Madurai Meenakshi Temple/Madurai

Madurai Meenakshi is one of prominent temple in South India. Its historical evidence shows its significance. It was situated on the bank of river Vaigai. Its architecture design is one of this kind. This Huge temple complex, not only known for its construction but also for its statues which shows wide range of human 

emotions.

HOW TO REACH:

All three ways are connected to this place. Madurai airport is just 10kms from temple. This place was also connected with Rail route. Trains from all major cities stops here. Excellent roadways connect this place to the rest of the country. Five major bus stands are there in Madurai, which shows its roadway facilities.

HISTORY:

Meenakshi is an avatar of Parvati. As per history when Devendra killed a demon, he committed a sin. In repentance of his mistake, he started a journey to visit scared places. During his travel, he came through a forest in pandya land where he felt that he was relieved from his burden of sins. This was due to a Swayambhu Lingam situated in that place. Therefore, he constructed a temple for that lingam and offered prayers. Later in kali yugam, a merchant from pandya kingdom stayed in this shrine constructed by Indra during his journey through the forest. When he woke up in morning, he saw some signs of worship, as normal human beings he believed that they are done by holy souls do not do them. Therefore, he informed Pandya and Kulasekhara about this miracle, later lord shiva showed himself to Pandya in his dreams and told to construct a temple where the merchant spotted. Thus, this temple was originated.

Meenakshi Sunareshwar Temple was a part of Gigantic temple complex of Madurai. This temple’s gopuram was constructed grandly and stands in the centre of city. This Madurai temple complex was spread over 6 hectares. This whole temple was dedicated to Lord, Shiva, and Meenakshi (incarination of Goddess Parvathi). A childless king was blessed with a child who was none other than meenakshi maata.

This temple has five entrances. The carvings on the pillars are wonderful. On southern gopuram, there are about 1500 sculptures .This temple has a museum at thousand-pillared hall in which all the pillars are skillfully carved.

POOJAS & RITUALS:

Thiruvanavdal pooja	05: 00 AM to 06:00AM
Vizha pooja	6:30AM   to   7:15 AM
Kalasandhi pooja	6:30AM   to  7:15AM
Trikalashandi pooja	10:30AM to 11:15 AM
Uchikkala pooja	10:30AM to 11:15 AM
Maalai pooja	4:30PM to 5:15 PM
Ardhajama pooja	7:30 PM to 8:15 PM
Palliarai pooja	9:30PM  to  10:00PM

Besides this poojas, many festivals were celebrated here like Vasamtham festival, Unjal festival, Adi mulai kottu festival, NAvaratri festival, Kolattam festival, Masi Mandal utsavam for 48 days and many more.

ACCOMODATION:

The temple does not provide any accomadation facilities. Nevertheless, many private hotels are there around Madurai, which provides us a cozy stay.

Temple Timings: - 5:00 Am To 12:30 PM AND 4:00PM TO 10:00PM

Official Website: - http://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/