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Sooriyanar Kovil

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Sooriyanar Kovil is the first of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu, about 1 km from Tirumangalakkudi.  The presiding deity is Suriyanar, the Sun and his consorts Usha Devi and Pradyusha Devi. Sooriyanar Kovil Temple also has separate shrines for the other eight planetary deities.

Sooriyanar Kovil is one of the few historic temples in honor to Sun god and is also the only temple in Tamil Nadu which has shrines for all the planetary deities.

What is the history of Sooriyanar Kovil?

According to history  Kulothunga Chola I built Sooriyanar Kovil Temple in 1100 AD. It features a huge tower with three tiers and five domes at the top. The sanctum and the ardhamandapam consist of stone. This is the only Navagraha temple where all the nine grahas are in separate Sanctums.

Once upon a time a great sage called Kaalava rishi was living in Himalayas region. He realized he will get a deadly disease of leprosy in the future and he worried about it. His fellow sages advised him to worship all the navagrahas (nine gods for each planet).

Kaalava rishi also did a very dedicated penance towards the navagrahas and they appeared as he wished. He told his concerns about leprosy and he prayed that the navagrahas should help him to get out of the deadly disease. The navagrahas granted the boon the rishi won’t get the disease.

Later the God of creator, Brahma came to know this and called upon all the nine devas (navagrahas). He told them, the human beings have to face all the happy and sad incidents in their life and nobody can change it. As navagrahas awarded the kaalava rishi navagrahas will get the disease on behalf of him and they should do a twelve weeks penance at south part of India.

Based on this curse all the navagrahas arrived to south India and did a penance to get rid of Brahma’s curse. Then, as god of Sun (Sooriyan) was heading this penance he was at the center in this temple and the other eight planet gods were surrounded by him at this temple.

What is the significance of the Sooriyanar Kovil?

Here’s the significance of the Sooriyanar Kovil:

  • Those who suffer the ill effects of Kalathara Dosham, Vivaha Paribandha Dosham, Puthra Dosham, Puthra Paribandha Dosham, Vidhya Paribandha Dosham, Udyoga Padhibandha Dosham, Surya dasai, Surya bukthi would benefit from worshipping at this temple. Also, Father, Athma, physical strength, right eye, governmental largesse are the beneficial aspects of this planet.
  • Devotees also believe that if one bathes in the nine ghats in this place continuously for 12 Sundays, they will be has a peaceful and prosperous life.
  • There are shrines of Kasi Vishwanath, Visalakshi and Brihaspati(Guru) within the sanctum while shrines for the other celestial bodies are outside. The Kol Theertha Vinayakar shrine is very important. Malefic effects due to Dasa bukthi and gochara will be nullified by worshipping here.
  • The peculiarity of this temple is that the eight other planets here, faces towards the Surya god. The Vahanam (vehicle) of Lord Suryanar is horse, which is called by the name “Saptha”, which refers to number “seven” in Sanskrit. Several horses draw the chariot of Lord Suryanar.
  • Sree Surya Puranam is the first Puranam when the world came into existence, the first sound that reverberated was ‘Ohm’. Surya was born from this ‘Omkhara naadham’. Sree Markandeya Puranam has explained this factor. Suryan was the son of Sage Kashyapa and was the grandson of Sage Maarisi. Surya married Soorvarsala, the daughter of Vishwakarma. Vaivasvatha Manu and Yamadharmaraja were his sons and Yamuna, his daughter.

What are the timings of Sooriyanar Kovil Temple?

Here are the timings of Sooriyanar Kovil Temple:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6:00 AM 12:30 PM
Evening Darshan 4:00 PM 8:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at the Sooriyanar Kovil?

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Sooriyanar Kovil are:

  • Ratha Saptami: Ratha Saptami is dedicated to Lord Surya, the Hindu Sun God. As per the tradition in Hinduism, Lord Surya rides a chariot driven by seven horses – devotees worship this form during Rathasaptami puja and festival. 
  • Vijaya Dashami: It is celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin (usually in September or October). Vijayadashami is the victory of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana and also triumph of Goddess Durga over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura. In the southern part of India Vijaya Dashami is includes the worship of Chamundeshwari or Durga. 
  • Brahmotsavam festival: The Brahmothsavam is performed in the month of Asweeja (according to the hindu calendar) when the Sun is in the Kanya Rashi. The festival commences with ceremony- the Dhwajarohanam or the hoisting of the flag. Further, in the center of the outer court of the temple stands a huge stone-pillar called the flag-stand (Dhwajasthamba). 

What are the Poojas and Rituals of Sooriyanar Kovil?

