approximate height of 50m. Among the 14 Gopurams, 4 are considered as Rajagopurams (nine-storey) measuring 152 feet, 1 Chittiraigopuram (7 storey) measuring 180 feet, 5 five storey gopurams, 2 (three storey) above Amman sannidhi and 2 Gold plated gopurams.
The main Gopuram in which Goddess Meenakshi resides contains golden Shikaram (upper portion). The wonders of Madurai Meenakshi temple is characterized by Ayiramkalmandapam (1000 pillared hall) and the world famous musical pillar on its West that creates sound of various musical track when struck.
Festivals
Some of the major festivals of this temple are Chitthirai festival, Avanimoola festival, float festival and Nvarathiri festival.
- Chittirai festival (also known as Meenakshi Thirukalyanam) is held for 12 days in grand manner (middle of April).
- Aadi Mulaikottu is held in the month of July for 10 days.
- Vasantha urchavam, kodai urchavam and float festivals are some of the other festivals celebrated here.
Thousands of devotees throng the temple during festival season, hence it is advised to book urchavam tickets online and have Darshan.
Meenakshi Amman Temple Timings
- Morning – 5 AM to 12.30 PM
- Evening – 4 PM to 10 PM
Meenakshi Amman Temple Pooja Details
| Thirvanandal Pooja | 5.30 – 5.45 AM |
|---|---|
| Vilaa Pooja | 6.30 – 7.15 AM |
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 10.30 – 11.20 AM |
| Maalai Pooja | 4.30 – 5.15 PM |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 7.30 – 8.15 PM |
| Palliyarai Pooja | 9.30 – 10 PM |
You cannot have Darshan during Pooja hours unless you have taken paid tickets for concerned pooja.
Darshan
Free Darshan is available in this temple. But if you wish you can take special darshan tickets for Rs.50 or Rs.100.
Darshan Timings
It may take 2-3 hours for having free darshan at Meenakshi Temple. Time can get extended during festival days or special occasions depending on the crowd.
Annadhanam
From 8 AM to 8 PM devotees can have lunch all through the day free of cost at Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
How To Reach Meenakshi Amman Temple?
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By Air
You can get ticket to Madurai airport which is just 10.7 KM from the temple. Plenty of flights operate directly or as connecting flight from many parts of India to Madurai.
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By Train
Madurai railway junction is just 1.7 KM from temple and lots of trains run through this junction from various parts of India.
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By Road
Madurai Bus stand commonly called as Mattuthavani bus stand is about 1.2 KM from Meenakshi temple. You can easily walk to the temple. Government and private buses operate from many cities of Tamilnadu connecting Madurai.
Accommodation
No free accommodation is available in this temple. You can book hotels of Tamilnadu government at www.ttdconline.com or book budget hotel of your choice, plenty of which are there near to temple.
Booking Online
Devotees planning to visit Madurai temple can visit www.maduraimeenakshi.hrce.tn.gov.in and click on e-services which will take you to paid/donation services and on clicking this icon you will be directed to several Pooja and Abhisekham service (with cost).
Dress Code
Any traditional dress covering the body is allowed here. Officially there is no dress code in Madurai temple. Men may choose to wear full trousers/shirt and women can wear saree or Salwar/kurti with duppatta.
What Is Not Allowed?
You are not allowed to take photos or videos.
Mobile phones are not allowed. You can safely keep your mobiles near the ticket counter and collect the tokens. Before entering the temple, you will be checked for mobiles and video cameras.
Address and Contact Number
Madurai Meenakshiamman Temple,
TS No.1, Chithrai Street, Madurai Main,
Madurai, Tamil Nadu – 625 001
Phone: 0452 2344 360, 2349 868