Information for Visiting Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The most impressive and important of south India's temples, Meenakshi temple in Madurai dates back as far as 3,500 years! Apparently, the city was built around the Shiva lingam that's inside its sanctum. The temple complex covers 15 acres, and has 4,500 pillars and 12 towers -- it's massive!
The temple's four main towers and entrances each face one of the four directions (north, east, south, and west).
The tallest one, the southern tower, stretches nearly 170 feet (52 meters) high! Inside, there are two main shrines -- one dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (also known as Goddess Parvati) and the other to her husband Lord Shiva. Meenakshi's shrine, which is green, houses a piece of emerald that was brought back from Sri Lanka in the 10th century. The temple also contains a 1,000 pillared hall, temple art museum, holy golden lotus tank, musical pillars, stalls, and many smaller shrines.
The bottom part of the temple is made from granite, while its towers (gopuram) are made from limestone. On them is an astonishing array of sculptured and brightly painted gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. The famous southern tower was constructed in 1559. The oldest tower, which is the eastern one, was built by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan from 1216-1238. However, much of the work (particularly the halls and pillars) was carried out during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak from 1623-55.
The sheer size of the temple means that it's easy to get lost inside, and there's so much to see and marvel over that you could easily spend days there.
It's a "living" temple, full of industry and a constant stream of couples waiting to be married in its corridors. Although non-Hindus can wander around inside the temple, they can't enter the shrines.
Meenakshi Temple Festivals
Every April a famous Chithirai Festival takes place in the streets surrounding the temple. This festival reenacts the wedding of Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) to Goddess Meenakshi.
In Madurai, Meenakshi is regarded as Lord Vishnu's sister. Traditionally, Lord Vishnu has high caste followers, while Lord Shiva is worshiped by those of lower castes. What's interesting to note is that her marriage to Lord Shiva unites people of all castes, hence bridging the caste gap.
Read on to find out how to best visit Meenakshi Temple and the Night Ceremony.
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How to Visit Meenakshi Temple
It's best to visit the temple once in the morning and once in the evening (for the night ceremony). The temple's main entrance is on the east side, and non-Hindus can enter from there.
The temple is closed daily from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m., as Hindu scriptures specify that an abode of Lord Shiva must not remain open in the afternoon. Conservative dress, which does not reveal legs or shoulders, is a must.
Do be aware that security was increased at the temple in 2013, following bomb blasts in Hyderabad. Cameras are no longer allowed inside the temple, although phones and phone cameras are permitted. You can securely store your camera inside a locker at the stall that minds shoes at the east entrance to the temple.
If you wish to take a guided tour of the temple, which is recommended, Madurai Inhabitantsare very knowledgeable.
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Meenakshi Temple Night Ceremony Information
One of the highlights at Meenakshi Temple, which non-Hindus can see and you really shouldn't miss, is the night ceremony. Every night, an image of Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) is carried out from his shrine by temple priests, in procession in a chariot, to his wife Meenakshi's shrine where he'll spend the night. His gold feet are brought out from her shrine, while his chariot is fanned to keep it cool, and a puja (worship) is performed, amidst much chanting, drums, horns, and smoke.
The night ceremony starts at 9.00 p.m. daily except Friday. On Fridays, it gets underway between 9.30-10.00 p.m. Madurai Inhabitantsoffer tours.
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