Undoubtedly one of the finest masterpiece of Indian architecture, is Meenakshi temple in
Madurai also considered as the most beautiful of all temples. The Meenakshi temple epitomizes the culture and civilization of south India; is also the largest temple complex in India, which greets about 10,000 visitors everyday. The Madurai city revolves around the temple, the core is much older than the city itself. The splendor captures the global eyeball for many centuries. The temple is perfectly fitted with the city as the Madurai itself personifies the cultural ethos of India. the temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and Meenakshi, an terrestrial incarnation of his wife Parvati.
The temple is huge, spread over an area of 6 hectares. The tall gateways known as gopuram is of height of 45 to 50 m welcomes devotees and visitors. The southern gateway is gigantic, which is nine storied high and images of god and goddess carved on the pillars. The gods and goddess are painted in unique bright colors, it perhaps show the ancient Dravidian culture to use bright and brilliant shades to decorated their homes and temples. This is evident in Meenakshi temple. The carved images of god and goddess and various mythological figures tells legendary tales .The most amazing part of the temple is the southern gateway, which holds whooping 1500 sculptures!
The Meenakshi temple festival is also very famous among tourists and devotees. The celebration is all about the marriage between Meenakshi and lord Sundareshwar (Shiva). Spectacular marriage is 12 days long event, celebrated every year in the month of April – May. The temple preaches a huge deity of dancing Shiva,popularly known as Nataraja. Another jewel of the temple is the thousand pillar mandapam. It is an incredible Dravidian craft with 985 beautiful column with beautifully carved images on it. The temple is unique as it has dual shrines for the god and goddess..
Mariamman Teppakulam Tank
This is a huge 1000 feet deep tank situated 5 km east of Meenakshi temple. Every year float festival is being taken place when deities are rided on a ornamented boat. This tank never dries up.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal Palace
It is situated 2 km southeast of the Meenakshi temple famed for its architecture and stucco work on its domes and arches. A museum that holds beautiful sculptures of different god and goddess is in the palace.
Gandhi Museum
The blood stained dhoti of Mahatma Gandhi when he was assasinated is preserved in this museum. Apart from there are different relics of Gandhi display here.
Koodal Alagar Temple This is the temple where lord Vishnu poses in a three different way. The temple has a special significant for Hindus.
Excursions From Meenakshi Temple
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary(Thekkadi)(155kms)
This is one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in India slopping down to a man made lake. From elephant, gaur, sambhar to tiger, every wild beast is visible here.
Kodaikkanal (120 kms.)
Famous hill station topped at 2130 m above sea level in the western ghats. You will see some magnificent waterfalls and picturesque lake in this heavenly hill station.
Viraganur Dam
An ideal picnic spot with a picturesque garden lies 8 km from Madurai.
Invaluable Suggestions
Meenakshi temple is an ancient sacred Hindu temple. So it is advisable to maintain the decorum. Dress properly and pay due respect to every god and goddess.
For woman traveler who travel alone shouldn’t advertise yourself in public.
You are not allowed to enter the temple premises while sporting shoes or sleepers.
Take care of your belongings while traveling.
Photography inside the Sanctum sanctorum is strictly no no.
Keep your money and travel documents with your hotel manager or tour agent.
By Air : Madurai is well connected with Mumbai and Chennai. Airport is 10 km away from the city.
By Train : Railway connection is from Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kollkam, Chennai, Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli and Tirupathi.
By Road : From all part of south India, you can easily reach Madurai. Roads are well connected. You will get buses, taxis to reach madurai and from madurai, rickshaws and taxis are readily available
