India is a land dotted by millions of temples small and big, some simple and some exquisite, some modern and some the legacy of a rich heritage. One such temple draws visitors in droves to its fold with its sanctity, history, and its exquisite craftsmanship. This is the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple.
Madurai is a city in southern India, famous for its Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, a city whose history dates back to the 3rd century BCE and finds a mention in the chronicles of the famous Greek explorer Megasthenes. Madurai is a city located in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India, and lies about 464 kilometres from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is a Dravidian style temple.
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Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple – A Complete Guide To Madurai
The Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva as well as his consort Parvati in the form of Meenakshi. Parvati is worshipped in the form of Meenakshi and Shiva is worshipped in the form of Sundareshwara in this temple. Meenakshi literally translates in Tamil into, “the one with fishlike eyes”. Both the deities have separate shrines within the larger temple complex. What is remarkable here is that the presiding deity is Parvati in the form of Meenakshi while Lord Shiva is content to play second fiddle! Indeed a divine endorsement of Girl power!
Dear readers read on to know more about everything you wanted to know about the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and Madurai in this Madurai travel blog post which we hope is a complete travel guide to Madurai.
Madurai Temple City – The Athens Of The East
Madurai is known for the Madurai Meenakshi Temple, a Dravidian style temple. It is a major pilgrimage site. Madurai is known as the Athens of the East. Athens in ancient times was dominated by the Pantheon which was situated on an elevated plain, similarly, the Madurai of yore was dominated by the towers of the Meenakshi temple which stretched out into the sky. Even today, the Meenakshi temple is the pivot around which the city revolves. It is known as the soul of Tamil Nadu.
We have been to the Temple city Madurai and the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Kovil (Kovil means Temple in Tamil ) many times but every visit evokes the same magic. The fragrance of Jasmine flowers being sold around the temple, the fascinating sight of sweets being made in small shops around the periphery of the temple, all combines to fuel our excitement and build it into a crescendo.
We are sure you too would be swept away with a potpourri of emotions and feelings of excitement, divine bliss, wonder, devotion, and incredulity when you visit Madurai and explore the wonders of the Madurai Meenakshi Mandir.
Where is Madurai situated?
Madurai is a historic city that is situated in the Southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of the Madurai District.
- Madurai to Chennai distance is about 462 kilometres
- Coimbatore to Madurai distance is about 214 kilometres
- Bangalore to Madurai distance is about 436 kilometres
Madurai Map – Madurai City Map
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Address, Telephone, Email and Website
Meenakshi Amman Temple Address:
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Madurai Main
Madurai – 625001
Tamil Nadu
India
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Website: www.maduraimeenakshi.org
Email id: [email protected]
Madurai Temple Contact number: +91 452 234 4360
Madurai Meenakshi Temple History
The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple history dates back all the way to the late 12th century. It is believed that the original temple structure was built between 1190 – 1216 CE by Kulasekara Pandya whom historical accounts describe as a poet, saint, and king.
There were subsequent additions made to the temple in the subsequent years. However, in the early part of the 14th century, the waves of marauding Muslim invasions that were sweeping across India reached Southern India as well and many of the grand temples were plundered and destroyed. The Meenakshi Amman Temple too was plundered and desecrated by the forces of Malik Kafur along with other temples like Srirangam, Chidambaram, and others.
After this storm of destruction, Madurai became the Madurai Sultanate under the Delhi Sultanate, but the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire ensured that the Madurai Sultanate was short-lived and saw to it that the temple re-opened after rebuilding the core of the temple.
The temple idols that had been hidden in Nanjil Nadu, in the present-day Kanyakumari region, were brought back and worship at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple recommenced. It was however in the 16th century that major expansion of the temple was done by Vishwanatha Nayakar and later in the 17th century by Thirumala Nayakar.
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple – Myths & Legends
As with all temples, the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple also known as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple too has its share of local lore, legends, and myths surrounding it.
According to legend as mentioned in the ancient Tamil text, Tiruvilaiyatarpuranam, the childless royal couple of King Malayadwaja Pandya and Queen Kanchanamalai yearned for a child. They wanted a son to continue the royal lineage and hence performed a Yajna to this end. But in a travesty of fate, they were blessed with a daughter who had the anomaly of having three breasts.
