Madurai is synonymous with the great Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. One of the grandest temples in the country, the 2000 years old temple is a magnificent piece of art and architecture. Nominated for the contest of " World Wonders", the temple is a jewel in the crown of Madurai, situated right at the heart of the city. Built by the Pandiya Kings and later by the Nayaks, the temple is an amalgamation of Pandiya architecture, characterized by ornate pillars, granite slab roofs, yazhis , niches and vaults on the stone walls and Nayak style of architecture identified by the Superstructure of Gopurams.
With over a dozen pyramid like Gopurams rising into the skies, the temple is spread across 15 acres and is one of the biggest Hindu temples in the country. Get soaked in the vibrant wall frescos and roof painting, go around the pillars and prakarams, crank your neck and look up at the Gopurams and count the statues on them ! With few thousand stucco statues on each of the Gopurams, the temple during the mornings and evenings presents a resplendent sight to behold. It's indeed a mesmerizing experience to watch the colours of the Gopurams come alive in the sunlight.
The temple boasts of 14 towers, the tallest being the South Tower, standing at an impressive height of 51.9 meters ( 170 ft) and 2 golden sculptured vimanas ( shrines) over the sanctums of the main deities. Meenakshi temple attracts over 15000 visitors per day. During the annual 10 day Chithirai Festival held in the months of April or May , it attracts a million visitors.
Temple Worship Timings :
the Meenakshi Temple is open 5 am - 12.30 pm and 4 - 10 pm
With over a dozen pyramid like Gopurams rising into the skies, the temple is spread across 15 acres and is one of the biggest Hindu temples in the country. Get soaked in the vibrant wall frescos and roof painting, go around the pillars and prakarams, crank your neck and look up at the Gopurams and count the statues on them ! With few thousand stucco statues on each of the Gopurams, the temple during the mornings and evenings presents a resplendent sight to behold. It's indeed a mesmerizing experience to watch the colours of the Gopurams come alive in the sunlight.
The temple boasts of 14 towers, the tallest being the South Tower, standing at an impressive height of 51.9 meters ( 170 ft) and 2 golden sculptured vimanas ( shrines) over the sanctums of the main deities. Meenakshi temple attracts over 15000 visitors per day. During the annual 10 day Chithirai Festival held in the months of April or May , it attracts a million visitors.
Temple Worship Timings :
the Meenakshi Temple is open 5 am - 12.30 pm and 4 - 10 pm
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