Important information

Address : Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001.
Open and Close timings : 09:00 am to 07:00 pm.
Entry Fee for Museum : Entry ticket costs INR 5 for Indian tourists and INR 50 for foreign tourists
Nearest Railway Station: Madurai Junction Railway Station at a distance of nearly 1.3 kilometres from meenakshi Temple.
Nearest Airport : Madurai (IXM) Airport at a distance of nearly 11.5 kilometres from meenakshi Temple. Tiruchirapalli (TRZ) Airport at a distance of nearly 128 kilometres from meenakshi Temple.

The Meenakshi Amman Temple, commonly known as the Meenakshi Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple situated in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest and most famous temples in South India and holds immense cultural, religious, and architectural significance.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva in the form of Sundareswarar had come to the city of Madurai to marry Princess Meenakshi, the daughter of the Pandya king Malayadhwaja, along with his ganas. Meenakshi is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. This temple is considered one of the most sacred places of Goddess Parvati.

Kān̄cī tū kāmākṣī, madurā'ī mīnākṣī, dakṣiṇē kan'yākumārī māma:
Śaktī rūpēna bhagavatī, namō namaḥ namō namaḥ।।

Key features and aspects of the Meenakshi Amman Temple include:

Deities: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (an avatar of Goddess Parvati) and her consort Lord Sundareswarar (an avatar of Lord Shiva). The main sanctums house the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, which are adorned with elaborate decorations and jewelry.

Daily Rituals: The temple follows a strict daily schedule of rituals, including several poojas (ritualistic offerings) and aratis (ritual of showing lamps to deities). The temple priests perform these rituals with utmost devotion.

Complex Architecture: The Meenakshi Temple is a classic example of Dravidian architecture, known for its intricately carved gopurams (towering gateways), mandapams (pillared halls), and sculptures. The temple's architecture is renowned for its grandeur and aesthetic appeal.

Gopurams: The temple complex has fourteen gopurams, with the tallest one standing at around 52 meters (170 feet) high. These gopurams are adorned with colorful and detailed sculptures depicting various mythological stories and deities.

Thousand Pillar Hall: The temple houses the "Ayiram Kaal Mandapam" or Thousand Pillar Hall, an impressive mandapam with intricately carved pillars. Each pillar is unique and adorned with beautiful sculptures.

Golden Lotus Tank: The temple has a sacred tank called "Porthamarai Kulam" or Golden Lotus Tank, which is used for various rituals and religious ceremonies.

Festivals: The Meenakshi Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, with the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam (the divine marriage ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar) being the most significant and celebrated with great pomp and splendor.

Cultural Heritage: The temple is not just a religious site but also an integral part of Madurai's cultural heritage. It attracts tourists, devotees, and history enthusiasts from around the world who come to admire its architectural marvels and immerse themselves in its spiritual aura.

The Meenakshi Amman Temple has a rich history and has undergone various expansions and renovations over the centuries. Its contribution to the religious and cultural identity of South India has earned it a special place among the most revered and iconic temples in the country.