East Tower — Attraction in Madurai

Cell phones not allowed in side the temple Its breath taking architecture The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai was built by the Pandyan King, Kulashekarar. Meen translates to ‘fish’ and Akshi to ‘eyes.’ Basically, the name of the temple refers to a girl with fish-shaped eyes. The maiden is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Parvati who is the wife of Lord Shiva. According to folklore, she was born with three breasts. The divine intervention suggested that she should be raised as a son and when she meets her match, things will be normal. Upon confronting Lord Sundereshwar (Shiva), she lost her third breast and thus the prophecy was realized. It is believed that she still rules the town of Madurai and is worshipped as Meenakshi. The structure is as fascinating as the tales and history behind the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. While the temple worships two deities – Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundereshwar, her consort, it is primarily devoted to the Goddess. This signifies the influence of women and the matrilinear society here. With its alluring sculptures, artsy ceilings, and captivating corners, this temple is bound to keep you amused. The temple is spread across 14 acres and has intricately designed fourteen gopuras ranging 45-51 metres in height. In that sense, this is one of the most elaborate temples in South India. The city of Madurai is steeped in traditional tales. Out of these, the most prominent ones are the 64 miracles of Shiva known as the Tiruvilaiyaadal. Murals depicting these wonders can be seen on the temple walls. The Meenakshi Devi temple in Madurai has been decorated sumptuously by towering gopuras while the massive hall is supported by the 985 splendidly carved pillars. These pillars depict various gods, demons, and divine animals. And one of the fascinating facts is that when tapped, each of these pillars produces a different musical note. Initially, this space was dedicated to religious dancing and musical performances. However, the hall now functions as a museum, exhibiting bronze figures, paintings, and items reflecting the temple’s history. There is also a lotus tank and a museum on the premises. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundereshwar, there two shrines devoted to each of them. The splendour of this twin-temple complex echoes the old-world charm of the quaint city of Madurai. It is now considered one of the most significant cultural and theological centres of India. While the city has now modernised to a great extent, the authenticity of its rich culture and tradition still...

Excellent temple where you can feel the presence of the divine power..1..the best entrance is from South Tower.2.Chappals can be left at the entrance which has a FREE SERVICE outlet,maintained by HR&CE.2.Phone/Camera is not allowed and should be deposited at the counter near the chappal stand by paying Rs.5/- perphone.3.You will be taken a snap and a receipt will be given with your photo and phone number.4.Ensure this receipt is in safe custody,as otherwise it will be impossible to claim your phone,if this receipt is lost.4.There are 3 options for you-free darshan / Rs.50/- (for 1 sannithi) and Rs.100/- ( for 2 sannithis).5.If you know a temple priest,be prepared to shell out Rs.1000/- for quick darshan with archanai.5.Do not buy archanai set near /outside/inside the temple as an archanai set costs Rs.150/-.6.Take with yourselves,3 sets of archanai items (for vinayar, meenakshi, sundareswarar);7.Each archanai set should have betel leaves-2,betel nut-1,plantain-2,small flowers,coconut-1.8.These will just cost you just Rs.50/- per set if you purchase en-route before starting to temple.9.You can join the free darshan which moves so rapidly than the paid tickets.10.First have darshan of Meenakshi, then Sundareswarar and Mukkurini Vinayagar. 10.Word of Caution:-To avoid getting caught in a slow moving crowd whether free /paid darshan,,ensure visiting on Mondays,Wednesdays.11.Avoid tuesdays ,fridays, saturdays, sundays, amavaasai, pournami, chithirai month-(mid april to mid may) ,aadi month-(mid July to mid Augusts) and april to june (as you will be roasted alive in the hot sun close to minimum 40 deg C).12.A must visit temple to enjoy history...

Nestled in the heart of Madurai, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture, stands the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, a testament to the rich heritage and architectural prowess of South India. As you approach its towering gopurams adorned with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures, you are immediately transported to a world where spirituality and art intertwine seamlessly. (Remove your shoes and keep your mobile phones outside in the safe locker, no photography is allowed inside) Step inside, and you are greeted by a vast courtyard adorned with sculpted pillars, each telling a story from Hindu mythology or showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The sanctum sanctorum, where the deities reside, is a place of reverence and devotion, filled with the scent of incense and the melodious chants of prayers. One cannot help but marvel at the temple’s architectural marvels, from the intricately carved ceilings depicting celestial beings to the majestic Thousand Pillar Hall, a marvel of engineering and artistry. The musical pillars inside resonate with different musical notes when tapped, leaving visitors mesmerized by the ancient ingenuity. Beyond its religious significance, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is a living testament to the enduring legacy of Tamil Nadu’s architectural brilliance and cultural vibrancy. It stands as a beacon of spirituality, art, and heritage, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty and transcendental aura, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds. Must visit if you ever happen to be...