Meenakshi Amman Temple is a ancient Hindu
temple situated on the southern bank of the Vaigai River of Madurai, Tamil
Nadu, India. It is devoted to Parvati known as Meenakshi and her consort Shiva
here named Sundareswarar. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the
2,500-year-old city of Madurai and is a important icon for the Tamil people,
described since antiquity in Tamil literary works. Although the present design
and style was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. It is mentioned that the temple
was basically developed in the 6th century BC by survivors of the Kumari
Kandam. In 14th century, the Mughal Muslim Leader Malik Kafur plundered the
temple and looted it of its valuable items. It was reconstructed by the Nayak
leader Vishwanatha Nayakar around the 16th century. It was Vishwanatha Nayak
who reconstructed the temple in obedience to shilpa shastra. It houses 14
gopurams, varying from 45–50m in height. The highest is the southern tower
which is 51.9 meters high and two golden molded vimanas, the shrines over the
garbhagrihas of the main deities. The temple draws 15,000 visitors a day and
around 25,000 on Fridays and it obtains an annual revenue of ₹ 60 million.
Gopurams
The temple is bounded by gopurams. There
are 14 gopuram the tallest of which the famous southern tower which rises to
over 170 feet and it was constructed in 1559. The oldest gopuram is the eastern
one which was built by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan during 1216-1238. Every
gopuram is a multi - storeyed structure which was coated with thousands of
stone figures of animals, gods and demons painted in bright shades. The outer
gopuram presents significantly pyramidal tower encrusted with plaster figures,
while the inner gopuram serves as the entrance to the inner enclosure of
Sundareswarar shrine.
Do’s and Dont’s in temple
1. Devotees should not enter the temple
without taking bath.
2. Devotees should not enter the temple
wearing shorts, Lunges, and caps.
3. Chewing betal leaves, tobacco, Gutka is
prohibited inside the temple.
4. Devotees are not allowed to enter the
temple with foot wears or socks
5. Devotees with uncomfortable injuries are
not allowed inside the temple.
6. Female devotees should not enter the
temple for the first 5 days of their menstruation period.
7. Devotees should maintain discipline and
follow the rules of Vaidhika Dharma.
8. Cleaning of the temple should be
maintained.
9. Smoking and Spitting inside temple is
strictly prohibited.
10. Devotees can get more or specific
information from the Executive Officer of the temple.
11. Umbrella, Sticks, Materials made of
animal skin should not be brought inside the temple.
Daily Pooja Schedules:
1. Thiruvanandal pooja: Morning: 05:00 AM –
06:00 AM
2. Vizha pooja: Morning: 06:30 AM – 07:15
AM
3. Kalasandhi pooja: Morning: 06:30 AM – 07:15
AM
4. Thrikalasandhi pooja: Morning: 10:30 AM
– 11:15 AM
5. Uchikkala Pooja (Noon Pooja): Morning:
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
6. Maalai pooja: Evening: 04:30 PM – 05:15
PM
7. Ardhajama Pooja (Night Pooja): Night:
07:30 PM – 08:15 PM
8. Palliarai pooja: Night: 09:30 PM – 10:00
PM
Meenakshi Amman Temple Timings
09:00 am - 07:00 pm
Meenakshi Amman Temple Location
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai,
Pin Code 625001
Phone Number: 0452-2344360
E Mail: info@maduraimeenakshi.org
Website: www.maduraimeenakshi.org
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