The royal couple was aghast, but Lord Shiva blesses them and asks them to bring up their daughter like a son. “When she grows up and meets her husband, she will become normal”, said the God Shiva, consoling the King and Queen. The royal couple took heed of Shiva’s advice and the little princess who was already 3 years old when she emerged from the fire of the Yajna was brought up like a Prince in all respects.
Soon the King makes her the Crown Prince and names her as his successor to the throne. One fine day, Shiva arrives, and the Princess assumes her form of Meenakshi, “the one with Fish Eyes”, and is united with Shiva.
Legend has it that the celestial marriage of Shiva and Parvati in the form of Meenakshi and Sundareshwara was a grand affair with all the Gods and Goddesses showering their blessings and the Lord Vishnu, giving away the hand of the bride in marriage. This celestial marriage is commemorated even today with a special festival.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Architecture
The temple has 14 towers known as Gopurams, the tallest of the tower zooms to a height of 170 feet. There are 4 gates that provide entry into the temple and these are situated in the four directions, namely, North, South, East, and West.
The temple is ornamented with more than 33,000 sculptures and the roofs are an artist’s delight with brightly coloured, intricate motifs and designs of Gods and Goddesses. One of the most fascinating paintings that we saw was that of a Shiv Ling, which changed directions as one moved so that it always faced you.
Main Shrines in the Madurai Meenakshi Temple Complex
Meenakshi Amman Temple
The main shrine in the temple complex is that of the Goddess Meenakshi which occupies the prime position towards the right of the complex. The deity is in the form of a beautiful green stone standing idol. A unique feature of this form of Parvati is that the right hand of the idol holds a lotus on which is seated a parrot. The Meenakshi shrine is facing eastwards as per traditional norms of Hindu temple architecture. The gold-plated Vimana above the temple is the feature of the temple that stands out and is visible from far away.
Sundareswarar Temple
The temple of Sundareshwara is centralized towards the northern direction of the complex. The main idols is a Shiva Linga made of stone. Apart from this inside the temple is a symbolic representation of Shiva called Cokkar, which is used in an important daily ritual. The Sundareshwara temple too is oriented eastwards and faces the entrance from the eastern Gopuram. The Vimana of this temple too is plated in gold.
Other Temples
Other important temples inside the complex include a temple to Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati. There is also a sculpture of Ganesha that stands between the Meenakshi and Sundareshwara temples that is known as Mukuruny Vinayakar.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Timings
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple timings are from 5.00 AM to 12.30 PM and again from 4.00 PM to 10.00 PM. Do check out this temple site for the exact Madurai temple timings.
Darshan At Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Thirukkovil
There are separate queues for men and women for darshan at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Devotees need to pass through a metal detector and be subject to frisking before entry to the temple complex. Tickets for Madurai Meenakshi Temple Special Darshan are available at the temple counters.
Rituals and Puja/Sevas
The Madurai Meenakshi Temple stirs into activity in the wee hours of the morning. The first worship starts at 5.00 AM with the Thiruvanandal pooja which is followed by the Vizha pooja and the Kalasandhi pooja at 6.30 AM.
At 10.30 AM it is time for the Thrikalasandhi pooja and Uchikkala Pooja (Noon Pooja). The temple is closed after this pooja. The temple opens again with the Maalai pooja at 4.30 PM. The Ardhajama Pooja (Night Pooja) happens at 7.30 PM and the final Palliarai pooja at 9.30 PM after which the temple is closed at 10.00 PM.
The temple has frequent Chariot processions in which a metallic replica of the idol of Meenakshi is taken out in a gaily decorated chariot pulled by devotees.
An important daily ritual at the temple is the bearing of a symbol of Shiva in the form of the Cokkar which is the feet of Shiva on a metallic stone on a palanquin to the Meenakshi temple. This ritual takes place at night and is a symbolic representation of Shiva and Parvati spending the night together. The divine couple is woken up in the morning and the Cokkar is brought back to the Sundareshwara temple.
