Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple, or Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is a famous religious destination and one of the largest temples in Tami…
Meenakshi Amman Temple or Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a historic and popular temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The oldest temple in Madurai, Meenakshi temple, spreads its spiritual ambiance over devotees’ thoughts. If you’re in Madurai, you shouldn’t miss this holy destination. As it is India’s biggest and most famous temple complex, every year, this temple draws millions of tourists. The Hindu temple is dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. The temple has a perfect amalgamation of the Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles of architecture. The temple has four main entrances and also has two shrines.
History
Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple was built by Pandayan Emperor Sadayavarman Kulasekaran I. At the entrance of the temple, he constructed three-story Gopuras (huge pyramidal towers). However, Thirumalai Nayakkar rebuilt and modified the majority of the Temple’s existing construction after it was destroyed in the 14th century AC. The Meenakshi temple and the city layout were redesigned by the Nayaka kings as per the Hindu books on an architecture known as the Shilpa Shastras. Thirumalai Nayak, the leader of the Hindu Nayaka dynasty, renovated the temple in the 17th century.
Architecture
A beautiful piece of architecture known as the Hall of Thousand Pillars, or Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, is said to have been carved out of a single rock. The museum (located within the temple complex) of this shrine has several historic artworks. There are 12 tall gopurams in the temple, four of which are located facing each of the four directions. It is one of the most spectacular temple constructions in South India. Goddess Meenakshi is honoured at the main temple. The goddess’ idol is believed to have been carved from a single emerald stone.
Main Festivals of Meenakshi Amman Temple
Navaratri, Chithirai Thiruvizha, Cradle Festival, Meenakshi Thirukalyanam Festival and Avani Moolam are popular festivals celebrated with lots of joy and enthusiasm. All of these festivals attract a lot of devotees to this temple.
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Places To Explore Near Meenakshi Amman Temple
Popular tourist attractions that you must explore near this temple are Vaigai Dam, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, ISKCON Madurai and Samanar Hills.
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How To Reach Meenakshi Amman Temple
The Madurai Airport is 11 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is Madurai junction. If you’re planning to come by road then Madurai District is connected with the National Highways NH 45B, NH 208, NH 7 and NH 49 passing through Madurai.
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