Working Hours: 5 to 11.30 am and 4.30 to 9 pm
Constructed in: 16th - 18th Century
Constructed by: Kulasekara Pandya, but later the temple construction was taken over by the Nayaks.
Special Occasions: The Chittirai Tiruvizha (Apr 15-May 15) makes the city of Mdurai to take a festive look. Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are taken in colourful processions. Also, the divine marriage and the coronation are enacted.
Entry Formalities: Free. For special darshans tickets can be purchased at the temple.
Photography allowed inside: No
Nearest famous town/city: Tiruchirapalli (Trichy)
Distance to the nearest town/city: 128 kms
Detailed information about the temples
Architecture: The temple complex is inside a high walled enclosure, at the center of which are the two chambers for Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara, surrounded by grand pillared halls and a number of smaller shrines. In addition, the temple has an impressive 12 gopuras which are painted in vivid colours.
Importance of the temple: The Chittirai Tiruvizha (Apr 15-May 15) makes the city of Mdurai to take a festive look. Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are taken in colourful processions. Also, the divine marriage and the coronation are enacted.
Famous for: The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The temple is famous for its Thousand Pillar Hall or the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. There is a Temple Art Museum in this 1000 pillars hall where you can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old historyAlso, the important festival Meenakshi Thirukalyanam (The divine marriage of Meenkashi) is celebrated in April every year with great pomp.
Legend: Sthala Purana or Legend says that King Malaya Dhwaja, a great devotee of Lord Shiva was childless for many years. Hence, he conducted the Puthra Kameshti Yagna. Shiva granted him his prayers through an Ayonija child (one born not from the womb). This is how Goddess Parvati was born and the king named her Meenakshi - her eyes being in the shape of fish. Meenakshi was a great devotee of Lord Sundareshwara (Shiva) and wanted to marry him. History says that the Lord comes in disguise followed by many thrilling episodes known as sixty four tiruvilayadals, before marrying Goddess Meenakshi.
How to get there
By Air: Madurai Airport is situated 12 kms from the main city and it offers flights to most important cities in Western, Southern and North India. Jet Air Ways, Kingfisher Airlines, Spice Jet and Air India operate flights to and from Madurai. Flight services to Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, are offered at Madurai Airport. International connectivity is anticipated shortly.
Hotel Information: Hotel Sangam, Alagar Kovil Road, Madurai. Ph: 0452 - 2537531, Hotel The Madurai Residency, W Marret St, Madurai. Ph: 0452 - 4380000, Hotel Supreme, 110, West Perumal Maistry Street, Madurai. Ph: 0452 - 2343151, Hotel Park Plaza, Madurai - Main. Ph: 0452 - 3011111
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Main Diety: Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati)
Other Deities: Mukuruny Vinayakar (Lord Ganesha), Sri Sundareshwarar (Lord Shiva)
Vrisksham: Kadambamaram
Patikam: Sambandar, Appar
Ambal: Ankayarkanni, Meenakshi
Theertham: Pottramarai Kulam (The Golden Lotus Pond)
Address: Arulmighu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
: Madurai
Town: Madurai
State: Tamil Nadu
Pincode: 625001
Phone: 0452- 2344360
Email: info@maduraimeenakshi.org
Website: http://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/
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