The list of sevas that can be done at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple is as under:
- Arulmigu Swami & Meenakshi Amman Abhishekam
- Ubaya ThiruKalyanam (Morning)
- Ubaya ThiruKalyanam (Evening)
- Arulmigu Sidthar Pushpa Koodaram
- ArulmiguDurgai Abhishekam
- Arulmigu Saraswathy Abhishekam
- Arulmigu Mahalakshmi Abhishekam
- Arulmigu Pathra Kali Abhishekam
- Arulmigu Ahora Veerabhadhrar Abhishekam
- Arulmigu Mukkurini Vinayakar Abhishekam
- Arulmigu Dhakshina Moorthi Abhishekam
- Annadhanam – Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
- Annadhanam – Arulmigu Thiruvappudaiyar Temple
- Arulmigu Mahalakshmi Sandal Paste Decoration
- Annadhanam – Arulmigu Marriamman Temple
- Arulmigu Dhakshinamoorthy Sandal Paste Decoration
- Arulmigu Pathrakali Sandal Paste Decoration
- Arulmigu Muktheeswarar temple Annathanam
Festivals celebrated in Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi temple organizes many colourful festivals throughout the year. One of the most important festivals that draw visitors in millions is a festival called the “Meenakshi Thirukalyanam“. This festival celebrates the marriage of the divine couple Meenakshi and Sundareshwara or Shiva and Parvati. The festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Chithirai month which is around April. The festival lasts for 12 days.
Some other important festivals of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple are:
- Unjal Festival
- Vasantham festival
- Mulai-Kottu festival
- Kolattam festival
- Aavani Moolam Aavani
- Arudhra Dharsan festival
- Navratri Festival
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Online Booking Services
There are various sevas that devotees can offer at the temple and these can be booked online by registering at their website. Online services are for e-pooja, e-books and e-hundi.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Accommodation
There are 3 lodges that are run by the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple that offers accommodation facilities to pilgrims. Details are available here.
- Birla Ashram, Phone: +91 – 0452-2345503
- Sundareswarar Illam, Phone: +91 – 0452-2345503
- Bakthargal Thangum Viduthi, Phone: +91 –0452-2609868
Places to visit in Madurai
1. Madurai Meenakshi Temple – Top’s The List of Madurai Places To Visit
Madurai is virtually synonymous with the Meenakshi Temple which undoubtedly is the pièce de résistance of the city. A visit to this place would be incomplete without visiting this magnificent Meenakshi temple, in fact, the temple is the lodestone which draws multitudes to its fold. This temple is also known as Meenakshi Amman Temple.
The 1000 pillar hall in Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
When inside the temple do not miss the 1000 pillar hall – The Hall of Thousand Pillars which intriguingly consists of 985 pillars carved with the figure of a mythical animal having the body of a lion and the head of an elephant. Outside of the 1000 pillar hall are located the musical pillars where each pillar produces a different musical note when struck.
While walking around the temple, one is sure to lose all sense of time as the magnificent creations of the artists who have long since departed haunt you with their beauty and finesse.
2. Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
A palace constructed in the 17th century by the king Thirumalai Nayak today survives as a shadow of its once, grand presence. The original palace was more than 4 times the size of its current form. In its heyday, the palace was renowned for its grandeur and elegant architectural style and is a fine blend of the best of Dravidian and Rajput architectural styles. In the evenings a Sound and Light show will transport you to a different time in history. The Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is one of the top Madurai famous places. It is a place that is connected with the ancient history of the city and is one of the most interesting places to see in Madurai.
3. Gandhi Museum
Madurai has one of the 5 Gandhi museums in the country. The other museums include the museum at Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, Anasakti Ashram in Kausani, Uttarakhand, and the Mahatma Gandhi Museum in Rajkot.
Mahatma Gandhi was a renowned freedom fighter and is also known as the ‘Father of the Nation.’ The museum presents a visual biography of the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi through its collection of pictures, letters, replicas, and other artefacts. Some of the interesting exhibits include a letter written by Mahatma Gandhi to Adolf Hitler. A portion of the blood-stained garment that Mahatma Gandhi wore, when he was assassinated is also on display at the Museum.
