Devi
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Madurai, Tamil Nadu · Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati), Sundareswarar (Shiva)
About Meenakshi Amman Temple
Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most iconic temples in India — a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with 14 towering gopurams covered in thousands of colourful sculptures. The wedding of Meenakshi and Shiva (Thirukalyanam) is celebrated every year attracting millions.
Darshan Information
🙏 Main Deity
Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati), Sundareswarar (Shiva)
🙏 Secondary Deity
Sundareswarar (Shiva)
🏛️ Spiritual Category
Devi
🕐 Darshan Timings
5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
⏱ Typical Duration
2 – 3 hours
🪔 Special Puja
Meenakshi Thirukalyanam (Chithirai); Float Festival
🔔 Important Rituals
Unjal ceremony (swing festival), Alangaram, evening procession of Sundareswarar
👔 Dress Code
Traditional Indian attire; dhoti for inner sanctum
📅 Best Visit Time
October – March; Chithirai festival (April/May)
🎫 Entry Fee
Free; inner sanctum ₹50; camera ₹50
Getting There
Nearest Railway Station
Madurai Station (2 km)
Nearest Airport
Madurai Airport (12 km)
Distance from City
In Madurai city centre
Parking
Yes, paid parking nearby
Food & Stay
Ideal Base City
Madurai
Food Options
Excellent restaurants and street food all around
Visitor Tips
Hall of Thousand Pillars and musical pillars are unmissable. Golden Lotus tank is beautiful. Night darshan (after 9 PM) is less crowded.
🎉 Festivals & Events
Chithirai Brahmotsavam (April) draws over a million visitors.
👴 Senior Citizen Notes
Large but well-organised. Wheelchair available. Morning visits much less crowded.
⚠️ Important Notes
Cameras allowed in outer areas but not main sanctums. Valuables lockers at entrance.
Nearby & Related Temples
Suryanar Koil
Suryanar Kovil, Tamil Nadu
Surya (Sun)
⏱ 30–45 minutes
Thingalur Chandran Temple
Thingalur, Tamil Nadu
Chandra (Moon)
⏱ 30 minutes
Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil, Tamil Nadu
Vaitheeswaran (Shiva as Healer), Muthumariamman
⏱ 45 min – 1 hour
Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple
Thiruvenkadu, Tamil Nadu
Swetharanyeswarar (Shiva), Brahma (Mercury)
⏱ 30–45 minutes
Quick Info
Darshan Timings
5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Typical Duration
2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee
Free; inner sanctum ₹50; camera ₹50
State
Tamil Nadu
Location
Madurai
Ideal Base City
Madurai
Senior Friendly
Yes
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