Meenakshi Temple is Situated in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is the most famous and popular Hindu temple in India. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi (Avatar of parvati Devi). The main attractions of this temple are Thousand Pillar and Golden Lotus Pond of the temple. There is another temple called Lord Sundareswarar temple which is the avatar of Lord Shiva. The Meenakshi Temple opens from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It remains closed from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
The Meenakshi Temple attracts millions of devotees every year. Most of the pilgrims visit during festivals. At that time, the Sevas and special poojas are held in the temple. The most famous festival is Chithirai Thiruvizha, celebrated on the marriage day of Goddess Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. This article includes information on the timings, darshan booking, ticket prices, sevas, special poojas and festivals.
Overview of Madurai Meenakshi Temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple |
| Location | Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Deity | Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) |
| Historical Period | Built around 6th-7th century CE, with major expansions in 12th-17th century |
| Architectural Style | Dravidian architecture |
| Gopurams (Towers) | 14 gopurams, with the tallest being the southern tower (~51.9 meters) |
| Area | Approximately 45 acres |
| Key Features | – Thousand Pillar Hall – Golden Lotus Tank (Potramarai Kulam) – Intricate carvings and sculptures |
| Festivals | – Meenakshi Thirukalyanam (April-May) – Chithirai Festival – Navaratri |
| Cultural Significance | One of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India, known for its architectural grandeur and vibrant festivals |
| Visiting Hours | 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM (may vary; check official sources) |
| Entry | Free entry; special darshan tickets available |
| UNESCO Status | Proposed for UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Darshan and Timings of Meenakshi Temple
The Temple opens early morning at 5:00 AM and the Darshan starts at 7:15 AM. Here is the table listing with the timings of the darshan at Meenakshi Temple. Remember that the temple is closed in the afternoon between 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Opening Time | 5:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 7:15 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Afternoon Darshan | 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Break | 12:00 PM to 4:00PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM |
| Night Darshan | 8:15 PM to 9:30 PM |
| Closing Time | 10:00 PM |
Sometimes the timings may vary at the time of special events and festivals. So the idea is to check the official website for the updates. There are so many darshans in the Meenakshi temple you can check the prices below.
Types of Darshans at Meenakshi Temple
The same timings for all darshans but the waiting time is changed. The entry of the darshan also changes for the paid darshan so check the temple’s darshan entries.
| Darshan Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Darshan | free darshan means general darshan visiting without any fee |
| Rs. 20 Darshan | The fastest darshan and also called as VIP darshan |
| Rs. 50 Darshan | better darshan compared to free darshan and 20/- darshan |
| Rs. 100 Darshan | The fastest darshan also called as VIP darshan |
The Meenakshi temple has an online booking system on the official website. You can book poojas and services to the deity from the online.
Bhadrachalam online ticket booking
How to Book Darshan Tickets Online For Meenakshi Temple
Here is the process to book the darshan tickets online on the official website
- Visit the official website: Go to the official website of Meenakshi Temple.
- Navigate to darshan booking: Select the “Darshan Booking” from the menu.
- Select the darshan type: choose the darshan type according to your time slots.
- Select the time & date: Select the date and time from the available slots.
- Give details of devoting: fill in the required details.
- Make payment: Make payment using the available payment options.
- confirmation: get a confirmation ticket to your email or registered mobile number.
Note: Carry a valid ID proof at the time of your darshan. Make sure that you reach the entry gate before 30 minutes.
How to Book Darshan Tickets Offline For Meenakshi Temple
- Visit the temple ticket counter:
- Go to the Meenakshi Temple ticket counter at the entrance of the temple.
- Darshan application form:
- Ask for the Darshan booking application form at the temple ticket counter.
- Select the Darshan type, date and time:
- Select Darshan type like VIP Darshan or any special Darshan and then select the date and time of your slot according to the availability.
- Fill up the application:
- Fill the application with the required details like name age gender and provide mobile number and email id for the verification purpose and also enter the address details of the devotees.
- Submit the valid ID proof:
- Submit the a valid ID proof copy which is the application in the temple ticket counter.
- Make payment:
- Make payment of your Darshan ticket through the available payment options in the temple ticket counter like UPI payment net banking or credit or debit card or by cash.
- Receive confirmation ticket:
- Get your confirmation Darshan ticket from the temple ticket counter after completing the payment.
What are the Required Documents for the Meenakshi temple darshan Booking
- Identity Proof (Any One of the Following)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Driving License
- Passport size photo
- Confirmation of darshan ticket after booking.
Sevas and events at Meenakshi Temple
In Meenakshi temple, we can book the abhishekam and Archana from the official website. The devotees can offer to the deity by the event timings. Here is the table with the events, timings and prices.
| Event Name | Price (₹) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Archanai | 5/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Agni Veerabathrar Abhishegam | 1000/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Agoraveerabathrar Abhishegam | 1000/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Amman Swami Abhishegam | 1300/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Anukai Vinayagar Abhishegam | 550/- | 12:00 AM – 11:58 PM |
| Arulmigu Bathrakali Amman Abhishegam | 1000/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Durgai Amman Abhishegam | 550/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Saraswathi Amman Abhishegam | 550/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Siddhar PooKoodaram | 500/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Special Entrance (Amman and Swamy) | 100/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Special Entrance (Amman or Swamy) | 50/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Ubaya Thangaratham | 1501/- | 12:00 AM – 11:58 PM |
| Ubaya Thirukalyanam | 1501/- | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the dress code for visiting the temple?
Ans: Wear traditional dresses like men in dhotis or trousers and shirts. And Women in sarees and salwars. Modest and traditional are allowed.
2. Are there any special poojas and offerings?
Ans: The special poojas include Abhishekam, Archana, Vastra Samarpanam, and Annadanam. Some offerings are fruits, coconuts, flowers, and garlands.
3. Can I take photographs inside the temple?
Ans: In some areas taking photos is not allowed. check the areas that are permitted to take photos.
4. How can I reach the Meenakshi Temple?
Ans: You can reach by rail, air and road to the meenakshi temple. The nearest city to the temple is Madurai.
5. What are the dos and don’ts while visiting the temple?
Ans: The dos and dons in the temples premises
- Dos: follow the dress code, respect the rituals, carry a Valid ID proof, follow the queue system and join in the events
- Dons: avoid smoking and alcohol, don’t litter and avoid touching any idols.
6. Are there facilities for devotees at the temple?
Ans: The facilities provided by the temple are restrooms, clock rooms and drinking water.