History:

is an ancient and historically significant Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, named here as Sundareswarar. The temple was built by various rulers and further expanded during the reign of the Madurai Nayak rulers in the 17th century. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature. The temple complex comprises four concentric quadrangular walls with a number of gopurams within, the tallest being the south and the east towers which rise to a height of around 170 feet. Inside the temple complex there are shrines of many major Hindu gods and goddesses. Temples of Lord Vishnu and Lord Ganesha are also located within the complex. It is also one of the few temples in the world where both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions are practiced. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai and is a major pilgrimage site. It is one of the best temple in TamilNadu which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is one of the oldest and most important temple in India. It is believed to be over 2000 years old. 2. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, and Sundareswarar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. 3. The complex is made up of 14 enclosures with 12 gopurams (gateways) and huge courts surrounded by majestic walls. 4. The temple has two vast courtyards with a 100-pillar hall and massive holy tanks. 5. There are more than 33.000 sculptures inside the temple complex. 6. The temple complex contains several shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses. 7. On the 12th day of every Tamil month, the holy steps of the temple are ceremoniously anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste, flowers, and Turmeric. 8. This also sees the iconic procession of Chithirai Festival in which the main deities of the temple, Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, are resumed around the temple in a chariot pulled by bulls. 9. Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is known for its grandeur and beauty. 10. It is counted in the most visited sites of TamilNadu and attracts devotees from across the world. Here are some facts about the TamilNadu temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in TamilNadu

Worship Method:

The worship method at Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is based on the traditions of Saiva Siddhantam, the Southern school of Southern Saivism (Saiva Agama). According to this tradition, the temple follows five daily pujas (worship ceremonies) for its three main deities–Meenakshi, Sundareswarar and Pey (Agni). The pujas, or rituals, are performed four times on a daily basis. The morning rituals commence with a waking puja at 6:00 am. During this puja, the priests offer prayers and are then blessed with holy water given by the temple tank. The second puja of the day is the noon puja at 1:00 pm. Thirdly, the evening puja is performed at 6:00 pm. This time is considered to be a time for prayer for spiritual guidance and redemption of one’s sins. Finally, the fourth and last puja of the day is the night puja at 9:00 pm and is performed after the aarti (seva). During this time, the devotees should not disturb the puja. In addition to the daily puja, the temple offers several other special occasions for its devotees and visitors. For example, on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chittrai, devotees participate in the grand Festival of Meenakshi Kalyanam. Likewise, the balcony around the sanctum sanctorum is opened on the day of Pavitra Utsavam to allow devotees to offer their worship. On Navaratri, the temple holds special pujas for the deities as well as the people. During this time, the devotees offer flowers, sandal paste, and garlands for the murtis. This most visited temple in TamilNadu

Opening Timing:

The Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is usually open from 4:30am to 12:30pm and 4:00pm to 10:00pm. top temples in TamilNadu

How to reach:

Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is located in the heart of Madurai city in Tamil Nadu. It can be easily reached by road, rail, and air. By Road: Madurai is well connected to major South Indian cities like Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, and Chennai. Buses of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation run from all these cities to Madurai. By Train: Madurai Junction railway station is the major railway station in the city. There are many long distance trains to Madurai from all parts of India. By Air: The nearest airports to Madurai are the Madurai Airport, located in Kamarajar Salai, and the Trichy Airport, located at Trichy. Both airports are well connected to many cities across India. famous temples in TamilNadu