Meenakshi Amman Temple

Legend

Tradition holds that Meenakshi was born from the sacrificial fire of the Pandya king Malayadhwaja and queen Kanchanamalai as a three-breasted girl, with the prophecy that the third breast would vanish when she met her husband. She grew into a warrior queen, met Shiva on Mount Kailash, and the third breast disappeared. Shiva came to Madurai as Sundareswarar and their celestial wedding was celebrated with all the gods present.

Why this temple matters

Madurai's Meenakshi temple is the heart of the city, which is laid out in concentric streets around it. The present structure is largely from the 16th and 17th centuries under the Nayak rulers, with fourteen gopurams; the southern tower rises about 52 metres. The Thousand Pillar Hall and the Golden Lotus tank are famous features. It is one of the rare great temples where the Goddess is the principal deity and is worshipped first.

What devotees pray for here

Festivals

• Chithirai Thiruvizha (April–May): the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, followed by Lord Kallazhagar's entry into the Vaigai river
• Navaratri (September–October): golu displays and nine nights of worship of the Goddess
• Aavani Moolam (August–September): the coronation festival of Meenakshi
• Float Festival, Theppam (January–February): deities taken on a decorated float in the Mariamman Teppakulam tank

Poojas & rituals

• Archana in the names of the couple or the family
• Kalyana Utsavam, the ritual wedding of the deities, which devotees can sponsor
• Abhishekam to Meenakshi on Fridays
• Evening Palliyarai pooja, when Sundareswarar is carried in procession to Meenakshi's chamber
• Offering of kumkum, bangles and turmeric at the Goddess's sannidhi

How to reach

Madurai Airport is about 12 km away with flights from Chennai, Bengaluru and Singapore. Madurai Junction railway station is 2 km from the temple. The temple is in the old city centre; buses and autos run from every part of Madurai.

Timings

Open from about 5 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 4 PM to about 9:30 to 10 PM. The sanctums close in the afternoon.

Rules & dress code

Traditional dress is expected; shorts and sleeveless tops are not allowed. Mobile phones and cameras are not permitted inside; lockers are available. Non-Hindus may visit the outer corridors but not the inner sanctums.

Frequently asked questions

Photo gallery