Poonjar Madhura Meenakshi Temple was built by the Pandya dynasty by the side of Meenachil River. The temple was dedicated to the tutelary deity of Pandya Kings, Goddess Meenakshi devi and Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva).

location Kerala, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

According to the legends, in 1157 CE, Kulothunga Chola, a famed Chola king defeated the Pandya king, Manavikrama Kulasekara Perumal, in a battle. Upon the failure, Manavikrama left Madurai with his family and some trusted servants and settled in Gudalloor region and administered from there. Later he shifted to Thekkumkoor and carried the idols of Madhura Meenakshi, the tutelary deity of Pandya kings and Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) which was used in the chariot festival in Madurai Meenakshi temple along with them. These idols were later installed in the Poonjar Meenakshi temple on the banks of Meenachil river.

Culture

Kerala, a land of cultural diversity, is a complete whole made up of a blending of various religions, communities, regional cultures and language variations. Kerala culture can be compared to a chain made of different coloured beads and the thread through which the beads are strung is the Malayalam language. The cultural variety of Kerala was created by its unique geographic features as it lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Rich in rain forests, its ancient trade relations with foreign lands, entry of immigrant communities during different periods, agricultural tradition, cuisine and its tradition of art – literature –science and all these make the land, Kerala.

Darsan Info

Morning 05:00 AM To 07:30 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Wear good looking clothes. During the festival days one need to wear traditional dress code while visiting the temple

Famous Festival

Navaratri festival

Temple Rituals

Performing daily pooja starts in the early of the morning from 05:00 A.M onwards, based on the schedule different types of pooja's and seva to be conducted inside the temple to Godesses Shakti.

Additional Info

 

Pradeep Hotal, Maria Hotel, Bhavan Hotel & Restaurant, Orchid Hotel Poonjar, Kolliyil Restaurant