A visit to the museum provides a walk back in time in the recent history of India before independence. The Gandhi Museum is one of the important Madurai tourist places that figure in most people’s Madurai itinerary.
4. Alagar Koyil
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is the God of preservation in the Hindu religion is situated some 22 kilometres from Madurai. The temple is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style and has some rare sculptures. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining position. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams or temples dedicated to Vishnu which is scattered across India and Nepal. It is an important pilgrimage place and one of the important places to visit in Madurai.
The Best Time to Visit Madurai | Madurai Weather
Madurai should be ideally visited during the winter months between September to February as in the summer the mercury rises and the heat will leave you drained.
Madurai Tourism
How to Get to Madurai
By Air
- Madurai is serviced by the Madurai Airport located about 11 kilometres from the Meenakshi temple.
- One can fly into Madurai as it is well connected by air and the major airlines fly into and out of it
- The major flights include Madurai to Bangalore flight and return, Madurai to Chennai flight and Chennai to Madurai flight
- Other cities connected by air include Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Thiruchirapalli
By Train
- There are plenty of trains which connect Madurai to different parts of India
- There are many Madurai to Chennai trains available making a journey by train a comfortable way to cover the Chennai to Madurai distance
- An overnight Madurai to Bangalore train is a great way to travel between the cities
By Road
- One can travel to Madurai by road using public bus services or taxi or private car
- Madurai to Chennai bus services are many and so are Madurai to Bangalore bus services
If you are planning a visit to Madurai, you can book an inexpensive flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. If you are thinking of travelling by road to Madurai then you can get there by self-drive car or cab or bus.
Where to Stay in Madurai
Madurai offers a range of accommodation from the spartan to the luxurious. Accommodation is available in the lodges run by the temple trust as well as many hotels that dot the city. One can choose one of the hotels near Madurai Meenakshi Temple to stay in the vicinity of the temple or opt for hotels near the Madurai railway station. We stayed at the GRT hotel Madurai, known as Regency Madurai. A lovely and luxurious hotel with all amenities and located very near the temple.
We enjoyed the hospitality of the GRT group at the Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels. A hotel that provides a comfortable and luxurious stay experience with all modern amenities in the historic city.
The hotel has 57 elegant rooms which come in Deluxe and Superior categories. All rooms have complimentary WiFi access.
The GRT hotel – Regency Madurai hotel also boasts a fine dining restaurant, a lounge bar, fitness centre, and also an outdoor swimming pool. A 20-minute drive from the Madurai airport and a walking distance from the Meenakshi Temple, Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels is an ideal place to return to after an exciting, yet tiring exploration of this city.
You can book your accommodation at the Regency Madurai or any of the best hotels in Madurai from the Madurai hotels list including the Taj Hotel Madurai or any of the other 5 star hotels in Madurai.
You can book any hotels near Madurai temple or anywhere else right here through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.
| Click and book the best hotels in Madurai |
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What to eat in Madurai
The lunch buffet at Ahaaram, which is the multi-cuisine fine dining restaurant of Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels is really sumptuous. The chefs create magic with traditional Tamil cuisine and also fuse together the best of Indian cuisines from across the country.
Italian dishes like Pasta are also on offer. All dishes come with the unique GRT twist.
Traditional and must have Food experiences in Madurai
Madurai is famous for its Chettinad cuisine which has a fiery tinge in all its dishes. The dishes are prepared using freshly ground spices. The vegetarian fare that one must try when in this city are:
Idiyappam
Idiyappam which is steamed rice flour pressed into noodles and then steamed.
Paniyaram
Paniyaram which is a blend of rice and lentils batter steamed in round shaped mounds to result in crisp, golden balls that can be eaten with spicy curry or sauce.
Idli
When in this city, one has to eat its famed idlis which are as soft as its other famous commodity, the Jasmine flowers known as Madurai Malli in the Tamil language.
Jigar Thanda
Do not forget to have the ubiquitous Jigarthanda, a cold beverage made of milk, almond, sugar, ice-cream and other flavouring agents. Jigar Thanda translates as the Cool heart and is indeed a great coolant against the heat of Madurai in the summers.
