Renowned as ‘Mathura of South’,
Sri Meenakshi temple
is one amidst all the popular spots of South India. Drifters from all over the world love to visit this paradise dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. This perfect epitome of panoramas has been established on Vaigai River’s southern bank in Madurai. Since its inception 3500 years ago; Meenakshi Amman temple has been considered as central attraction point and located at the heart of the city.
Entry Timings:
Meenakshi Amman temple timings are:
Morning: 5AM – 12:30PM
Evening: 4:00PM – 10:00PM
These Meenakshi Amman temple timings are uniform for the whole week.
History
Meenakshi temple history is quite famous and it’s commonly said that <Meenakshi temple built up by King of Pandyan dynasty, Kulasekara Pandyan. It is believed that he dreamt that Lord Shiva is directing him to build this temple. However, today’s Meenakshi temple is not as it was made by King Kulasekara.
The 14th century was not as pleasurable as other centuries were. Malik Kafur, Delhi Sultanate commander looted this temple along with many other south Indian temples and turned those all into ruins. Then after defeating the Muslim Sultanate, Vijayanagar Empire rebuilt it. in the early 17th century, King Vishwanatha Nayakar expanded the temple. Even after that, it has been built, destroyed for a number of times. And finally in 1959, again efforts were done to reshape it and engineers & historians got success in 1995. This is what you can actually witness today.
Majestic Keynotes and Architecture
There are abundant attractions, you can witness at Meenakshi Amman temple, have a look:
- The central attraction is a massive hall encasing 1000 pillars within it. Each pillar has been majestically engraved with statues of Hindi deities and Yaali (an elephant and mythical lion hybrid). In reality, the pillars count is 985. Here the eye-catchers, wheel of time and astonishing colorful painting on ceilings, the standout this temple from all other ones.
- Art Museum and Musical pillars are worthy to watch, but for that, you need to get a ticket by paying a meager amount. Meenakshi temple architecture on pillars, museum standouts it from other temples.
- The temple’s massive construction wraps 12 towers, 4500 pillars and has been constructed on 15 acres of area.
- The classic Meenakshi temple architecture isolates it from other cultural attractions of the south. There are 2 gold gopurams, 5 five floored gopurams, 4 Raja gopurams, 1 Chithirai gopuram, 2 three floored gopurams, and each of it drapes endless beauty.
- The best part is its maintenance. Even it has rolled up so many attractions within it; still, there is no compromise on account of maintenance. These have been so elegantly upheld that there is no chance of filth or dirt anywhere. In 2017, this place was also honored by the Central Government as ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’.
Festival Celebration
Although visiting at this holy place is nonetheless than a festival, yet the famous festival of this temple is titled as Thirukalyanam or Chithirai Festival. Meenakshi Amman temple history is associated with this fest. This religious fiesta reenacts Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva’s wedding. This wedding became a bridge in caste gap as Lord Shiva’s devotees were of lower caste and Lord Vishnu’s (brother of Meenakshi) followers were of higher caste, so the marriage solemnized all people belonging different castes. This fiesta gives a glimpse of Tamilian history, cuisine, and culture. It is celebrated in April; however, if you can’t catch its glimpse by visiting in summer, then other best time is Navratri, which also certainly bestows a unique experience to you.
Key points to remember before visiting Sri Meenakshi temple
- There is no entrance fee and visiting timings are 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and then from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Go through all the important rules, dos and don’ts before entering the temple. For instance, you are supposed to wear clothes covering shoulders, legs completely. Plus, no camera is allowed. So, keep your luggage, bag, camera etc. in your vehicle or let it submit at shoe corner outside the temple.
- Check the weather and accordingly plan the visit.
- You have to stay in the queue for having glimpses of deity. However, if you want to skip it, then you can do so by paying for tickets leading to special Darshan.
Meenakshi Amman temple
gives you a chance for catharsis, serenity, and freshness. So, make your plan and visit here shortly.