Poojas and rituals of Sooriyanar Kovil are:

  • To offer worship at Sooriyanar Temple, one has to reach the Rajagopuram (Main Entrance) and more towards North where Pushkarani of temple is present.
  • One can take bath in the tank or sprinkle holy water in the head as purification. Next after the bath one has to offer prayers at the RajaGopuram before entering the temple. After entering the temple, one has to turn towards Southeren side where Koltheertha Vinayagar is there.
  • One also has to do the Sankalpam and Archana as Hindus find Vinayagar as turnover of all obstacles. After worshipping Vinayagar, one has to climb steps to reach ‘Narthana Mandapam’ at Northern Side. And then more towards ‘Sabanayakar Mandapam’ where one can offer prayers to ‘Urchava Moorthi’.
  • After Sabanayakar Mandapam one can reach ‘Main Mandapam’ and offer prayers to SriKasivisvanathar and Smt. Visalakshi. Also, next to Main Mandapam, there is Maha Mandapam where Sannathi to Sun-God, there is Guru Bhavan(lord Jupitee) stands there.
  • People do the Archana for Guru and offer prayers to lord Sun. One has to move South wards to come out of Sanctum to reach the lord Saturn (Sani). Lord Kuja, lord Mars are present separately then more northwards to offer prayers to lord Moon and Kethu.
  • Next movement would be towards west where lord Sukra and Raghu are present. Finally one has to offer prayers to Sandikeswarar. After finishing prayers at Sandikeswarar, one has to come clockwise to reach the vinayakar to give final prayers.

How to Reach Sooriyanar Kovil?

Here’s how to reach Sooriyanar Kovil:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Trichy airport, 58km from Thanjavur. 
  • Rail: The nearest railway station is the Aduthurai Railway Station. 
  • Road: Suryanar Koil is about 21 km from Swamimalai and 15 km from Kumbakonam. It is about 20 km from Mayiladuthurai on the Kumbakonam – Aduthurai – Mayiladuthurai Road.

Where to stay near near Sooriyanar Kovil temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Sooriyanar Kovil Temple are:

  • Sivamurugan Hotels Contact: 60 Feet Main Road | Near New Bus Stand,, Kumbakonam 612001
  • Mantra Veppathur Resort Contact: 536/537A,No.1, Bagavathapuram Main Road Extension, | Srii Sailapathipuram Village, Veppathur,, Kumbakonam 612103
  • Hotel Le Garden Contact: Thiruvidaimaruthur Road, Kumbakonam 612001
  • DSR Madhanam Inn Contact: 75/3 Asoor By Pass Nh 45c | near Karuppur By Pass,Kumbakonam 612002
  • Hotel Riverside Resort & Spa Contact: 32 College Road, Kumbakonam 612001
  • Quality Inn VIHA Contact: #2, New Railway Road | Kumbakonam, Tanjore Dist,Kumbakonam 612001

Where to eat near Sooriyanar Kovil temple?

Some of the places where one can eat near Sooriyanar Kovil Temple are:

  • Thanmayi Restaurant Contact: New Railway Road, Kumbakonam, India
  • Raya’s Restaurant Contact: 18,19 Head Post Office Rd, Kumbakonam 612001
  • Habibi RestaurantContact: 29/921 Sarangapani East Street, Kumbakonam
  • Dosa Plaza Kumbakonam Contact: 332 Nageshwaran North Street Kurinchi Metro Bazzar

What are some temples near Sooriyanar Kovil Temple?

Some of the temples near Sooriyanar kovil temple are:

Brihadeeswara Temple: The Brihadeeswara Temple or the Peruvudaiyar Kovil is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Moreover, Raja Raja Chola I had this temple constructed in 1010 AD. Also, the presiding deity is Shiva in the form of a Lingam,  Peruvudaiya, Rasjarajeshwaramudvya.

Neelamega Perumal Temple: Thiru Thanjaimaamani temple or Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple is situated in Vennathankarai village of Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and also one of the 108 Divya Desam Temples. Further, the Lord in this temple appears in sitting  posture as Veera SingaPerumal and Narashimar.  Sri Yoga Narasimha is also in the front Mandap. 

Sarangapani Temple: This is  an important divya desam of Vishnu and is also known as Tiru Kudanthai. This is also one of the  Pancha Ranga Khestras. Moreover, Sarangapani temple is the biggest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam and  it belongs to 13th century. The temple sanctum also has design like a chariot with wheels which horses and elephants pull.

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Madurai Meenakshi Temple Guide – Timings, Dress Code, and History

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Madurai Meenakshi Temple is located on the banks of the legendary River Vaigai in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the Temple is Goddess Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati) and her consort Lord Sundareshwara (Lord Shiva). Initially, Lord Sundareshwara was worshiped as the primary deity. However, in time, the importance shifted to worshiping Meenakshi as the primary deity.

Such is the love and devotion of people towards the Goddess that no one who visits the city even thinks about leaving it without seeking her blessings.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Fascinating Tour

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Facts-

DeityGoddess Meenakshi (Goddess Parvati)
Location Madurai City, Tamil Nadu
Darshan Timings 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM || 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Entry Fee General Darshan: Free.
SignificanceOne of the oldest and the largest temples of India
ArchitectureDravidian style
Dress Code Traditional wear
Best Time to Visit September to February
PhotographyNot Allowed
Parking Free
FestivalsAvanimoola festival, Masi Mandala festival, Chitra festival, Navarathri cultural festival and Float festival

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Timings

Darshan ScheduleTimings
Morning Timings5:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening Timings4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
  • The devotees can choose to have a free darshan or a paid darshan depending on the crowd. Special darshan tickets are available at Rupees Fifty and Rupees Hundred.
  • Persons with disabilities and their one companion will be allowed to have darshan through a special entrance.
Puja and Rituals of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
Devotees and Priest praying in Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Timings of Daily Poojas and Rituals of Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Poojas and Rituals Timings
Thiruvanandal Pooja 05:00 AM – 06:00 AM
Vizha Pooja 06:30 AM – 07: 15 AM
Kalasandhi Pooja 06:30 AM – 07: 15 AM
Thrikalasandhi Pooja 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Uchikkala Pooja (Noon Pooja) 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Maalai Pooja 04:30 PM – 05:15 PM
Ardhajama Pooja (Night Pooja) 07:30 PM – 08:15 PM
Palliarai Pooja 09:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Details of different Poojas and Rituals of Madurai Meenakshi Temple

