Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

TamilNadu, Madurai, Chennai

Located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on the southern bank of the Vaigai river, Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Here, the main deity Parvati is known as Meenakshi and shiva as Sundareswarar. It is believed that the temple was built in the 6th century BC by the survivors of the Kumari Kandam. However, the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple was on the list of top 30 for the "New Seven Wonders of the World".

Legend

The Meenakshi temple is believed to have been found by Indra, while he was on a pilgrimage to atone for his misdeeds. Legend has it that the reigning deity Meenakshi was born out of holy fire as an answer to the prayers of King Malayadwaja and his wife Kanchanamalai. She married Lord Shiva and both ruled the city of Madurai as Lord Sundareshwar and Goddess Meenakshi.

Architecture

Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most exquisite example of the Dravidian architecture. The temple is one of the largest temple complexes in Tamil Nadu. The temple complex is divided into a number of concentric quadrangular enclosures contained by high masonry walls. The temple has five entrances and covers an area of 847 feet (254.1 meters) length and 792 feet (237.6 meters) width. The circumference of the Adi Veedhi, the pathway within the walls is 830 feet (249 meters) on the east-west and 730 feet (219 meters) from North-South direction. The temple has four Rajagopurams or majestic towers and five towers on top of the sanctum sanctorum. As with most examples of Dravidian Architecture, the temple does not only present vivid carvings but also the colourful wall-paintings.

Picture Courtesy: www.commons.wikimedia.org

Darsan Info

Temple is open for Darshan from 9 : 00 AM - 7 : 00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees should not enter the temple wearing shorts, Lungees, and caps. Leather articles are not allowed inside the temple.

Famous Festival

January      Float festival
February   Maasi Mandala
April   Chithirai Brahamostavam - Arumigu Thirukkalyanam.
May   Vasantham Festival
June   Unjal Festival
July   Aadi - Mulai Kottu Festival
August      Aavani Moolam Festival
September    Navarathri festival
October        Kanda Sashti
November    Deepam (lights) festival
December    Arudhra Dharshan
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Vasantham Festival
Aadi - Mulai Kottu Festival
Aavani Moolam Festival
Navarathri

Culture

As with Kamakshi Temple, the cosmic feminine energy is held in high regards here. There is strict adherence to religious scriptures. Like most shrines of South India, long held tradition like Rath Yatra and Annual Fairs are celebrated with a lot of fanfare and the deity is taken out to meet the devotees. Religious practices are still performed with rules rooted in ancient traditions.

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Temple Rituals

8 Kinds of main rituals are followed at the Meenakshi Amman Temple everyday. The order in which rituals are to be performed is important and devotees should seek advice on the same.