About Meenakshi Temple:

Meenakshi Amman Temple, a temple complex in Madurai, Tamil Nadu state, India, is said to originally date as far back as the 4th century CE but in its present form built in the 16th–17th centuries. According to Hindu legend, the god Shiva came to Madurai in the form of Sundareswaran to marry Meenakshi, the daughter of the Pandya ruler; Meenakshi was a manifestation of the goddess Parvati. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to their union.

The massive temple is enclosed by high walls entered through soaring gopuras, or gateway towers. Inside are colonnades, columned mandapas (halls, some of which were used for shops, storerooms, and stables), a sacred tank, lesser shrines, and, at the centre, the two main shrines to Sundareswaran and Meenakshi. The gopuras are some of the most elaborately decorated in India. Brightly painted, they are completely covered with figures of divinities, celestial beings, monster masks, guardians, and animal mounts. The tallest of the 14, the southern gopura, rises to more than 170 feet (52 m)

Within the temple complex is the magnificent Aiyaram Kal Mandapa (Thousand-Pillar Hall), which in fact contains 985 columns carved with divinities, female musicians, and attendant figures. The Pottamarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Pond), a large pool where devotees can bathe in holy water, is surrounded by a colonnade whose walls are decorated with murals depicting the miracles Shiva performed in Madurai. A doorway in the west wall leads to the Meenakshi shrine. This stands in its own enclosure, within which are several subsidiary shrines, together with the bed chamber, where the image of Sundareswaran is brought every night from its own shrine.

This is a living temple. Every week golden figures of Meenakshi and Sundareswaran are seated on a swing and hymns are sung; at the annual Teppa festival their images are mounted on floats and pulled back and forth over the Pottamarai Kulam; and the goddess’s wedding festival is celebrated each year for twelve days in the month of Chaitra (April/May).

How to reach Meenakshi Temple?

Meenakshi Amman Temple, temple complex in Madurai, Tamil Nadu state, India

By Air

The best way to get from New Delhi to Meenakshi Temple is to fly which takes 4h 34m and costs ₹7,000 – ₹20,000.

By Train

The Madurai Junction Railway Station is the closest railway station to the temple at a distance of 2 kilometre. It takes approximately 1day & 20hrs to reach to the Madhurai Junction Railway Station from Delhi railway junction Old Delhi, Delhi.

By Car

The driving distance between New Delhi to Meenakshi Temple is 2480 km. It takes approximately 34h 15m to drive from New Delhi to Meenakshi Temple.

By Bus/Taxi

Meenakshi Temple is 2480 km away from Delhi.So,It usually takes approximately 34h 15m to drive from New Delhi to Meenakshi Temple by bus/taxi.

 

Meenakshi Amman Temple Worship Time:

Opening timings of Madurai Meenakshi temple is from 5 AM to 12.30 PM. It again opens for darshan at 4pm to 9.30pm. When going for darshan at Meenakshi Temple, plan for at least two three hours for a relaxed exploration of the temple and darshan of the deity.

 More Attraction to visit near Meenakshi Amman Temple:

• • • Kallazhagar Temple
    • Koodal Azhagar Temple
    • Gandhi Memorial Museum
    • Samanar Hills
    • Thirumalai Nayak Mahal

Nearby Hotels: –

Grand Sabarees :-

Hotel Grand Sabareesh is located in Madurai, within 2.9 km of Aarapalayam Bus Terminus. putting you within a 15-minute walk of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Guests will have free perks such as WiFi, Free Parking, Laundry facilities, Air conditioning,24/7 front desk, Connecting rooms available.

Hotel Boopathi International Madurai: –

The locality of the Hotel is perfect, It is at walking distance from Main Temple and Madurai Station, There are many restaurants nearby. It provides facilities like Six Sharing A/C room & the most attractive part is the Temple view from the Hotel’s roof top.

Heritage Madurai

This 5-star Hotel is located 6.4 km from the main Meenakshi Amman Temple. It is spectacularly beautiful, constructed in stone, with beautiful details and objects d’art. It offers a 24-hour front desk and features an outdoor swimming pool and concierge service,It also offer spacious rooms and villas, some with private plunge pools. The ambience is serene and calm, making it a perfect place to unwind.

FAQ

 

Q) What is the perfect time to visit the Meenakshi Temple?

Ans) Timing is Key: Early Mornings and Late Evenings

Q) What are the rules for Meenakshi Amman Temple?

Ans) The recommendation is for both genders to dress traditionally Indian. It is mandatory for devotees to remove their shoes from the temple premises. An individual can store their shoes in specific areas. It’s a good idea to pack some socks because the temple grounds can get pretty warm, especially in the summer.

Q) Can we take mobile inside Meenakshi Temple?

Ans) Is mobile phones are allowed in to temple – Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. No mobile phones are allowed in temple grounds. A strict security check will be done prior to entering the temple for ladies and men