  • The daily ritual of worship includes Pooja eight times a day. Each Pooja consists of Abhishekam of the deities, Alangaram (decoration with ornaments), Naivedyam (offering of food) and Deepa Aradanai (Aarti with lamps).
  • Thiruvanandal Pooja – This is the first Pooja of the day and begins at 5 AM. The deities are bathed as per ritual and then dressed up in decorative ornaments. The morning Aarti is performed.
  • Vizha Pooja and the Kalasandhi Pooja – These Poojas comprising of Abhishekam and Aarti takes place between 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM.
  • Thrikalasandhi Pooja and the Uchikkala Pooja – These Poojas begin at 10:30 AM and continue till 11:15 AM.
  • Maalai Pooja (Evening Aarti) – This ritual can be observed between 4:30 PM till 5:15 PM.
  • Ardhajama Pooja – The night Aarti takes place at 7:30 PM and the Naivedyam ends at 8:15 PM.
  • Palliarai Pooja – The last Pooja of the day starts at 9:15 PM. This is a special Pooja where the idol of Lord Shiva is taken around in a palanquin to the sanctum of Goddess Meenakshi and both are put to rest for the day.
  • Annadanam – The Madurai Meenakshi Temple authorities allow Annadanam to be conducted on request of the devotees at the rate of Rupees Four Thousand per two hundred persons.

Madurai Meenakshi  Temple Dress Code

Men and women with exposed shoulders and legs are not allowed to enter the Madurai Meenakshi Temple premises. The main sanctums of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara are open to only Hindus. However, visitors can view the Mandapams and the other architectural features of the Temple.

Significance of Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Signification of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The unique silver sculpture of Lord Natraja and the divine Lotus Pond of Madurai Meenakshi Temple.

The idol of Shri Meenakshi Amman is made of greenish-black stone. The Linga of Lord Sundareshwara is believed to be one of the 68 Swayambhu Lingas worshiped in India. The Swayambhu Lingas are believed to be the representations of Lord Shiva. The Linga is supported by 64 Bhootaganas, 32 Lions, and 8 Elephants.

The Madurai Meenakshi Temple is one of the Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal of Lord Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva. Lord Nataraja is referred to as the form of Lord Shiva when he performs the different forms of Cosmic Dance. These five Sthalas or places represent the different forms of cosmic dance performed by Lord Nataraja.

  • They are symbolized in sculptures depicting the respective postures and made out of precious elements. The sculpture of Lord Nataraja worshiped at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple is called “Velli Ambalam Natarajar” and it is made of “Velli” meaning “Silver”.
  • The uniqueness of this representation is that Lord Nataraja is shown with his right leg raised instead of the usual left leg as represented in the other depictions.
  • The name Meenakshi can be split into “Meen” meaning Fish and “Akshi” meaning Eyes, thus giving the meaning as the “Lady with the Eyes of a Fish”.
  • The other four Temples with such unique sculptures are located in Chidambaram (Gold), Thiruvalangadu (Emerald), Tirunelveli (Copper) and Coutrallam (Art).
  • The Porthamarai Kulam, meaning the “Pond with the Golden Lotus” is the name given to the sacred Madurai Meenakshi Temple Tank. It is also called as Adi Theertham, Shiva Ganga, Utthama Theertham, Gnana Theertham, and Mukthi Theertham.
  • It was believed in ancient times that the worthiness of any new literature can be judged by placing the book on the surface of the tank. The poor quality literature would sink while the scholastic ones would remain afloat.
  • Madurai Meenakshi Temple forms a part of the new top 30 wonders of the World and was a nominee for the “New Seven Wonders of the World”.
  • A huge Ganapathi idol is worshiped just outside the sanctum of Goddess Meenakshi. This idol is supposed to be at least 1500 years ago.
  • As one comes out of the sanctum of Goddess Meenakshi, one must look up to the ceiling to see a recently painted 3-Dimensional image of Lord Shiva’s Linga.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple History

History of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The beautiful and historical structures of Madurai Meenakshi Temple constructed by King Thirumalai Nayakar.

The present structure of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple Complex was built by the Nayakars of Madurai, especially during the reign of King Thirumalai Nayakar in the 15th century. The original Madurai Meenakshi Temple is believed to have been constructed sometime during the late 6th to an early 7th century by the Pandya King Kulashekhara.

  • This is evident by the works of the Tamil Saint Thirugnanasambandar who has sung praises of the deity and the Madurai Meenakshi Temple in his work that dates back to the seventh century.

In the 14th century, there arose an internal disharmony over the succession to the throne after the downfall of the Pandyas dynasty. Taking advantage of the dispute, Ala-ud-din Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate sent his general Malik Kafur in 1310 to invade Madurai.

When he reached Madurai, he pulled down the Temple towers and destroyed several sculptures and historical records. However, the main shrine of Meenakshi Amman and Sundareshwara were left intact. This incident led to the beginning of the spread of Islam in southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu.

