Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple

Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is a ancient historic Hindu temple on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, and Sundareswarar (Shiva).

History

The temple isin the center of 2,500-year-old city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people. Though most of the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. It is said that the temple was originally built in the 6th century BC by survivors of the Kumari Kandam. In the 14th century, the Sultanate Muslim Commander Malik Kafur plundered the temple and looted it of its valuables. It was rebuilt by the Nayak ruler Vishwanatha Nayakar around the 16th century. It houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45–50m in height. The tallest is the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high, and two golden sculptured vimanas, the shrines over the garbhagrihas (sanctums) of the main deities.

Meenakshi temple as a tourist place

The temple attracts 15,000 visitors a day, around 25,000 on Fridays, and receives an annual revenue of 60 million. There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple. It was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". The temple is the most prominent landmark and most visited tourist attraction in the city. The annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, celebrated during April and May, attracts 1 million visitors.

Reference

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Sathguna | [சத்குணா]
You can take your mobile phone or camera phone inside the temple. There is a charges of Rs.50 for DSLR or optical camera. At the end don't forget to sit and relax on the pond stairs. Photos attached!
Aseem Seth
1 February 2013
For Hindus only - Get a 100 rupees special Darshan ticket and pray to Mother to send you a nice pandit to take you inside ... Give 500 rupees dakshina. Sit inside for sometime to soak in the vibration
Vikram
27 October 2018
You cannot carry cell phones inside temple.There are locker outside you can deposit your phones.Great temple architecture,take guided tour to know more about the history. Be mindful of temple timings.
Ted Patrick Boglosa
5 March 2015
Take pictures of the four tall gates. Walk around from the outer areas going towards the inner portions. Check the pillar and wall carvings.
Keerthy
8 December 2015
A must visit place for tourists to admire the beauty of this world famous temple.half day is more than sufficient to cover the whole place.
Monica Desai
30 December 2018
Beautiful detailing although the emphasis is more internal than external. Leave your phones home.
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Map
0.2km from South Chitrai Street, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001, India Get directions
Sat 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
Sun 8:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mon 7:00 AM–8:00 AM
Tue Noon–1:00 PM
Wed 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thu 9:00 AM–10:00 AM

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