Shopping in Madurai
While in Madurai, you can buy sarees, handicrafts and bangles. If you are looking to buy souvenirs then the best places for shopping in Madurai are:
- Prithu Mandapam Market
- Pudhu Mandapam
- Avani Moola Street
- Chithirai Street
- Masi Streets
- Hajee Moosa Textiles
The best things to buy in Madurai are:
- Sungudi Sarees or Chinnalapattu
- Bangles from Valayalkara Theru
- Handicrafts from Cottage Arts Emporium, North Chithirai Street
- Halwa from Prema Vilas, Town Hall Road
- Coffee from Visalam Coffee, Thallakullam
- Madurai Malli ( Jasmine flowers )
Madurai photos / Images for Madurai Meenakshi
Here is a collage of Madurai Meenakshi Temple images.
Around Madurai
- Kodaikanal, a cool and pristine hill station is about 114 kilometres from this city
- Kanya Kumari, the southernmost tip of India is about 246 kilometres from this city
- Rameshwaram, an important pilgrimage centre of the Hindus is about 169 kilometres from this city
- Dhanushkodi, a ghost town swept away in the tsunami is about 188 kilometres from this city
- Valparai, a secluded and lesser-known hill station of Tamil Nadu is located about 235 kilometres from this city
- Thanjavur which is also known as Tanjore is famous for art, architecture, and paintings. It is 190 kilometres from this city
- Tiruchirapalli which is also known as Trichy which is another temple town is 169 kilometres from this city
- Palani, a hill on which is located a famous temple dedicated to Lord Muruga and is visited by 7 million pilgrims every year is located about 100 kilometres from this city
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Madurai
♦ Is Mobile allowed in Madurai Meenakshi temple?
No, mobiles, cameras, and any kind of electronic equipment are banned inside the temple complex.
♦ What is Meenakshi temple famous for?
The Meenakshi temple is famous for its beautiful architecture, paintings, and sculptures as well as its long pillared corridors and halls.
♦ Who built Meenakshi temple at Madurai?
The original temple is credited to the king King Kulasekara Pandya.
♦ Why is Meenakshi temple famous?
The Meenakshi Temple is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Hindus and also has immense historical and cultural significance.
♦ What should I wear in Meenakshi Temple?
Proper dress code as becomes a religious place of worship should be followed when visiting the Meenakshi temple in Madurai. The official prescribed dress code consists of dhotis and pajamas with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts for men. Sarees or half-sarees along with blouses or Churidars with upper cloth for women. Shorts, skirts, and other casual dresses are not to be worn at the temple.
♦ What is Madurai famous for?
Madurai is, of course, famous for the Meenakshi temple. However, there are many other places to visit in Madurai, like the Gandhi Museum, Palace, etc.. There are also many other Temples near Madurai that are worth visiting. The food of Madurai and its local delicacies are also a great attraction.
♦ What is the famous local food of Madurai?
The famous local food of Madurai includes Murugan Idli, Idiyappam, Madurai Halwa, and the cool and refreshing iconic drink Jigarthanda.
♦ Is Madurai worth visiting?
Madurai is definitely worth visiting if you like art, heritage, and culture and the ancient temples of India appeal to you.
♦ What can I buy in Madurai?
Madurai is great for shopping, especially street shopping. One can buy anything from Sarees to Bangles and other stuff.
♦ What is famous to buy in Madurai?
One can buy Sungudi or Chinnalapattu sarees and bangles from the bangles market. One should also taste the local delicacies like Jigarthanda and Madurai Halwa.
♦ How many days are required to visit Madurai? Is one day enough for Madurai?
If you are looking for an immersive experience in Madurai and also planning to visit tourist places near Madurai, you should plan for at least a couple of days. Madurai can also be visited in one day, but in that case, it may not be possible to see all places to visit near Madurai.
♦ How far is Kodaikanal from Madurai?
Madurai to Kodaikanal distance is about 115 kilometres. Tour packages from Madurai are available to visit Kodaikanal.
♦ How long does it take to visit the Meenakshi temple?
It depends on the crowds as well as how much time you want to explore the temple complex. At the minimum, one should plan for 2-3 hours.
♦ How Madurai got its name?
