Summary
About Meenakshi Temple
The most impressive and important of south India’s temples, Meenakshi temple in Madurai dates back as far as 2,500 years! It is said that the city was built around the Shiva lingam housed within its sanctum. The temple complex spans 14 acres and features a staggering 4,500 pillars and 14 towers, making it a monumental site.
The temple’s four main towers and entrances face each of the four directions (north, east, south, and west). The southern tower is the tallest, ascending nearly 170 feet (52 meters)! Inside the complex, two main shrines can be discovered — one dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (also known as Goddess Parvati) and the other to her husband, Lord Shiva. The green shrine of Meenakshi holds an emerald brought from Sri Lanka in the 10th century. Additionally, the temple boasts a hall with 1,000 pillars, an art museum, a holy golden lotus tank, musical pillars, and vibrant stalls selling various items that encompass the local culture.
The lower structure of the temple comprises granite, while the towering gopurams are crafted from limestone, adorned with a stunning variety of painted figures representing gods, goddesses, animals, and demons. Most notable is the southern tower, completed in 1559, while the eastern tower is the oldest, built between 1216 and 1238. Much of the temple’s work was executed during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak, from 1623 to 1655.
The immense size of the temple allows visitors to easily lose themselves in its marvels, filled with a bustling atmosphere comprised of couples and families. Although non-Hindus can explore much of the temple, access to the inner shrines remains restricted.
Important Festivals at the Temple
Every April, a renowned festival known as the Chithirai Festival unfolds in the surrounding streets, reenacting the wedding of Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar) to Goddess Meenakshi. Notably, in Madurai, Meenakshi is perceived as the sister of Lord Vishnu. Historically, followers of Lord Vishnu belong to higher castes, while Lord Shiva is adored by those of lesser castes. This unique marriage symbolizes the unity of all castes, thereby bridging societal divides.
A Clean Temple
In October 2017, the Indian government recognized Meenakshi Temple as the best “Swachh Iconic Place” (Clean Iconic Place) in India under its “Swachh Iconic Places” initiative aimed at cleaning heritage sites. A project was undertaken to cleanse the temple’s perimeter, scheduled for completion by March 2018. This project aimed to eliminate plastic waste from the vicinity, with strategically placed bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Also installed are 25 eco-friendly public toilets and several water dispensing units for visitors.
How to Visit Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi Temple opens daily from dawn until 10 p.m. Yet, it closes during the afternoon from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. This closure follows Hindu scriptures that dictate an abode of Lord Shiva must remain shut during midday hours.
For a fulfilling experience, it is advisable to visit both in the morning and in the evening for the nightly ceremony. Visitors are welcomed to enter through the main entrance on the east side. It is important to adhere to a conservative dress code that covers legs and shoulders.
Temple Security and What You Can’t Take Inside
Security measures were heightened at the temple in 2013, following bomb blasts in Hyderabad. Currently, cameras are strictly prohibited within the temple premises. Previously allowed cell phones with cameras, as well as plastic items, are no longer permitted. Unfortunately, this regulation means taking photographs inside the temple complex is no longer an option.
Visitors can securely store their belongings, including cameras, at a designated stall where shoes are monitored at the east entrance. Bags will be screened via an X-ray machine, followed by a mandatory search by guards.
Highlights Inside the Temple
One of the temple’s central attractions is its remarkable Hall of 1,000 Pillars. Although the hall actually houses 985 pillars, each pillar showcases intricately carved statues representing yaali (a mythical lion and elephant hybrid) or various deities. Constructed in 1569 by Ariyanatha Mudaliyar, a general under Madurai’s Nayak dynasty, the hall captivates visitors with its vibrantly painted ceiling, which depicts a striking wheel of time. Not to be missed are the musical pillars and the art museum; entry tickets are priced at 50 rupees for foreigners and 5 rupees for Indian visitors.
Darshan (Viewing) of the Goddess
Access to the inner sanctums, where the idol of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar reside, is limited to Hindus. For those wishing to bypass potential long waits in complimentary queues, “special darshan” tickets can be purchased within the temple for a small fee — 50 rupees for Goddess Meenakshi alone and 100 rupees for both deities.
Puja (Worship) Schedule
Approximately 50 priests facilitate puja ceremonies six times daily according to the following schedule:
- 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. — Thiruvanandal pooja
- 6.30 a.m. to 7.15 a.m. — Vizha pooja and Kalasandhi pooja
- 10.30 a.m. to 11.15 a.m. — Thrukalasandhi pooja and Uchikkala pooja
- 4.30 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. — Maalai pooja
- 7.30 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. — Ardhajama pooja
- 9.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Palliarai pooja
Temple Tours
For those interested in a guided tour of the temple, services offered by Madurai Inhabitants are highly knowledgeable and recommended. Additionally, various guides are available at the temple entrance. Those preferring a self-guided experience may opt for downloadable audio guides provided by Pinakin.
Meenakshi Temple Night Ceremony
One of the most captivating events at Meenakshi Temple, accessible to non-Hindus, is the nightly ceremony. Every night, temple priests carry an image of Lord Shiva (manifested as Sundareswarar) in a chariot from his shrine to his wife Meenakshi’s shrine for the night. The rituals include bringing out his golden feet from her shrine, with the chariot fanned to keep it cool. This vibrant puja is accompanied by chanting, drum beats, horns, and aromatic smoke.
The night ceremony begins daily at 9:00 p.m., except Fridays, when it commences between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Tours of the event are available through Madurai Inhabitants.
