Meenakshi Temple: Everything You Need to Know About Festivals, Dress Code, Timings and More
Among the many attractions that make South India a cultural paradise, Meenakshi Temple is the most iconic and popular. Located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai, this Hindu temple is the epitome of classic architecture, with gorgeous murals that will take your breath away. Want to explore the history and significance of the Meenakshi temple? Scroll down to learn why you must visit and witness its eternal glory.
Mythology About Madurai Meenakshi Temple
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According to a legend, Meenakshi emerged from a ‘Yajna’ as a three-year-old girl. A king, Malayadwaja Pandya, and his wife, Kanchanamali, were unable to conceive a child and thus offered prayers to Lord Shiva to request him for a son. Instead of a son, Lord Shiva granted a daughter, a triple-breasted girl named Meenakshi. While the royal couple were concerned, Lord Shiva advised them to raise Meenakshi as a warrior, and when she grew up and met her true love, her third breast would disappear.
Meenakshi ruled over Madurai and captured neighboring kingdoms. The legend also tells us that she captured Indralok. During her quest to capture Kailash, she is portrayed by Lord Shiva, and her third breast disappears immediately; she knows that he is her future husband. Their wedding took place in Madurai and was attended by every god and goddess, this wedding ceremony is celebrated as ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Location
Meenakshi Temple is situated on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is an ancient Hindu temple devoted to the Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, and her consort Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva. The Dravidian architecture, intricate sculptures, and vibrant festival attracts people nationwide.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Timings
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Madurai Meenakshi Temple is open from 6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Additionally, visit this temple in the early morning and late evening to witness the morning and evening ceremonies.
The Meenakshi Amman temple is open throughout the year. While the summer months in Madurai are hot and humid, the monsoons are pleasant, which is a good time to plan your trip. However, October to March is the perfect time to visit the glorious temple. If you wish to attend the Chithirai Festival, visit during the months from April to May.
Essential Information About Meenakshi Temple
- Meenakshi Temple Entrance Fee: There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, there is an art museum and its entry ticket costs INR 5 for Indian tourists and INR 50 for foreign tourists if you wish to visit it.
- Darshan Duration: This temple is undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in Madurai, and there is a possibility that you may spend hours in the queue visiting the inner sanctums to see the idols of the deities. But, if you wish to skip the line, the temple has special Darshan tickets, which cost INR 50 for seeing the idol of Goddess Meenakshi and INR 100 for seeing both the deities.
- Dress Code For Visiting The Temple: Only decent clothing covering your shoulders and legs is permitted. Do not wear shorts, dresses, lungi, caps, or socks.
- Valuables Not Allowed Inside the Temple: Umbrellas, sticks, or anything made of animal skin, such as a wallet or belt, are strictly prohibited from being carried inside the temple. Also, do not carry a camera or your mobile phone, as they have been banned in the temple.
Festivals In Meenakshi Amman Temple
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Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, Meenakshi Amman Temple has become one of the major tourist spots in Tamil Nadu. It is often called the ‘Mathura of South’. The temple has only one major festival—the Chithirai Thiruvizha or Thirukalyanam Festival, which attracts millions of tourists annually in April.
Apart from this main festival, several other festivals are hosted and celebrated in the temple, like the Vasantham festival, Unjal festival, Mulai-Kottu festival, Arudhra Dharsan Festival, Thai Utsavam, and more. Another great time to visit the temple is during the Navratri, when you can be a part of the Festival and witness the colourful dolls called ‘Gollu’ displayed in the temple.
Architecture Of The Meenakshi Temple
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- Famous as one of the largest temples in South India, the Minakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple has spectacular architecture and spellbinding murals throughout.
- It has four Raja gopurams, two gold gopurams, one Chithirai gopuram, five five-floored gopurams, and two three-floored ones, all majestic.
- The most popular fact about the temple is that it is home to a hall that has a thousand pillars, a sacred pool with a golden lotus where you can take a ritual bath, a wedding hall, innumerable small shrines, gardens, and elephant sheds.
- The temple is so beautifully maintained that the Central Government recognized it as the ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’ in India in 2017.
