Meenakshi Amman Temple
மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோவில்
The heart of Madurai, where 14 colorful gateway towers are covered in sculpted deities, honoring the goddess Meenakshi and Shiva. It is South India's most famous temple.
The surviving structures were mainly expanded under the Nayak dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries. The tallest, the southern gateway tower, rises about 52 meters, its body covered with thousands of painted sculptures. Must-sees include the Golden Lotus Tank, the Thousand Pillar Hall (which houses an art museum requiring a separate ticket), and the nightly ceremony at around 9:00 PM when Shiva's image is carried into the bedchamber. The temple is open roughly 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside and must be left at the entrance. Shoes must be removed, and visitors should wear clothing that covers the knees. Non-Hindus may not enter the main sanctum.
Opening hours
About 05:00–12:30 and 16:00–21:30
Nearby sights
- Pudhu Mandapam
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
- St. Mary's Cathedral, Madurai
- Goripalayam Dargah
- Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Koodal Azhagar Temple
- Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
- Madurai Flower Market (Mattuthavani)