Meenakshi Temple Madurai

The splendid Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

The symbol of South India, the Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple Complex in Madurai is one of the most colorful places of worship in India.
Every inch of the outer walls is covered in bas relief work depicting mythological figures in a sort of pictorial story.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, known as Meenakshi in the south, the temple complex houses 12 gopurams or towers spread over 45 acres.

Several beautiful mandapams adorn the place, with each having its own specialty.
One mandapam enshrines a beautiful statue of Shiva in the Nataraja avatar.
Another mandapam, popularly known as the 1000-pillar mandapam contains 985 intricately carved pillars.
Musical pillars are found in yet another mandapam, each of which produces a different sound when struck.

The south tower of the temple complex stands tallest at 170 m.
Little wonder then that the Meenakshi Temple was one of the contenders in the race for the Seven Wonders of the New World.

Picture Photos Video of Meenakshi Temple depicting the beautiful bas-relief work on the Meenakshi Temple

Best time to visit

October-March

How to reach or travel to Meenakshi Temple Madurai

By air
Madurai Airport (11 km) is closest to the Meenakshi Temple Complex.

By rail
Madurai is well-connected by rail to all parts of Tamil Nadu as well as some of the major parts of India.

By road
Two national highways NH 7 and NH 49 and state highway 72 pass through Madurai, close to the temple complex.

Map of the Meenakshi Temple Madurai

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Hotels and Resorts in / around Meenakshi Temple Madurai

Hotel Royal Court
Hotel Pushpak
Hotel Germanus
Hotel Taj Garden Retreat
Madurai Ashok
Hotel Sulochana Palace
Pandyan Hotels Ltd.
Hotel International
Hotel Supreme
Hotel Sangam
Hotel Madura Park Inn International

Places to visit in / around Madurai

The Temple Art Museum
Gandhi Museum
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
Alagarkoli
Mariamman Theppakulam
Palace of Rani Mangammal
Sri Aravindar Annai Trust & Meditation Center

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adminTemples India3 Oct, 2008