Accommodation In Meenakshi Temple
As a popular pilgrimage spot and a major tourist attraction, the temple also offers accommodation in three lodges, which can only be booked at the time of the visit.
The lodges are situated on West Chithirai Street and are named Birla Vishram, Sundareswarar Illam, and Bakthargal Thangum Viduthi. If you wish to stay in a hotel, some decent options nearby are Hotel Royal Court, Hotel Nambi, and Moskva Hotel.
How To Reach Meenakshi Temple In Madurai
By Air: If you’re flying to Madurai from Chennai, reaching the temple will take around three hours. After reaching the Madurai Airport, you can easily find a taxi to drive you to the temple in 90 minutes.
By Railway: A train journey to Madurai will surely be full of majestic sights. Since Madurai is well connected to all the cities, you can board a train to the Madurai Junction Railway Station from where the temple is located, which is only 10 minutes away. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi per your needs and make it to the attraction in no time.
By Bus: If you’re commuting to Madurai via road by a state or a private bus for visiting the temple, then you can get down at the Mattuthavani Bus Stand, from where it will take only 20 minutes to reach the Minakshi-Sundareshwara Temple.
Tips For Visiting The Meenakshi Temple
- Please check the weather in Madurai before you plan your visit to the temple. If the temperature is too hot or humid, you may be unable to explore it comfortably.
- Before visiting the temple, review the essential information for tourists.
- Take a look at all the do’s and don’ts and follow them wisely, as not following them may hurt the sentiments of the locals or priests.
- Do not carry your camera, as photography is prohibited inside the temple now.
- Try visiting the temple early in the morning, and not at the peak hours, as you may waste a lot of time and energy in the queues.
- If possible, attend the night ceremony procession, which takes place every day except Friday around 9 :00 PM.
You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit In Madurai
While there are innumerable places to visit in South India, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is an attraction you shouldn’t miss visiting during your trip to Tamil Nadu. This temple is known for its majestic architecture and glorious beauty, which will leave you spellbound!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meenakshi Temple
Is Meenakshi Temple a Shakti Peeth?
Yes, Meenakshi Temple is one of the primary Shakti Peeth temples. It is the only temple in India having 4 Rajagopuram (towers).
What is Meenakshi temple made of?
Meenakshi temple in Madurai is made from granite, while its towers (gopuram) are made from limestone. It is one of the best places to visit in Madurai.
How old is the Meenakshi temple?
Meenakshi temple was reportedly built in the 6th century BC by survivors of Kumari Kandam. Situated on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai, Tamil Nadu is one of the best tourist places in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Parvati, Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva/Sundareswarar.
What should I wear in Meenakshi temple?
Meenakshi temple has laid down a dress code for its pilgrims that needs to be strictly followed. Male devotees should wear dhotis, formal pants, or pyjamas with a shirt. Women should wear saris or suits. Children should wear fully covered clothes. Ensure your knees and shoulders cannot be seen when you enter the temple premises.
What is Meenakshi temple famous for?
Meenakshi temple is famous for its rich historicity and cultural heritage. It is a historic Hindu temple situated on the banks of the ancient Vaigai River, Madurai.
What are the Madurai Meenakshi Temple timings for visitors?
The Madurai Meenakshi Temple timings for visitors are 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Additionally, visit this temple in the early morning and late evening to witness the morning and evening ceremonies.
What are the best hotels near Madurai Meenakshi Temple?
La Vivanta Hotel, Hotel Weshtern Park, Hotel Sree Devi, Hotel Sabareesh Plaza, Hotel Duke, Moskva Hotel, Hotel Park Plaza, Heritage Madurai are some of the best hotels near the temple.
Is photography allowed in Meenakshi temple?
No, cameras are not allowed inside the temple. No electrical appliances, including power banks, are permitted inside the premises.
How many towers are there in Meenakshi temple?
There are 12 towers (gopurams) in Meenakshi temple. The outer towers are considered to be landmarks in Madurai, India. They are named as East Tower (nine storeys).
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A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. Besides, she also loves treating her taste buds to different cuisines, binge-watching almost all sorts of series and movies, and indulging in new experiences every now and then. Also, languages and cultures fascinate her to a great extent, which is why currently she is brushing up her Spanish.