It is believed that Madurai is derived from the word Madhura meaning sweetness in the Sanskrit language.
♦ Is Madurai safe?
Madurai is a safe place. The city of Madurai always has some of the other activities throughout the night, and many markets are open too.
Some Useful Tips – Things To Know Before Visiting Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Ensure to take bath before visiting the temple
- Cigarettes, Tobacco, Gutkha, chewing of betel leaves, bubble gum, chewing gum inside the temple is not allowed
- Do not smoke or spit in the temple
- Dress modestly and do not wear shorts, Lungis or short skirts or caps
- Ladies should not enter the temple in the first 5 days of their menstruation periods
- Footwear and socks are not allowed inside the temple
- Do not carry umbrellas, sticks
- Do not carry mobile phones, cameras, electronic gadgets, bags, water bottles inside the temple
- Cloakrooms are available to deposit your mobiles, camera, valuable items, bag etc.
- Parking facility is available to park vehicles
- Free weddings are performed to benefit the needy
- Temple provides wheelchairs, battery operated cars for the physically challenged and senior citizens. One person can accompany the physically challenged or senior citizen. To avail the service, please contact +91 83009 56820, +91 452 2349868 and +91 452 2344360
Madurai is a city that provides an intoxicating cocktail of experiences that range from fodder for the soul to food for the baser senses. The intoxicating aromas of coffee, jasmine and the street food of Madurai merge together and are guaranteed to haunt you for a long, long time.
Was this complete travel guide to Madurai – The Athens of the East useful to you? Have you been to Madurai?
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Your pics are amazing! I bet the musical pillars at the Meenakshi Temple get a lot of visitors. I would love to visit the Ghandi Museum. I never knew there were 5 Ghandi Museums in India.
I have a couple of sons who are thinking about traveling in the east next year. Your photos are very enticing. Will have to show them your post they might add this to their trip.
The Temple City in Madurai looks absolutely beautiful. Actually, everything including the room and food looks amazing. Personally, I would love to visit the Ghandi Museum.
This looks like a lovely place to be. I’ve never been to Madurai, but I would love to check it out. I’d be excited to try the food too!
Thank you for taking us on such an in depth tour. There’s so many places on my travel list, now I’m adding another!
That first temple was so incredibly beautiful with so many fine details. It looks like it was a wonderful trip filled with beautiful sights, sounds and tastes.
I would love to visit the Meenakshi Temple; it looks incredible. I would also want to visit the Gandhi Museum.
That temples architecture and art is absolutely breath taking. I hope to one day visit there!
Your pictures are stunning. Madurai looks beautiful and I’ve never seen such incredible architecture.
Madurai sounds like a very wonderful part of India. I have only been in Rajasthan and Delhi but I would love to see more of the country. That Jigar Thanda looks particularly delicious and cool for the hot Indian sun!
Somehow I never got the opportunity to visit Tamil Nadu at leisure. I have heard so much about the beauty of the temples at Madurai, and your pictures confirmed the thought. The hotel looks like an interesting place to stay during the visit to Athens of India.
What a great place to visit. Sounds very interesting and I love to learn about new places and cultures.
wow I would love to go to the Gandhi museum, what an experience. But everything about this looks beautiful. As someone who’s never been to india, it is good to know some destinations that are not just major cities Thank you!
Gorgeous pics! The colours of Madurai Meenakshi Temple are stunning! Added to my travel list 🙂
Hi Sandy & Vyjay! What a beautiful post! Madurai looks so incredibly rich in culture, history and amazing architecture. The Gandhi museum would be at the top of my must-see list. I saw the movie Gandhi and would want to see where it took place. From the ruins to the rich culture, I would love to explore and take it all in! The hotel looks lovely, too!
Meenakshi Temple looks amazing! it’s a shame that I had no time to visit Madurai when I was traveling around India. Tamil Nadu seems to be an off-the-beaten-path destination among backpackers, so I’d like to give it a go.
Thanks for sharing
Miguel.
