Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple
The twin temple of Madurai
Wikimedia Commons
Good to know before you visit
- The inner sanctum (moolasthanam) of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar is not streamed live, per agama tradition. Festival processions and special darshans are sometimes broadcast — those will appear here when a stream is live.
- Mobile phones and cameras are completely banned inside the temple. Deposit them at the mandatory cloakroom / locker near the entrance before going in.
- Allow extra time for the evening 'Palliyarai' procession (around 21:30), when the deities are ceremonially taken to rest.
About Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple
A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, the Meenakshi temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Its towering gopurams are covered in thousands of colourful sculptures.
Aarti Timings
- Thiruvananthal05:00
- Uchikala Pooja10:30
- Ardhajama Pooja21:30
Timings are indicative and may change on festival days.
Festivals & Sacred Days
Meenakshi Thirukalyanam (Chithirai Festival)
April–MayThe grand celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar is the highlight of the month-long Chithirai festival, drawing over a million devotees to Madurai's streets.
Navratri
September–OctoberNine nights honouring the Goddess with the temple richly decorated, special alankarams and the colourful Golu doll displays across the city.
Float Festival (Theppam)
January–FebruaryOn Thai Poosam the deities are taken in a illuminated float around the Mariamman Teppakulam tank — a serene night-time spectacle.
Poojas & Sevas
Thiruvananthal Pooja
05:00The dawn awakening ritual when the deities are roused with music, lamps and the first offerings of the day.
Uchikala Pooja
10:30The midday worship with abhishekam and naivedyam offered to Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.
Palliyarai (Ardhajama) Pooja
21:30The night procession in which the Lord is ceremonially carried to the Goddess's bedchamber to rest — a deeply atmospheric finale to the day.
Travel Guide
Address
Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
Nearest Airport
Madurai Airport (12 km)
Nearest Railway
Madurai Junction (2 km)
Best Season
October to March — cooler and pleasant; visit during the Chithirai festival (April–May) for the grand celebrations.
Dress Code
Traditional attire expected; phones and cameras are completely banned and must be deposited in lockers outside. Remove footwear before entering.
How to reach
Madurai is well connected by air, rail and road; the temple sits at the heart of the old city, an easy auto or short walk from the junction.
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