The Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most famous and significant religious sites in India, attracting millions of visitors each year. Located in the city of Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, this temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva. In addition to its religious significance, the temple is also renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. If you are planning a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, it is important to understand the ticketing and entry procedures, as well as the operating hours and most popular attractions.
Timing: The Meenakshi Amman Temple is open to visitors from early morning until late evening. The temple opens at 5 am and closes at 10 pm daily. However, there are certain days in the year when the temple is closed for public darshan (worship) due to annual festivals or other important events.
Ticket price
Ticket price for There is no entry fee for Meenakshi Amman Temple. However, there is an art museum and its entry ticket costs INR 5 for Indian tourists and INR 50 for foreign tourists if you wish to visit it. Book tickets on official website.
Main temple : free for Hindus, INR 50 per head for foreigners
Other temples within the campus : INR 50 per temple per head
Special Darshan : varies between INR 200-500 per head depending on the agent you deal with.
Types of Entry Tickets Available and Their Prices
There are different types of entry tickets available for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, depending on the visitor’s nationality and the type of worship they wish to undertake. For Indian citizens, the entry fee is INR 50, while for foreign nationals, the fee is INR 250. Children under the age of ten can enter free of charge.
There are also special tickets available for those who wish to perform certain rituals or take part in poojas (worship ceremonies). The cost of these tickets varies depending on the type of pooja.
Rules and Regulations for Entering the Temple Complex
Visitors to the temple must adhere to certain rules and regulations. Modest clothing is mandatory, and visitors must remove their footwear before entering the temple complex. Electronic devices such as mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the temple. Visitors must also maintain decorum and avoid making noise or causing disturbance within the temple premises.
Ticket portal
Book tickets on official website.
Major Gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple Madurai
There are 14 major gopurams or towers in the Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai. All of these are identical tall towers. And they have numerous sculptures and carvings on them. Basically, depicting the mythological stories and scenes from the Hindu Holy texts. Some of the major Gopurams include :
- Kadaka Gopuram – This 5 storied gateway leads to the main shrine that houses Goddess Meenakshi. The gateway was rebuilt by Tumpichi Nayakkar during the mid-16th century.
- Sundareswarar Shrine Gopuram – The oldest ‘gopuram’ of the temple, gateway to the Shiva Shrine. Which was built by Kulasekara Pandya.
- Mottai Gopuram – The only gopuram which had no roof for nearly three centuries.
- Nayaka Gopuram – Built by Visvappa Nayakkar . Very similar to ‘Palahai Gopuram.’
- Chitra Gopuram – Built by Maravarman Sundara Pandyan II, the gopuram depicts the religious and secular essence of Hinduism.
- Nadukkattu Gopuram – Also called as the ‘Idaikattu Gopuram,’ this gateway leads to the Ganesha shrine.
Major Mandapams of Meenakshi Temple Madurai
Apart from the gopurams, the temple has several Mandapas – pillared halls with hundreds of pillars. Actually these were built to enable the visitors to rest here. The major mandapas include:
- Ayirakkal Mandapam – Meaning ‘hall with thousand pillars.’ As it is supported by 985 pillars. Each and every pillar has images of Yali, a mythological creature apart from other scultpures.
- Kilikoondu Mandapam – Originally built to house parrots which were trained to say ‘Meenakshi’. It stands adjacent to the Meenakshi shrine. And has sculptures of characters from important Hindu holy book Mahabharata.
- Ashta Shakthi Mandapam – This hall houses the sculptures of eight goddesses. It lies between the main ‘gopuram’ and the gateway that leads to the Meenakshi shrine.
- Nayaka Mandapam – Built by Chinnappa Nayakkar. This hall has 100 pillars and houses a Nataraja statue.
Overview of Must-See Attractions for Visitors
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is home to several shrines, gopurams and mandapams (pillared halls), each with its unique architecture and historical significance. The most famous of these are the Meenakshi Shrine, Sundareswarar Shrine, and the Golden Lotus Tank.
Description of the Main Shrines and Halls in the Temple
The Meenakshi Shrine is the most prominent feature of the temple and is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi. The temple’s gopurams, with their intricate carvings and brightly painted colours, make it a feast for the eyes. The Sundareswarar Shrine is located adjacent to the Meenakshi Shrine and is dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar. The Golden Lotus Tank is a beautiful water body located within the temple complex and is believed to be sacred by devotees. Visitors can also explore the various mandapams, which are pillared halls adorned with intricate carvings and murals.
Discounts and Offers for Visitors to the Meenakshi Amman Temple
As one of the most popular attractions in Tamil Nadu, the Meenakshi Amman Temple draws countless visitors each year. While entry fees are required, there are a variety of discounts and offers available that can help reduce the cost of your visit.
Information on Discounts for Students, Seniors, and Other Groups
If you are a student, senior citizen, or member of certain groups, you can receive a discounted entry fee to the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Be sure to bring along appropriate identification to take advantage of these discounts.
Special Offers and Packages for Visitors
In addition to discounts, the Meenakshi Amman Temple also offers special packages for visitors. These packages typically include entry to the temple, as well as other related attractions in the area. Group discounts are also available, making it a great option for those traveling in larger parties.
Tips for Enjoying Your Visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple
With long lines and crowds, a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple can be overwhelming. However, there are a few tips you can follow to help make your visit more enjoyable.
Ways to Avoid Crowds and Long Lines
To avoid the biggest crowds, try to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple early in the morning or later in the evening. If you can, also consider visiting during off-peak times, such as weekdays in the middle of the day.
Advice on Appropriate Dress and Behavior in the Temple
When visiting the Meenakshi Amman Temple, it is important to dress appropriately and act respectfully. Be sure to wear conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering the temple. Additionally, refrain from taking photos of the deities, and avoid touching or pointing your feet at them.
Other rules while visiting the Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai
There are a few other rules while visiting the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. While information on some of these is available on the internet, it might be limited or unavailable on the others. So, let me summarise here for you based on what I recall best :
- There is a dedicated place to deposit your phone in locker before you enter the main temple. It has a charge of INR 5 per phone for depositing. The person there will deposit your phone in a locker and give you a slip. Some prefer to leave their phones at their hotel room while visiting the temple.
- The same place which has locker for phones also has place to deposit your shoes. Again at a minimal fee of INR 5 per pair of shoes. However it was super crowded here with a big queue of people waiting to deposit their shoes and slippers. So, we took another strategy. From one of the shops on the opposite side, we bought some prasad and flowers. And then deposited our shoes with them only. This way, we avoided the crowd and rush at the designated shoe counter. Although, I saw many leaving their shoes on the street also while they entered the temple.
- There is a security frisking before you enter the temple.
- You can carry your purse, wallet and other essentials like hand sanitiser etc with you inside the temple.
- Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple. So you can’t carry a camera either, neither your phone.
FAQs
What is the best time of day to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple?
It is recommended to visit the temple in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day and the largest crowds of visitors.
Are there any dress code requirements for visitors to the temple?
Yes, visitors are required to dress modestly and conservatively, with skirts and pants covering the knees and no bare shoulders or midriffs. Shoes must also be removed before entering the temple.
Are there any discounts or special offers available for visitors to the Meenakshi Amman Temple?
Yes, discounts are available for students, seniors, and other groups, and there are also special offers and packages available for visitors. Check the temple’s official website for current information.
What are some important rules and regulations for visitors to the temple complex?
Visitors must remove shoes before entering the temple, and photography is not allowed inside certain areas of the temple. It is also important to respect the sacred nature of the site and behave accordingly.
