Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, also called Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is one of the largest temples in South India. It is located in Madurai city in Tamil Nadu. The temple, which is one of the oldest in the region, is spread across an area of 65,000 sq.m and dates back to the regime of Thirumalai Nayak in 1600 AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Sundareswarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi. It is a twin temple that houses both shrines. One of the highlights of this temple is the five major gateways through which the devotees can enter. To give you detailed insights about the temple and things to do in Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, this guide will explore and uncover all the basics of the rich history, mythology, and architectural brilliance of this temple complex.
Things To Do In Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
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Now that you have an in-depth understanding of the temple’s spiritual significance, the next factor is to familiarise yourself with the activities to take part in the temple.
- As you step foot inside, the first thing you must do is stop to admire the beauty of the intricate architecture and carvings on the wall. Each narrates a story of the past. After your turn arrives, do the darshan and offer your prayers.
- Despite long queues, the temple authorities streamline the process quite well, ensuring you don’t have to wait for a long time inside. Also, while you are inside, witness the towering gopurams at the entrance of each shrine. The eastern gopuram with its 15 storeys and intricate carvings stands out as one of the best.
- The temple complex has numerous halls, each with its own architectural and historical significance. The Hall of Thousand Pillars (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam) is a must-see, with its 985 intricately carved pillars. You can’t forget witnessing them in real-time.
- Apart from the main sanctums of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, there are several other shrines. Each shrine is adorned with exquisite sculptures and paintings. You can also witness some of the daily rituals like abhisheka (holy bath) performed on the deities while there.
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History Of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
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Legends whisper of a temple as old as time itself. The temple flourished under the Pandya dynasty, with later rulers contributing to its development. The temple gets its biggest mythological significance from the marital union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to folklore, they were married in the temple, which further congregated the place’s spiritual power. Commemorating this auspicious occasion, every year the “Meenakshi Tirukalyanam Festival ” is conducted. As for the historical side of the temple, reports suggest that it’s dedicated to both the God and Goddess, which is one of the reasons why there are separate shrines labelled “Amman” and “Swamy” koylis.
Highlights Of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
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To make the most of your trip to the temple, being aware of the highlights enables you to plan the most of your visit. Following are a few highlights worth prioritising:
- Aayiram Kaal Mandapam features 985 intricately carved pillars, renowned for their architectural and acoustic wonders.
- Thousand Names Pillars are inscribed with 1000 names of Shiva and Vishnu, respectively. Don’t forget to explore that.
- Potramarai Kulam is a sacred golden lotus-shaped pool, where pilgrims take a dip and seek blessings.
- Golden Lily Tank is a smaller tank that features a golden lily, a symbol of purity and prosperity. Additionally, there are musical pillars. These unique pillars, when tapped, produce distinct musical notes.
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Places To Visit Around The Temple
Once you finish your darshan and puja, step outside the temple to explore all the popular sightseeing spots around.
1. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
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Easily the closest sightseeing spot to the temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is located 850 metres away. It is a few steps away. This magnificent 17th-century palace, built by the Nayaka Dynasty, showcases Indo-Islamic architecture. Explore its ornate halls, courtyards, and impressive sound system.
Distance from Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple: 850 Metres
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
2. Gandhi Memorial Museum
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Along with exploring religious sites, if you are equally invested towards exploring history, the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which is 3.5 km away should be your next spot. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and has his personal belongings, photographs, documents, etc.
Distance from Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple: 3.9 Km
Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:45 PM
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3. Koodal Azhagar Temple
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Located 1 km away from the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, this is another must-visit spot nearby that you can’t skip out on. This temple is also ancient and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu with great architecture dominating its beauty and its gopurams and intricate carvings are worth admiring. You can include these two temples as part of your religious explorations.
Distance from Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple: 1 Km
Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
How To Reach The Temple?
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Madurai is one of the major cities in Tamil Nadu and is also well-connected to other cities via air, rail, and roadways. The Madurai International Airport has both domestic and international flights and Madurai Junction Railway Station is connected to almost all major and minor railway stations with a few exceptions. You can easily get taxis, auto rickshaws, and buses to commute locally. Travelling in and around Madurai will not be a hassle.
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The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple has a perfect blend of history, mythology, and architectural brilliance. A visit to this temple is an unforgettable experience and takes you through the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. With a city with an ancient temple, your trip to Tamil Nadu, must have this temple as part of your plan.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
What is the story of Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple?
The Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple is a significant element depicting Lord Shiva's union and Meenakshi. It celebrates their marriage and their unity.
What is the speciality of Meenakshi Temple?
Besides the mythological significance, the Meenakshi temple stands out for its architecture. It has 1000 pillars, a sacred pool with a lotus, smaller shrines, a wedding hall, etc.
Which God is in Meenakshi Temple?
The temple is dedicated primarily to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Maa Parvati. It also houses her consort, Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva. It happens to be one of the oldest and most historically significant temples in the area.
Are there any festivals celebrated at the temple?
Yes, the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. Some prominent ones include Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, Aavani Moolattu Festival, and Navratri.
Can one take photographs inside the temple?
You can snap pictures inside the inner sanctum of the temple. However, you can take photos in the outer courtyard and other designated areas. Try to be respectful of the rules and regulations as specified by the authorities.
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