Meenakshi Temple Madurai, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

Madurai Meenakshi Temple – Guide

Meenakshi Temple is situated on the southern bank of Vaigai River in Madurai city of Tamil Nadu, which was constructed between the year 1623 and 1655 and its amazing architecture is famous globally. Meenakshi Temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is known as Meenakshi and her husband Sundareshwar which is lord Shiva. History says that Lord Shiva, born as Sundareshwar, visited Madurai to marry Parvathi.

History of this Temple

The history of Madurai Meenakshi Temple finds mention in times as old as the 7^th century. The first changes to the structure of the Meenakshi temple are said to have been made by Vishvanatha Nayaka, the king of Madurai in 1560. During the reign of Tirumalai Nayaka (1623–55) several complexes were built in the temple, including the Vasantha Mandapam and the Kilikokondu Mandapam.

Several disputes arose around the 14^th century regarding the succession to the Pandya throne. Alauddin of Delhi invaded Madurai in 1310 and exploited the chaos. His general, Malik Kafur, was behind the widespread looting of the city that disrupted the lives of the common people. Of the fourteen minarets of the Meenakshi temple, all were destroyed except for Sundareswarar and Meenakshi.

Festival celebrated in Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Every year in April, the festival of “Meenakshi Thirukalyanam” or the divine marriage of Meenakshi is celebrated with great pomp and show. The celebration here is a classic example of a female dominated ceremony, also known as the Madurai marriage. This festival lasts for a month which includes many events like chariot festival and float festival. The festivals of Navratri and Shivratri are also celebrated here.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Timings

Madurai Meenakshi Temple opens at 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and from 4:00 AM to 9:30 PM in the evening. Morning aarti is performed at 5:00 AM in the morning and evening aarti is performed at 9:00 PM in the evening.

Places to visit near this Temple

Art Museum of Meenakshi Temple

A large museum has been built in the premises of the Meenakshi temple. This museum presents an excellent example of Dravidian sculpture.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Thirumalai Nayak Palace was built in 1636 by Thirumalai Nayak, the king of the city of Madurai. This place is located at a distance of about few kms away from Meenakshi Temple.

Koodal Alzhagar Temple

Koodal Alzhagar Temple is as ancient and famous as the Meenakshi Temple of South India. This temple is at a distance of about few kms away from Meenakshi Temple.

Gandhi Museum

Gandhi museum is 4 kms away from Meenakshi Temple. The Gandhi Museum, located at a distance, was inaugurated in 1959.

Alagar Kovil Temple

The Alagar Kovil temple of the dragon god, situated at the foothills of the Alagar Hills at a distance of 21 km from Madurai, is one of the major sites of Madurai.

Also Read: Lingaraj Temple Bhubaneswar, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach

How to reach Madurai Meenakshi Temple

By Air- The nearest airport from Meenakshi Temple is Madurai airport which is at a distance of 10 km away from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Train- The nearest railway station from Madurai Meenakshi Temple is Madurai junction railway station which is at a distance of about few kms away from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.

By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.

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