Wow – I didn’t know there were so many temples in India – and especially these beautiful ones in Madurai – what an interesting article and with so much info – thank you
I have to say that I’m stunned by how beautiful the Meenakshi Temple is. I can’t imagine what it was like before the looting, but I’m so glad that it was relatively quickly restored. I could spend hours just looking at the detail in the carvings and the colors. I also really want to see the Gandhi Museum. Regency Madurai looks like a great home base for exploring the area. Pinned!
I;ve heard the temples are lovely. Those colors look so bright and the detail on the statues and figures is quite clear.
Wow I can’t believe there are 6 million temples in India . And yet each one has such unique and intricately beautiful architecture. I’m always left spellbound. Those musical pillars sound interesting. I wonder how they were constructed. The architect was surely brilliant. Interesting to read about the other temples and the Gandhi Museum as well. I hope to visit Madurai someday!
I love how colorful the temple is! The fact that are are sweets nearby is an added bonus
Ohh my I was not familiar with Madurai until I read your article and there seems to be soo much to see and do here! Thank you for the advice for visiting in the winter months, I will keep that in mind
All your descriptions of the smells and emotions of being in this place just puts me in a dream. It sounds and looks like the perfect place to visit.
The architecture on the buildings is amazing! Absolutely gorgeous. The colors are so pretty, and the food doesn’t look too bad either. Lol! This looks like a lovely place to visit.
Stunning is one of many words that come to mind. It seems this is in the southern part of India which is not an area we are familiar with. The food looks amazing and diet and palate friendly! The temples…amazing.
It’s funny how I have been encountering Madurai over the last 3 years of which twice last year. It must be a call for me to explore it even more deeper. My favorite (not counting the Meenakshi temple) was the Nayakkar palace, that too during the day when you can see the beautiful high ceilings here. Glad you brought the entire place to fore.
Hey! Never knew about a Gandhi musuem being present there. I too have not explored Madurai much except for some of the places you mention here, and that too was a quick trip. Maybe I should schedule Madurai later this year.
Wow. Inside the temple is absolutely gorgeous. I love going on vacation to historical places, rich in history. What a wonderful place to visit, and learn more about the city!
India always has its charm. And I’m glad you are such a savvy travler! I plan to go and visit one day soon…
This isn’t a part of India that I have really considered visiting but it looks fabulous. The food in the hotel looks particularly enticing!
Sandy and Vyjay very thorough post! I loved South India and I didn’t get to Madurai but I do want to get back, I’ll bookmark this for future trips. Your pictures are stunning and reminded me of many amazing South Indian meals. thanks for all the tips!
India has 6 million temples, one more beautiful than another. Every time I read about a temple in India I get amazed by the beauty of the sculptures and the decorations and think how much effort has been put into creating them and how long it took to finish the work. I always wonder how many people must have worked to create such a masterpiece. On every single temple! You are so lucky to live in a country with such a huge heritage.
Madurai looks like an amazing place to visit! I would LOVE to see the Temples in person and to fully immerse myself in the culture… great photos! ; )
The architectural design and details of the these temples have always amazed me. The artwork of the Meenakshi Temple is breathtaking. The sculpture of the Alagar Koyil stands out as well.
We visited Madurai during our whirlwind road trip. We stayed close to the Meenakshi temple area and had one of the best chai there. I still recall it with a lot of fondness, so it must be really good. Next time I visit I need to see the palace and the Vishnu temple too. Thanks for sharing !
The temples of Madurai remind a bit of Tikal in Guatemala but much more colorful. The food here looks delish!
I never even heard of this place and it looks so magical and now I want to include it on my list of places to visit when I am in the area. Those temples look so colourful 😀
It’s beautiful but I don’t think it can compare to Athens built a thousand years earlier~
I can see why it’s called the Athens of the East! So much rich history and from all the way back to the 3 century B.C.E?! That’s insanely awesome. I love the bright colors on the ceiling of that particular temple. It’s stunning. That drink sounds absolutely delicious and refreshing.
That temple looks magical! So many gorgeous designs and bright colours- India truly is a photographer’s dream.
The Hindu Architecture is so colorful and special for any tourists outside of the country but the Indian food is just too sweet for me 🙂 Thanks for the introduction and detailed information! Nice read 🙂
@ knycx.journeying
As soon as I read the title I was intrigued to learn why this is the Athens of the East. The architecture here is so interesting, intricate, and beautiful. I also want to try all that food!
