There are many tourist attractions in South India that everyone should visit. Among them, the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is an important one. The meenakshi sundareshwar temple is one of the reasons why Madurai is called a temple city. You should visit this Hindu temple at least once and experience this epitome of classic architecture. Continue reading to learn essential information about this temple.
Meenakshi Amman Temple Timings:
The Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is open from 5:00 AM until 12:30 PM. The temple is reopened at 4 PM and is closed at 9.30 PM for darshan.
Plan on spending at least two to three hours at Meenakshi shrine to explore the shrine and the deity’s darshan. If you want to receive darshan during a festival, be ready to allocate 4 to 5 hours.
History of Meenakshi Amman Temple:
The meenakshi amman temple is said to have originated in the 4th century CE, but the current temple is said to have been built in the 16th or 17th centuries. According to legends, the Hindu god Shiva came to Madurai to marry Meenakshi, the daughter of the Pandya ruler, in the form of Sundareswarar. Menakshi was believed to be the manifestation of the goddess Parvati. This temple is said to be dedicated to their marriage, and their wedding ceremony is celebrated as ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha.’
Where is Meenakshi Temple ?
The Meenakshi Amman temple is located in the heart of the historic city of Madurai. It is located about a kilometer south of the river Vaigai. Situated 460 kilometers southwest of temple in chennai, this madurai temple is well connected with a road (four-lane National Highway 38), a major railway junction, and an airport.
Who built the Meenakshi Amman Temple?
The Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, originally established by Pandyan Emperor Sadayavarman Kulasekaran I (1190-1205 CE), features an intricately designed three-storeyed Gopuram at the entrance, along with the central portion of the Goddess Meenakshi Shrine, dating back to that era.
Notable shrines within the complex include those dedicated to Natarajar, Surya, Ayyanar, Vinayagar, Kariamalperumal, and Kali.
Much of the present structure dates back to rebuilding initiatives in the 14th and 17th centuries, led by Tirumala Nayakar and Nayak ruler Vishwanatha Nayakar.
How to reach Meenakshi Amman temple
Traveling to the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple is convenient from various points. Arriving from Chennai by air, it’s approximately a 3-hour flight followed by a 90-minute taxi ride from Madurai sirport.
If you prefer the scenic route, trains connect well to Madurai, and from Madurai junction railway station, a 10-minute auto rickshaw or taxi ride takes you to this madurai temple.
For road travelers, alighting at Mattuthavani bus stand allows a quick 20-minute journey to the Minakshi-Sundareshwara temple.
Final thoughts: Whether you are a traveler looking for a change or someone who loves to witness the cultural heritage of Indian temples, the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple will impress you. If possible, visit this architectural marvel during the festive season for a better experience. Temples in Tamilnadu are grouped into Structural Temples of the Pandiyas, Cave temples of the Pallavas, Great living temples of the Cholas and Sangam Age temples.
