The exact time of temple's origin is not confirmed but the structures that are standing today date mostly from the 12th to the 18th century. The present temple standing today was built in the 17th century A.D. by the Nayak rulers. The temple is superb example of sculpture and magnificent architecture.
The Meenakshi temple has majestic stonewalls and towers rising out of the swarming streets of the city center. The image of Goddess Meenakshi is said to be carved out of a single emerald. This exotic temple was renovated by various kings, adding coiled corridors and larger-than-life sculptures. According to the legend of this temple the marriage of the
goddess Meenakshi to Shiva actually took place in Madurai and is still
celebrated every summer with great enthusiasm and gaiety.- Marvellous view of temple at dusk. Golden sky behind the majestic temple towers. It is idyllic!
- Incredible level of artistic sophistication- 'the Temple hosts stupendous 33 million carvings.'
- "Hall of a Thousand Pillars", is as great a work of structural engineering as it is of art.
- One of the most sacred sites for Hindus.
- Fifty metres high gopurams abundantly adorned from base to roof with flamboyant designs.
- The Temple, as large as a dozen football fields, houses a myriad of fascinating small temples and corridors.
Lord Sundareshvara (Shiva), the Hindu deity of cosmic dance, and his consort Meenakshi are the reigning deities of this magnificent temple. The temple is unique for it dedicates dual shrines for the God and the Goddess. Within its huge embrace, the temple hosts several attractions. They are as follows.
How to Reach
Madurai has daily flights from Madras (Chennai) and four times a week from Bangalore. It is an important railway junction on the Southern Railway network. It is connected, through Madras (Chennai), to major centers in India. It is also connected to the major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu by bus.