The Madurai Meenakshi Temple was then expanded into its current state under the reign of Thirumalai Nayak during 1623 – 1655.

  • He was responsible for the construction of several mandapams inside the Madurai Meenakshi Temple complex, especially the Vasantha Mandapam and the Kilikoondu Mandapam (Corridor of Parrots).
  • The corridors of the pristine Madurai Meenakshi Temple tank, as well as the Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam, were built by the famous and brave Rani Mangammal, one of the very few Women rulers of Ancient India.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Legends

Legends of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The fascinating legends attached with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Vishnu in Madurai Meenakshi Temple.

According to the legends, the Pandyan King Malayadhwaja, and his queen Kanchanamala were childless and performed “Putra Kameshti Yagna” for a child. Lord Shiva was appeased and requested Goddess Parvati to be born to them. She obliged and arose from the sacrificial fire as a little girl with three breasts.

The king was worried but was assured by the Lord that the third breast will disappear once she meets her match. The girl was named Taadanthagai and was brought up as a princess. At the time of her coronation, she waged war against the three holy kingdoms of Sathyaloka (Brahma’s abode), Vaikunta (Vishnu’s abode) and Amravati (Devas’s abode).

After defeating them all, when she reached Kailash to defeat Lord Shiva, she stopped as she realized that Lord Shiva was her divine companion. Her third breast disappeared at the spot. She realized that she was the avatar of Goddess Parvati. It was decided that they will marry and rule the city of Madurai together.

On the day of the marriage, Lord Shiva came to the wedding ceremony without anyone accompanying him except a dwarf named Gundodara. Meenakshi was surprised and haughtily remarked that all the wedding arrangements will be wasted as there were not many attendees on behalf of the bridegroom.

Lord Shiva challenged them to fulfill the needs of the dwarf. The king fed the dwarf everything from the wedding kitchen as well as every dish prepared in the city that day, but the dwarf could not be satisfied. When there was nothing else left to eat, he demanded water to quench his thirst. The city’s water supply was exhausted.

  • Goddess Annapoorneshwari recommended that only Ganga would satisfy his thirst. Lord Shiva summoned River Ganga to flow and directed the river to flow through the city. The river was eventually named as Vaigai.

The marriage was a divine occurrence and was attended by all the Gods and the Goddesses. Lord Vishnu was supposed to attend the event but was delayed by Indra. Angered, he left to Alagar Kovil but was eventually convinced by Lord Shiva. The event is described as Alagar Thiruvila and is still celebrated.

  • After the marriage, both Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi ruled Madurai for a period of time before returning to Kailash.

As per another legend, a Lotus-shaped city was built by the Pandyan King Kulasekhara around the Shiva Linga (Sundareshwara) worshiped by Lord Indra. It is believed that Lord Shiva was impressed by his devotion and blessed him.

  • During the blessing, nectar dripped from his locks of hair and fell on the Earth. As a result, the city came to be known as Madhurapuri, Madhu meaning Honey. With the passage of time, the name became Madurai.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Architecture

Architecture of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
Madurai Meenakshi Temple is the best example of Dravidian Styled Architecture in India.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple is one of the epitomes of the Dravidian style of architecture. Madurai Meenakshi Temple is considered as the city center of the 2500-year-old ancient city. Ancient records show that the Madurai Meenakshi Temple was the center of the city from which the streets arose and spread in all directions. 

  • The Madurai Meenakshi Temple has been glorified in the revered Tevaram, a 7th-century work by the three Saivite Nayanars, Appar, Sundarar, and Thirugnanasambandar.

A unique fact that can be observed about the placement of shrines is that the shrine of Lord Sundareshwara is exactly one-fourth of the total area of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. The shrine of Goddess Meenakshi is exactly one-fourth of the area of Lord Sundareshwara’s shrine. This might indicate that in the earlier times, Lord Shiva was given ritualistic importance over Goddess Meenakshi.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Temple has four main entrances, one in each cardinal direction. The four Gopurams of each of the main entrances are intricately carved depiction sculptures of several Gods and Goddesses, holy animals and even demons.

  • The tallest Gopuram among them is the South Tower (built-in 1559)at a height of 170 feet (52 m).
  • The oldest among them is the East tower built-in 1238. The shrines of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara are covered on top by a golden Vimanam or a Shikhara.
  • The ceilings of the inner corridors are colorfully painted and provide a beautiful visual experience. It is estimated that around 33,000 exquisite sculptures are found in the Madurai Meenakshi Temple complex.
  • Goddess Meenakshi can be distinctly identified because she is always represented as a graceful lady wearing a green saree holding a Parrot in her right hand.

Festivals celebrated at Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Festivals of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The colorful and various festivals celebrated in Madurai Meenakshi Temple.

Chitthirai Brahmotsavam or Arulmigu Thirukalyanam – The grand festival of the wedding between Lord Sundareshwara and Goddess Meenakshi is celebrated for a period of 12 days in the month of Chitthirai (April).

  • The festival begins with the flag hoisting on the Dhwajasthamba as an invitation to all the Gods and Goddesses to attend the celebrations.
  • The Pattabhishekam (Coronation) of Goddess Meenakshi takes place on the 8th day of the festival.
  • The Dikvijayam procession begins on the 9th day signifying the victories of the Goddess until she reached Kailash.
  • The tenth day is celebrated as the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam. Thousands of pilgrims gather at the temple premises to witness the divine moment.
  • The Ther or the Rath Yatra of the deities begins on the next day. The gigantic and decorated chariots are pulled by thousands of ardent devotees and taken around the streets of the temple.
  • Lord Alagar is also worshiped on the banks of the Vaigai river where he halted to bestow gifts to the deities.

