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Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

The Meenakshi Amman Temple, located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and her consort, Sundareswarar (Shiva). As the heart of Madurai, this temple symbolises Tamil heritage and is referenced in ancient Tamil literature. The current structure was completed between 1623 and 1655 CE. Covering over 45 acres, the temple features 14 impressive gopurams (gateway towers) ranging from 45 to 51.9 metres tall, with the southern tower being the highest. The temple also has two golden domes above the main shrines, and there are around 33,000 intricate sculptures throughout. It draws about 15,000 visitors daily, increasing to 25,000 on Fridays, and was once nominated as a potential "New Seven Wonders of the World." The 10-day Meenakshi Thirukkalyanam festival in April-May attracts about a million devotees each year. This temple complex, originally built by King Kulasekara Pandyan, was later expanded by Viswanath Nayak and completed by Thirumalai Nayakar. Surrounded by streets named Aadi, Chittirai, Maasi, and Veli, it remains the largest and most significant temple in Madurai, blending myth with centuries of architectural contributions.

Timings

Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM & Evening: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

The history of Madurai dates back to nearly the 6th century BCE, when it served as a vital commercial hub for the Pandya dynasty. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is believed to have been established around this time by the Pandyan kings.

According to legend, the temple was founded by Indra, the king of celestial deities, during a pilgrimage to atone for his sins. He felt his burdens lifted near a swayambhu lingam (self-formed lingam) in Madurai and attributed the miracle to its divine power. In gratitude, Indra built the temple to enshrine the lingam. It is also said that Shiva caused golden lotuses to bloom in the nearby pond, further enhancing the temple's sanctity.

Tamil literature has praised the temple for over two millennia. In the 7th century, the saint Thirugnanasambandar referred to the deity as Alavai Iraivan in his hymns. However, in 1310, the temple was plundered and destroyed by the Muslim invader Malik Kafur.

Reconstruction began during the reign of Viswanatha Nayak (1559–1600), the first Nayak king of Madurai. His efforts were supervised by Ariyanatha Mudaliar, his prime minister, and architect of the Poligar System. The temple's design was expanded significantly by Thirumalai Nayak (1623–1655), who added many structures, including the Vasantha Mandapam for spring festivals and the Kilikoondu Mandapam (Corridor of Parrots). Rani Mangammal further contributed by building the temple tank corridors and the Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam.

In 1812, Rous Peter, the Collector of Madurai, earned the nickname "Peter Pandian" for his respect for all religions. He donated diamond-studded golden stirrups to the temple and credited Goddess Meenakshi with saving him from a life-threatening incident. After his death, he requested to be buried facing the temple as a mark of devotion.

During the early Pandya period, the temple's construction relied on contributions from the people. To support the effort, a tax was levied, and families donated rice, with each household giving a handful daily. This collective effort created a strong emotional connection between the people and the temple, making it a cherished symbol of unity and devotion.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to your Ishta Devata before visiting the temple.
  2. Contact the temple's information center for details on poojas and other services.
  3. Reserve travel and accommodation in advance.
  4. Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  5. Focus on the deity and maintain silence during your visit.
  6. Recite your Ishta Mantra quietly while inside.
  7. Follow ancient customs and traditions.
  8. Respect the religious sentiments of others.
  9. Deposit offerings only in the temple hundi.
  1. Do not visit the temple for reasons other than worship.
  2. Avoid smoking, consuming alcohol, or eating non-vegetarian food.
  3. Do not seek quick darshan through mediators.
  4. Do not bring weapons or wear headgear like helmets or hats.
  5. Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  6. Do not linger too long during Sparsa Darshan.
  7. Do not buy prasad from unauthorized vendors.
  8. Avoid encouraging beggars and refrain from spitting or causing disturbances.

Dress Code

For Men : Men are required to wear a shirt and trousers, dhoti, or pyjamas with an upper cloth.

For Women : Women should wear a saree or half-saree with a blouse, or a chudidhar with pyjamas and an upper cloth.

How to reach

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Best time to visit :

The ideal time to visit the temple is during the winter season, with the best months being from September to March.


By Air: The temple is 11.5 KM from Madurai Airport, which is well-connected to major cities.

By Rail: Madurai Railway Junction is just 1.3 KM away. It is a convenient option for those traveling by train, with easy access to the temple by auto-rickshaw or cab.

By Road: The temple is 1.5 KM from Periyar Bus Stand, making it easily accessible by bus or local transport.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Kollidam River – A major river that flows near many of the temples in Tamil Nadu, including the ones in the region.
  2. Vadavaaru River – Another river nearby, contributing to the natural landscape.


Cities :

  1. Thanjavur – A prominent city known for its historic temples, including many important Shaiva and Vaishnava temples.
  2. Kumbakonam – Known as the "Temple Town," it is located not far from the temple, with numerous ancient temples.
  3. Tiruvarur – Another historical city, known for its religious significance and proximity to various temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.