Meenakshi Temple

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Meenakshi Temple, Madurai Edit

Detail InformationEdit

The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city – one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak (1623-55 AD). Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sundareswarar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. There are four massive gateways enclosing these two shrines. Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure know as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like. View from any angle these pillars appear to be in a straight line, an architectural masterpiece indeed In the outermost corridors are situated the matchless musical pillars carved out of stones. When it is tapped, each pillar produces different musical note. The temple structure with its concentric squares and high walled enclosures is a lesson for students of architecture.

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

HistoryEdit

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is square shaped and a series of concentric streets with names from Tamil months surround the structure. The entire temple occupies around 45 acres, with each side having an entrance of its own. Madurai Meenakshi temple’s history is as old as the history of the city itself.The history of Madurai dates back thousands of years- almost to 6th century B.C. It was a key commercial center for the Pandya dynasty that ruled the place. The temple is said to have been constructed somewhere around this time by Kulashekara Pandyan.There’s a lot of myth around the temple. It is important to know more about these stories before appreciating the temple’s modern history.

Must SeeEdit

Must See

Visiting TimeEdit

05:00 hrs and 12:30 hrs and again between 16:00 hrs and 21:30 hrs.

Closed OnEdit

N.A

Best Season to VisitEdit

Oct – Mar

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

2 to 3 hours

Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A

Kids Rs. : N.A

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A

Kids Rs. : N.A

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A

Video Camera Rs. : N.A

Guide Required : N.A Edit

Approximate cost: N.A

Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

Madurai Residency ; 15, West Marret Street, Near Periyar Bus stand, Madurai ; Ph/M – 0452 438 0000 ‎ ; Food Serve – Indian.

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Public transportation in Madhrai consists of local taxis. And one can also a car or a taxi.

Bus : Many private operators are providing deluxe AC and non-AC luxury coach buses from Madurai to many cities in the South India, including Chennai (Rs 500), Trivandrum (Rs 400), Coimbatore (Rs 350), Trichy (Rs 300), Bangalore (Rs 500) etc. Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation buses connect Madurai with other local cities in and around. Super fast buses of TSRTC runs between Madurai and Chennai.

Train : Madurai has its own railway station which connect the city to every part of the country. Direct train services from Delhi (Thirukkural Exp), Kolkata (Kannyakumari Ex), Chennai (Vaigai Exp) and Bangalore (Tuticorin Exp) are available.

Air : Madurai Airport is located about 10 km from the heart of the city. Taxi charges about Rs 150 to cover this distance. Madurai is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and many other cities by air and the tickets are moderately priced. Chennai is the nearest international airport, which is connected to most of the Indian cities and international destinations.

Others : Auto rickshaws in Madurai do not run on meter and a fare should be negotiated beforehand. Day time travel will cost you around Rs 10 per kilometer and night fares are Rs 15 per kilometer. These are easily accessible, present in all major locations.