Aavani festival – The important festival is celebrated for 18 days during the month of Aavani (August). This marks the event of the coronation of Lord Sundareshwara as the King of Madurai.

  • The first six days of the festival are dedicated to Lord Chandrashekhar.
  • The coronation takes place on the seventh day.
  • The ritual of Tirupparakundram Subramanya and Thiruvadhavur Manickavasaka Perumal bidding farewell takes place on a ninth day.

Navarathri – The festival dedicated to Goddess Amman is celebrated in a grand manner for ten days. The idol of the Amman deity is decorated in a different manner on all the nine days and her blessings are sought by thousands of pilgrims.

  • The “Kolu” is arranged in the “Kolu Mandapam”. Kolu is the unique way of celebrating Navarathri, especially in Tamil Nadu in which several idols of the Gods, Goddesses, and their creations are kept in several steps and worshiped.
  • Kalpa Pooja and Laksharchana are performed for the Goddess every day. The Madurai Meenakshi Temple premises are lit with lamps throughout. Several cultural festivals are held in the temple premises.

Teppotsavam – The float festival is annually held in the city during the Tamil month of “Thai” which happens in January. The idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara are taken around in a grand procession in the waters of the famous Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.

  • On this special day, the idols are taken to the banks of the Teppakulam and kept on the Mandap near its banks. The devotee’s queue in miles to have a darshan.
  • The idols are then kept on a raft and pulled by hundreds of men and women, who pull the raft amidst cheers to the deities.
  • The Gopurams of the temples are lit up in the evening followed by the fireworks display which marks the end of the day’s proceedings.
  • The idols of the deities are then taken back to the Madurai Meenakshi Temple with great enthusiasm.

Some of the other major festivals celebrated at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple are the Maasi Mandala festival in February, Kanda Shashti in November, Deepavali, Oonjal festival, Aadi Moolaikottu festival, Vasanthotsavam, Arudhra Darshanam, Thiruvenbavai, and Thiruppavai festival.

How to reach Madurai Meenakshi Temple

  • By Air – The nearest airport is the Madurai International Airport. The city is well serviced by flights connecting major cities like Chennai, New Delhi, Mumbai, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru. The airport also connects flights internationally to cities like Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo.
  • By Train – The Madurai Junction is well connected to several important cities in India like Chennai, Trivandrum, Cochin, New Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Kolkata, Bhopal, Bengaluru, Goa and many more. Several trains connect Madurai internally to other major towns like Tiruchi, Kanyakumari, Nagercoil, Tuticorin, Karaikudi, Rameswaram, Tirunelveli, Tanjore and Coimbatore.
  • By Road – The city is well connected to all major cities in Tamil Nadu as well as the neighboring states. Several private bus operators also operate regular buses to the holy city until late midnight. The roads are clean and well-constructed.
Map of Madurai Meenakshi Temple Complex
The detailed Map of Madurai Meenakshi Temple Complex.

Where to stay in Madurai

  • The city provides a large number of options for stay ranging from five-star accommodation to low-cost lodges and hotels.
  • The Germanus Hotel, Supreme Hotel, and the Meenakshi Inn are some of the hotels preferred by the visiting tourists.

Where to eat in Madurai

The city of Madurai is called “Thoonganagaram” meaning “the City that never sleeps”. It is a fact that the city offers unparalleled culinary delights to everyone who visits the city throughout the day and the night.

  • Some of the must-tries among the food items are the roadside Kotthu Parathas, Jigarthanda drink, Badam Halwa, Curry Dosa, Idly, and Biryani.
  • Some of the popular hotels that one must visit according to the locals are Amma Mess, Muniyandi Vilas, Simmakal Konar Kadai, and Murugan Idly Kadai.

Temples near Madurai Meenakshi-

Temples near Madurai Meenakshi Temple
Various more important Temples near Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
  • Thirupparakunram Murugan Temple – It is considered as the first among the six abodes of Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Karthikeya. The Temple Complex consists of several rock-cut caves that house the deities, Lord Karthikeya, Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Vinayaka.
  • Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple – The sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan is located 25 km away from Madurai city. This Temple is one of the holy six abodes of Lord Murugan. The main shrine is located beside a stream called “Nupura Gangai”. Several popular local legends are associated with the Temple.
  • Alagar Kovil – The sacred temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located just 20 km away from the Madurai city. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu mentioned in the Divya Prabandha, a work by the Azhwar Saints in the 6th to 9th centuries.
  • Vandiyur Mariamman Temple – This unique but mesmerizing temple is situated about 3 km away from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman and Goddess Durga who merge together into a single form and worshiped here as Goddess Ambika – Durga or popularly as Durga-Mariamman.
  • Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple – The Temple has located 8 km from the city of Madurai in Otthakadai. The village of Narasingam is home to the ancient temple situated at the foot of the Yanaimalai hills. The Temple is more than 1300 years old as the date of construction around the main deity is believed to be 770 AD.
  • Thirumohoor Chakrathalvar Temple – This legendary temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is 12 km away from Madurai city towards Melur. This Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams that is glorified in the Divya Prabandha composed by the Tamil Saints Alwars from the 6th to the 8th century. The deity is worshiped as Neelamegha Perumal and Lakshmi as Tirukannapura Nayaki.

