Tamil Nadu has many pilgrimage sites across the state. However, one of the most prominent ones is located in Madurai. The Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. This temple is the pride of this land, where the city is created. The temple is about 2000 years old and showcases some excellent examples of architecture and sculpture from ancient times. Devotees, architects, historians, and others visit the temple nationwide. You could take a flight, bus, or train or get a cab from anywhere in India. The Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Salem, Chennai to Madurai bus is conveniently available for a more comfortable journey.
History of Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundaraswarar Temple
According to legend, the Madurai temple was built by Kulasekhara Pandya sometime between the 6th and 7th centuries. He dedicated the temple to Lord Shiva but built an adjacent shrine for the Lord Shiva’s consort, Goddess Parvati. Shiva and Parvati preside over here in their incarnations of Sundareswarar and Meenakshi. Meenakshi means fish-eyed to denote the goddess’s beautiful eyes. Over time, the goddess became the main deity, and the temple is now known to be under her.
The temple complex of Meenakshi Temple Madurai is vast. Several dynasties built and expanded The ancient temple complex over the years. However, Alauddin Khilji destroyed most of this structure when he conquered the south. Even then, the main shrines were untouched. Later, in 1623-55 AD, Thirumalai Nayak of the Nayak dynasty built this present-day complex, including the towers and most sculptures you see inside the temple. The temple now measures almost 65000 sq m in area, making it on the list of largest temples in the world itself.
Marvels of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
It is not just its sheer size and area that makes this temple unique. Several structures inside the temple deserve special mention. They include,
- The Towers: There are 14 towers inside the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. There are four 9-storied towers in the exterior perimeter. The oldest is the eastern tower, made in the 12th century. The tallest is the southern tower, which is 52 m or 170 ft. The fifth one is a 7-storied tower. There are 5 towers with 5 stories, and two have 3 stories. The two inner sanctums each have single-storied gold gilded towers. Each of these towers has intricately carved shapes of gods and goddesses.
- Musical Pillars: One of the unique features of Madurai Meenakshi temple is its musical pillars. Some pillars in the outermost corridors can produce musical notes when they are tapped, and each pillar has different tones.
- Ayiramkaal Mandapam, which translates to the Hall of Thousand Pillars, is exactly what it sounds like. This corridor has almost 1,000 pillars, each placed in a straight line, to give a spectacular view with its special life-like sculptures on all the pillars. This is one of the most marvellous views that you can enjoy while visiting this temple. This mandapam is now a museum that displays various sculptures and paintings that depict its history.
- Ashta Shakti Mandapam is another wonderful place inside this temple. It used to be a hall where Rudrapathi Ammal and Tholimamai, the wives of Thirumalai Nayakar, provided food for the devotees. It is located at the eastern entrance of the temple.
How to Reach Madurai?
- By Air: The Madurai airport is an international airport with connectivity from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi for domestic travellers and from Colombo, Dubai, and Singapore for international travellers. Domestic flights are available daily, while international flights are available only three days a week. Each destination has a different weekly schedule.
- By Train: Trains to Madurai Junction Railway Station are available from different parts of Tamil Nadu, Bangalore, Delhi, West Bengal, etc.
- By Bus: Buses to Madurai are available from Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, and other cities in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Best Time for Pilgrimage to Madurai
According to the weather conditions, the best time to visit Madurai temple is from October to March. The climate will be comfortable, with a cooler temperature during the daytime than at any other time. Summer is not an ideal time for a visit. The early morning or evening hours will be a good time.
Apart from the seasons, the main festival at the temple is another time to witness some wonderful festivities here. The Thirukalyanam festival, or Chithirai Thiruvizha, happens annually in April-May and is the occasion of the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi. This annual marriage festival is celebrated on a grand scale. Navratri festival is another one that has a spectacular view. Apart from these, the daily night ritual of Palliyarai Puja where the Lord Shiva’s idol is brought to be placed near the Goddess’s shrine, to celebrate the powerful couple’s divine bonding.
Travel Tips for Visiting Temples in Madurai
- Timing: Plan your visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat and crowds. This popular pilgrimage destination in Madurai opens its gates from 5 am to 12.30 pm and 4 pm to 11 pm. You can have a free darshan or take a ticket for INR 50 or INR 100 for special darshan queues.
- Respect Customs: When inside the temples, follow local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering the sanctum.
- Photography: Always check if photography is allowed, as many temples prohibit it inside the sanctum or specific areas.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide who can provide detailed insights into the history and significance of the temples.
- Dress Modestly: Most temples require visitors to wear modest clothing as a sign of respect. It’s advisable to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.
Conclusion
With its rich tapestry of history and spirituality, Madurai offers a deeply enriching experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in Indian culture and religion. The city’s well-preserved temples serve as places of worship and monuments that narrate tales of a bygone era. For a hassle-free pilgrimage, consider booking your travel to Madurai via redBus, which ensures a comfortable journey to this iconic temple city. Whether you’re exploring the grand Meenakshi Amman Temple or the ancient corridors of Thirupparamkunram, Madurai promises a journey that captivates the soul.