The temple dominates the old city which evolved around it. The street run in
concentric circle around the temple. The four 'Veli' street mark the outer limits
of the temple town.
The temple is dedicated to both of Meenakshi of the limpid fish-shaped eyes,
the lovely consort of Lord Siva; and to Lord Siva himself (Sundareswarar). It
is one of the holiest places of worship in South India, drawing thousands of
devotees everyday. It has also been the centre of Tamil culture, sponsoring
literature, art, music and dance over the countries. Legend has it that when
the third and the last Tamil Sangam (Academy of Tamil Literature) met at Madurai,
literary works were thrown into the temple tank, where a divine force caused
works of merit to float and inferior literature to sink.
The original temple was probably a modest structure built to Agamic guidelines.
However, it has grown with the graceful additions of puissant dynasties and
victorious monarchs into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65,000
sq.metres. The temple is dominated by four enormous towers (gopurams) over the
entrance gates. The oldest tower is the 13th century eastern gopuram, opposite
to the Sundareswarar shrine, built by Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan. The southern
gopuram is the tallest and was built in the 16th century. From the top of the
tower one can get a panoramic view of Madurai and the 11 other gopurams of the
temple.
The Thousand-Pillared Mandapam (hall) of the temple has actually 985 beautiful
sculpted pillars. The temple Art Museum is housed here.
The Pudhu Mandapam with 124 sculptured stone pillars was built by Thirumalai
Nayak.
The Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple is open to the public of all days.
Timing 5.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Photography is allowed within the temple precincts.
Temple Museum
Timings: 6.00a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