Other famous temples in Tamil Nadu are:

  • Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple: Situated nearby Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, this Hindu temple is famous for its worshipping of the King of Serpents or Nagaraja – Vasuki. Also, Nagercoil town derives its name from this very temple. This temple also has a huge number of naga statues from all over India.
  • Thirunageswaram Temple: Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam in Tamil Nadu is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples and is dedicated to Rahu. The presiding deity is Lord Naganathaswamy. The shrine is adjacent to Naganathaswamy’s shrine and GiriGujambika with Lakshmi and Saraswathy by her side has a separate temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can we store our personal belongings in Madurai Meenakshi Temple?

You can safely store your camera and other belongings inside a locker at the stall that minds shoes at the east entrance to the temple. 

What are the other highlights for tourists for sightseeing in Madurai Meenakshi Temple?

There’s a set of musical pillars and Art museums that are worth seeing as well. Tickets cost 50 rupees for foreigners and 5 rupees for Indians.

What is the cost of the “special darshan” tickets in the Madurai Meenakshi Temple?

These tickets provide direct access to the idols and can be purchased inside the temple. They cost 50 rupees solely for Goddess Meenakshi, and 100 rupees for both deities.

What are the main attractions of Madurai Meenakshi Temple?

The main attraction of the temple is its golden lotus pond, long corridors inside the temple and gopurams, temple museum and the thousand pillar hall.

When is the best season to visit Madurai Meenakshi Temple?

The best season for tourists to visit Madurai Meenakshi temple starts from May to July.

What is the language preferred by the locals in Madurai Meenakshi Temple?

The most preferred language is Tamil and English.

What is the altitude of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple?

Madurai Meenakshi temple is located at an altitude of 141m.

Is the guide facility available in Madurai Meenakshi Temple?

Since Madurai Meenakshi temple is spread over 16 acres, you can hire a guide if you have an architectural inclination, but beware of ‘guides’ who try to lure you into nearby shops. 

If you have any questions about the Muktinath Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Jambukeswarar Temple Thiruvanaikaval

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The Jambukeswarar temple in Tiruchirapalli of Tamil Nadu is one of the  Pancha Bhoota Stalas (the five Shiva temples). The presiding deity is the Appu Lingam – the water element. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all the Nayanars (Saivite Saints) have sung glories of the deity.

Another famous temple in the Pancha Bhoota Stalas is the Arunachalam Temple located in Tiruvannamalai.

What is the history of Jambukeswarar Temple?

The history of Jambukeswarar temple is that it was built by Kocengannan (Kochenga Chola), one of the Early Cholas, around 1,800 years ago. It is in the Srirangam Island, which has the famous Ranganathaswamy temple. Hundreds of devotees gather here every year to watch the Lord and get his blessings.

What is the legend of Jambukeswarar temple?

Devotees believe that once, Devi Parvati made fun of Lord Shiva’s penance for the improvement and welfare of the world. So, Shiva asked her to go to the earth from Kailash (Shiva’s abode) to perform her penance.

Parvati in the form of Akilandeswari as per Shiva‘s wish found Jambu forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance. Hence, she made a lingam out of water of river Cauvery under the Venn Naaval tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. Threfore, the lingam is known as Appu Lingam (Water Lingam). Siva at last gave darshan to Akilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. Further, Akilandeswari took Upadesa (lessons) facing East from Shiva, who stood facing west.

Also, Malyavan and Pushpadanta were two Shiva Ganas or disciples. They always were on conflict over something or other and once Malyavan cursed Pushpadanta to become an elephant on Earth. The latter cursed the other to become a spider. The elephant and the spider came to Jambukeswaram and continued their Siva worship.

The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted ablution to the lingam under the Jambu tree every day. Shiva, in the form of Jambukeswara, moved by the deep devotion of the two, relieved them from the curse. As an elephant worshipped Shiva here, this place was famous as Thiru Aanai Kaa (thiru means holy, aanai is elephant, kaa (kaadu) means forest). Then, later the name ‘Thiruaanaikaa’ becomes ‘Thiruvanaikaval’ and ‘Thiruvanaikoil’.

For committing the sin killing the elephant, the spider was born as the King Kochengot Chola meaning red-eyed king and built 70 temples and this temple is the one among them.

What is the significance of Jambukeswarar Temple?

The significance of Jambukeswarar temple is that the main deity is Jambukeswara, representing the element water. Also, Jambukeswara is depicted sitting under a jambu tree. It grows over a small stream that engulfs the deity during the rainy season. The sanctum of Jambukeswarar is always abundant in water.

The massive outer wall covering the fifth precinct is famous as the Vibudi Prakara. It stretches over a mile, and is two feet thick and over 25 feet high. Legend maintains that Shiva built the wall with the laborers. The fourth precinct contains a hall with 796 pillars.

The temple is also the abode of goddess Akilandeswari, one of the forms of the goddess Parvati.

Moreover, the sannathy of the goddess Akilandeshwari and the sannathy of Prasanna Vinayaka are in the shape of the pranava manthra “Om”.

