About Meenakshi Amman Kovil
Meenakshi Amman Kovil, also known as Meenakshi Temple or Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is a magnificent temple complex dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, a form of Shakti, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva. The temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, in the heart of the ancient city of Madurai. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, especially Shaivites, and attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year.
The temple has a long and rich history, dating back to the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE), when it was mentioned in Tamil literature as a prominent center of worship and culture. The temple was built and expanded by various dynasties, such as the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Vijayanagaras, and the Nayakas, who added many architectural features and artistic embellishments to the temple. The temple was also damaged and restored several times by natural disasters and foreign invasions.
Meenakshi Amman Kovil Architecture
- The temple covers an area of about 14 acres and has four massive gateways (gopurams) that are adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythical creatures. The temple has 14 gopurams in total, each with its own name and significance.
- The tallest gopuram is the southern one, which is 51.9 meters (170 feet) high and has two shrines on its top. The temple also has a sacred pond (Potramarai Kulam), a golden lotus hall (Puthu Mandapam), a thousand-pillared hall (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam), and many other halls and shrines that are dedicated to various deities.
The Deities of the Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar Temple
- The main deities of the temple are Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar, who are enshrined in separate sanctums within the temple complex. Meenakshi is worshipped as the queen of Madurai and the mother goddess who protects her devotees. Sundareshwarar is worshipped as the lord of Madurai and the supreme god who grants salvation to his devotees.
- The temple also has a famous idol of Nataraja (the cosmic dancer) made of silver, which is known as Velli Ambalam. The temple also has shrines for other gods and goddesses, such as Ganesha, Murugan, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga, and Kali.
How to Reach Meenakshi Amman Kovil?
Meenakshi Amman Kovil is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Pant Nagar Airport, which is about 119 km from the temple. You can take a taxi or a bus from there to reach the temple. The nearest railway station is Madurai Railway Station, which is about 1 km from the temple. You can take a taxi or a rickshaw from there to reach the temple. You can also drive to the temple from nearby cities such as Chennai (462 km), Coimbatore (214 km), Trichy (142 km), or Rameswaram (173 km).
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Visiting Time and Entry Fees
- The temple is open on all days from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There are different timings for different shrines within the temple complex. The main shrines of Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar are open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The other shrines have their own timings, which you can check at the temple premises.
- There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. There is an art museum within the temple complex that charges INR 5 for Indian tourists and INR 50 for foreign tourists. You can also opt for a paid darshan of INR 50 per person per shrine separately if you want to avoid the long queues.
- You are not allowed to carry any cameras or mobile phones inside the temple. You have to deposit them at the counters outside the temple for a nominal fee. You also have to follow a strict dress code while entering the temple. You have to wear traditional clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. You are not allowed to wear shorts, jeans, skirts, or sleeveless tops.
Tourist Places near Madurai Meenakshi Temple
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal: A grand palace known for its impressive architecture and light and sound show depicting its historical significance.
- Gandhi Memorial Museum: Commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings, this museum houses his personal belongings and exhibits related to the freedom struggle.
- Alagar Kovil: A hill temple dedicated to Lord Alagar, featuring intricate sculptures and surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
- Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple: Nestled in the hills, this temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is part of the Six Abodes of Murugan and offers scenic views.
- Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: A temple tank with a mandapam in the center, where the Float Festival takes place during the Tamil month of Thai.
- Koodal Azhagar Temple: Another ancient temple in Madurai, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its Dravidian architecture.
- Azhagar Kovil: This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Alagar, with beautiful sculptures and a serene atmosphere.
- Samayapuram Mariamman Temple: About an hour’s drive from Madurai, this temple is known for its goddess Mariamman and attracts devotees.
- Vaigai Dam: A popular picnic spot offering boating facilities and a scenic reservoir view.
- St. Mary’s Cathedral Church: One of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in India, known for its stunning architecture.
Meenakshi Amman Kovil is not only a religious site but also a cultural treasure that showcases the art, architecture, literature, music, dance, and traditions of Tamil Nadu. The temple is a symbol of the faith, devotion, and glory of the Tamil people who have preserved and enriched their heritage for centuries. The temple is also a source of inspiration and pride for Hindus all over the world who regard it as one of their holiest shrines.