These are some seriously nice temples. Such a variety too I really like that. I want to come and visit I would really enjoy it here
Wow, I can see why they call it the Athens of the East! It seems like every building and every corner is telling a story.
I want to eat all of the food. Always. I’m hungry now after looking at these photos! The colors and details of this ancient architecture is truly breathtaking. I hope to see this someday with my own eyes. Thanks for highlighting your experience – it’s convinced me to get there ASAP!
Your posting and interesting picture shows the popularity of the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Excellent write up. I too wish to get stationed there for a couple of days so that each and every part of the complex is covered.
So many places to see and foods to try! It looks like an exquisite place to visit and even stay for a little way! Thanks for all the tips!
When you mentioned the fragrance of jasmine, I was totally transported to Madurai with you as I looked at the temple photos.
Madurai is indeed a must visit ancient town of South India. Particularly the Meenakshi temple is a must see. I didn’t know about this fine dine option though. The spread is really good. I will like to try it out on my own trip to Madurai
I loved the ornate detailing at the Meenakshi temple and learning about its long and vast history. Also there are so many delicious dishes that I’d love to try in this region! I’d start with the Paniyaram!
I love your photos! The temples are so beautiful and ornate -I would love to see them in person.
What a fascinating place to visit. Even if the temple was sacked so many years ago, it’s still magnificent and I’m glad it was restored by the Nayak king. And good to know where to stay if you go.
Thank you for this post about Madurai and the Meenakshi Temple. I have no doubt that I enjoy visiting this intriguing destination.
Six million temples…wow!! The first temple is similar to one in Little India, Singapore. The level of detail and the stories behind each piece of tile or sculpture is truly fascinating. This is a fascinating place to visit and your guide does a great job of highlighting the experience. Nicely done!!
I have seen so many pictures of Madurai over the years and wondered if it’s really as beautiful as it looks, Thank you for confirming. It’s on my bucket list for sure!
I love idlis! Reading about it so early in the morning at 4.40 doesn’t really help though, haha! On a more serious note though, I’d love to visit Ghandi Museum! Didn’t know that there are 5 of them in India! Did he spend some of his time in Madurai?
Haha – Idlis! 🙂 Mahatma Gandhi has visited Madurai city five times.
Madurai looks amazing! I’m always so fascinated by places with such a rich history. I’m excited to visit India in the near future and will bookmark Madurai as a potential stop (maybe next trip? who knows!)
Amazing pics. Madurai is a beautiful city and you’ve covered it beautifully.
The Ghandi Museum seems like it would be a good enough reason to go as I have a lot of respect for that man but The Temple City in Madurai looks beautiful. That architecture is like nothing I have ever seen before!
You have taken us with you as always. <3 I really love how you share the stories of a place together with its facts. The richness of India is definitely beyond what we can imagine.
What the what! This place looks incredible! Great photos! I need to add this to good old bucket list!
I have been to Madurai twice, yet missed visiting some of these. Biggest regret is not visiting Gandhi Museum. And also not tasting jigarthanda. 🙁
Wow!! 6 million temples? Then we have million of reasons to visit India! Plus the hotel you stayed in is very nice looking accommodation. Looks spotless!
A great, in-depth post. The temple in particular looks fascinating!
I went to Madurai as a kid – and I remember walking the grand corridor. Now I am married to a South Indian and the architecture of these temples never stops to amaze me!
The details of Meenakshi temple looks gorgeous! I would love to photograph the ‘artwork’ in the ceiling. Madurai had been on my radar for quite a few days. I have a friend in Chennai, so we are planning a trip to Madurai soon!
Have never been to Madurai..need to put it on my list!
Have always wanted to visit this place. The musical pillars are a stunning creation.
I have never been to madurai but it is one of the places I have dreamed of visiting since long. I have heard a lot about Meenakshi Temple, the Nayakar Mahal and Alagar Koyil are new to me. The temples, delicious food and the rich history are the perfect reasons to visit this ancient city.
A beautiful presentation of places in Madurai..Recently I have visited the city and these places really charmed me..!!