Also, the temples idols are opposite to each other. Such temples are Upadesa Sthalams. As the Devi was a student and Jambukeswara a Guru (teacher), hence Thiru Kalyanam (marriage) does not take place in this temple for Shiva and Parvathi, unlike the other Shiva temples.

What are the timings of Jambukeswarar temple?

The timings of poojas and rituals at Jambukeswarar temple are:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6AM 12 PM
Evening Darshan 5 PM 9 PM
Ushakkala Pooja 6:30 AM 7:30AM
Kaalashandhi Pooja 8 AM 8:45 AM
Uchikkala Pooja 11 AM 12 PM
Saayaraksha Pooja 5 PM 5:45 AM
Ardhajama Pooja 9 PM

 

What are the festivals celebrated at Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March-April and Aadi Pooram in July-August are the famous festivals of the temple.
  • Also, Purattasi is the Navarathiri festival taking place elaborately over 10 days.
  • Thai – Thai Poosam, Thai theppam (Float) festival. Special poojas take place during Fridays of Thai month.
  • Another name for Vaikasi is Vasantha Urchavam. It is another important 10-day festival.

How to reach Jambukeswarar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Jambukeswarar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Trichy at a distance of 15km.
  • Rail: The Trichy junction is 8km away.
  • Road: Thiruvanaikaval is about 320 km on Chennai & Kanyakumari national highway. The temple is 8 km away from central bus stand and 3 km from Chathiram bus stand at Trichy.

Where to stay near Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some places to stay near Jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Sri Maruti Pilgrims House offers accommodation in Tiruchchirappalli. The temple is 2.1 km away. It has a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Mayas Kem Pride at 75-I, Salai Road , Thillai Nagar is a famous hotel.
  • Also, Hotel Mayas at Hotel Mayas 46, Karur Bye Pass Road, Chatram Bus Stand features good accommodations.

What are some temples near Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some of the temples nearby Jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Arulmigu saptharisheeswara Temple has won a unique place among the temples of Tamil Nadu. The seven rishis, atri, brihu, pulsithar, vasistar, gauthamar, angeerasar and marichi, prayed here to the presiding deity, saptharisheeswarar, to ward off the bad period they were passing through. Also, the parantaka kings extended the temple.
  • Arulmigu Vekkalaimman Temple– It is dedicated to Lord Mother Vekkali Amman. She is holding a trident, Udukkai, the rope-pasam and Akshaya Patra (a vessel from which food would be constantly flowing to feed all beings) in Her four hands.

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Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple – Timings, Poojas and History

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Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is situated nearby Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. This Hindu temple is famous for its worshiping of the King of Serpents or Nagaraja – Vasuki. Also, Nagercoil town derives its name from this very temple. This temple also has a huge number of naga statues from all over India.

What are the timings of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Here are the timings of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan4:30 am11:30 am
Evening Darshan5:00 pm 8:15 pm

What is the history of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

History of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is that Nagas are children of Kashyapa and Kadru.  Among prominent nagas  are Manasa, Sesha, and Vasuki and Nagaraja. Devotees believe that Nagaraja Temple was earlier a Jain temple because of the images of Jain Tirthankaras, Mahavira and Parswanatha on the pillars of the temple.

However, there is no authentic epigraph to help us understand its chronology. The mountain Mahendragiri in the Kanyakumari district is also popular as the abode of Nagas in the Ramayana of Valmiki. From this, one can presume that the origin of Naga influence in the area goes back to legendary times.

But there is a local story that goes around. Once there was a girl who was cutting paddy when suddenly she cut her hand and blood began to spurt out. Soon she saw that the sickle had cut into a five headed serpent. The girl was afraid and went to the village. She then told the villagers about this miracle. So, they all came to see this peculiar event and  they cleared the space allotting it to the Lord.

What is the significance of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Significance of Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple is that Nagaraja deity, which originated itself , is below ground level in a square plot which is a wet place. The deity has five faces and only the place where the Nagaraja sits is wet. The soil here underneath the Prathishta has a saffron colour.

It is because of the blood that oozed form the head of the idol. The temple also gives the soil as Prasada.

The temple has a distinct style of their own by the lavish use of wood, stone and metals. The surrounding walls of temple also consist of mud. Moreover, the roof has coconut leaves and bamboo poles. Devotees also believe that this soil is a good medicine for skin diseases.

What are the festivals celebrated at Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at nagercoil nagaraja Temple are:

  • Thai Brahmmotsavam in January-February; Aavani Sundays and Aavani Aslesha (Aayilyam) star day and Krishna Jayanthi in August-September.
  • Navarathri in September-October and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

How to reach Nagercoil?

Here’s how to reach Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple:

  • Air: Nearby airport is Madurai, Thiruvanathapuram.
  • Rrail: Nagercoil junction is the nearby railway station. One can easily take trains from here.
  • Road: The temple is 1km far from Nagercoil Vadaseri and from Meenakshipuram bus stand. Adequate road facilities are available to reach Nagercoil from all parts of the state.

Where to stay near Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Nagercoil Nagaraja Temple are:

  • Hotel Sahana Castle at Distillery road, vadaseri is a great place with suitable accommodations, according to reviews. It is  opposite to the Omni bus stand.
  • Hotel Udupi International is another grand place to check in. It is about 20 km away from Kanyakumari. It has splendid facilities including its advantageous position making communications available at its doorstep.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places that one can visit near Nagercoil Nagaraja temple are:

  • Padmanabhapuram Palace, is one of the chief attractions of Tamil Nadu in Padmanabhapuram village of Kanyakumari District about 15 km from Nagercoil. King Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal built it around 1601 A. D. which is famous for its antique and tricky woodworks.
  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial is also a popular tourist attraction in Kanyakumari in honor of Swami Vivekananda and his teachings.
  • Further, Devi Kanya Kumari temple is one among the 108 Shakthi Peethas in the world. Sage Parshurama built it around 3000 year ago for the goddess Bhagavathy Amman.

Kumari Amman Temple Kanyakumari

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Kumari Amman temple is 3000 years old and is for Devi Kanyakumari. She is the virgin goddess who stands strong protecting her devotees. She is “Devi” or “Bhagavathy” that refers to “Durga” or “Parvati”. Devotees also worship Devi as Bhadrakali.  The temple is on the seashore of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

According to popular beliefs, the Goddess removes the rigidity of our mind. Devotees actually feel the emotions in their mind when they pray to the goddess in devotion and contemplation.

What is the history of Kumari Amman Temple?

According to history, worship of Devi goes back to Vedic times and monotheism to Advaita times. Devi Kanyakumari finds mention in Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Sangam work Manimekalai. Devi Kanyakumari has a mysterious story that once Banusura, the demon king got power over Devas and gave cruel punishment to them.

The Devas performed a Yagna seaking to punish and remove the evils.  So Devi Parasakthi came to Kumari in the form of a virgin girl and began her penance. Meanwhile Lord Shiva fell in love with her and made arrangements for the marriage in the midnight on a particular day.

Now the Narada realised that their marriage would destroy the chances of castrating Banusura because only a virgin could kill him. When Lord Shiva was on his way to Kanyakumari, Sage Narada assumed the form of a cock and crowed falsely heralding the break of dawn. Thinking that the auspicious time for the marriage was past, Lord Shiva returned disappointed. The Goddess too decided to remain virgin after that. Then, when Banusura attempted to win the Goddess by force, she killed him with her Chakragudha, and relieved the sufferings of Devas. Then she resumed her penance and remained virgin.

What is the significance of Kumari Amman Temple?

Significance of Kumari Amman Temple is that it is one of the 51 Shaktipeethams – or divine abode of Goddess Shakti. One of the hundred and eight “Durga Alayas”, this Temple is for  Goddess Durga. Swami Vivekananda visited this Temple in December 1892, as told by Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

The nose ring of Devi Kanyakumari is designed with rubies. They are so bright that it could be seen even from the far at night.

It is said that some ships sailing in the sea, mistook the brightness of the rubies as the light from the Lighthouse and got wrecked, hitting against the rocks nearby. Due to this reason, the eastern side gate of the Kumari Amman Temple is kept closed.

The eastern door of the Temple is opened on new moon days in the months of Edavam, Karkkidakam (Capricorn and Cancer), during Navaratri and in the month of Vrischikam.

Walking around the outer corridor and crossing the Navaratri Mandapam, the pathway leads to the second corridor encircling the shrine. At the entrance here, is the Kala Bhairava Shrine and the well “Patal Ganga Teerth” which provides water for the Devi’s Abhisegham. After this is the Dhwajastambha (flag mast).

What are the Timings of Kumari Amman Temple?

Here are the timings of Kumari Amman Temple: 

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m
Evening Darshan 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Which festivals are celebrated at Kumari Amman Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kumari Amman Temple are:

  • The Chaitry Purnima Festival occurs on the Full moon day in May.
  • The Navarathri festival occurs in the month of September–October. On the 10th day of the Navarathri, the Vijaya Dasami, devotees celebrate the destruction of Banasura.
  • The Vaisakha festival which is a 10 day festival in the Tamil Month of Vaikasi (May–June). Devotees take the image of the Devi around the town in procession, both in the morning and evening.
  • The Kalabham festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi (Karkkidakam) that is in July – August. The priest covers the idold with Sandal paste on the last Friday of the Tamil month (Aadi).

How to reach Kumari Amman Temple?

Here’s how to reach Kumar Amman Temple:

  • Road: visitors can reach the temple by taking taxis and auto-rickshaws . City buses also are regularly accessible. The temple is 1km away from Kanyakumari bus stop.
  • Rail: the temple is 1km away from the rail station.
  • Air: the temple also connects well to Chennai, Madurai, and Thiruvanathapuram.

Where to stay near Kumari Amman Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Kumari Amman Temple are:

  • Hotel Sangam is at Beach road, provides guests with a peaceful retreat that feels like a home away from home.
  • Singaar International Hotel at Main road, Kanyakumari is famous for it’s multi cuisine restaurant and well suited rooms.
  • Hotel Shivas Residency located 1 km away from the Kanyakumari Rail station is a good place to relax and enjoy the locale around.

What are some temples near Kumari Amman Temple?

Some temples near Kumari Amman Temple are:

  • You should definitely visit the Olakaruvi Falls once you have visited the temple. It has magnificent beauty and its surroundings are splendid to look at.
  • The Lord Subhramanya Temple is 34 km away from Kanyakumari and is for Lord Murugan who is the God of warfare and victory.
  • The Thanumaayan Temple is another temple famous for its architectural splendour. It is a 17th century Hindu shrine in the Suchindrum town of Kanyakumari. It is also famous as the Suchindrum Temple and Sthanumalayan Temple.

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