Meenakshi Amman is a historic temple in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi. It is situated on the Vaigai River’s southern bank and is considered to be a prime pilgrimage site for devotees of Parvati and Shiv. It is one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. This temple’s main attractions are Golden Lotus Pond and Thousand Pillar of the temple. Various rituals and festivals are conducted at the temple that every pilgrim must attend. It is also important to know the timing of the opening and closing of the temple to have a smooth darshan experience. Let’s take a look at the timings of the temple and various rituals that are conducted.
- Timings: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
Temple Timings
The Meenakshi Amman Temple opens at 4:30 AM early morning and the Darshan starts at around 7:15 AM. In the afternoon, the temple remains closed between 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. At around 4:00 PM the temple reopens offering a serene backdrop for prayers and spiritual reflection. Sometimes the timings of the temple may vary at the time of festivals and special events. So you’re advised to check the temple’s official website for the updates.
Pooja Timings
Let’s take a look at the details of different rituals and poojas that are conducted at Madurai Meenakshi Temple
- The daily ritual at the temple includes pooja that is conducted eight times a day. Each Pooja comprises the deities Abhishekam, Alangaram (beautiful decoration with costly ornaments), Deep Aradhana (Aarti that is held with lamps) and Naivedyam (offering of food).
- Thiruvanandal Pooja– Thiruvanandal is the day’s first Pooja that starts at around 5 AM. As per the rituals the deities are bathed and then dressed up beautifully in ornaments. During this time the morning Aarti is performed.
- Kalasandhi Pooja and Vizha Pooja– These Poojas comprising of Aarti and Abhishekam is held on a daily basis between 6:30 AM to 7:15 AM.
- Uchikala Pooja and Thrikalasandhi Pooja – These Poojas start at around 10:30 AM and end at 11:15 AM.
- Maalai Pooja (Evening Aarti) – You can observe this ritual between 4:30 PM till 5:15 PM.
- Ardhajama Pooja– Ardhajama is basically night Aarti that is held at around 7:30 PM and the Naivedyam continues till 8:15 PM.
- Palliarai Pooja– This is the day’s last Pooja that begins at around 9:15 PM. This is a special Pooja where Lord Shiva is taken around to Goddess Meenakshi’s sanctum in a palanquin and for the day both are put to rest.
- Annadanam– The authorities of Madurai Meenakshi Temple allow Annadanam to be conducted on devotees special request at Four Thousand rupees per two hundred persons.
Festivals Celebrated at the Temple
Let’s take a look at the festivals that are celebrated at Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
Arulmigu Thirukalyanam or Chithirai Brahmotsavam – This festival marks the wedding between Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara. It is celebrated in the month of Chitthirai (April) for a 12 days period. The festival starts with the hoisting of the flag on the Dhvajastambha. The flag hoisting is as an invitation to all the Goddesses and Gods to attend the celebrations.
Navarathri – Navarathri is one of the grandest festivals dedicated to Goddess Amman. This festival is celebrated for ten days in a grand manner. On all nine days, Amman deity’s idol is decorated in a different manner and thousands of pilgrims seek her blessings. Laksharchana and Kalpa Pooja are performed every day for the Goddess.
Aavani festival – This is one of the most important festivals celebrated during the month of Aavani (August) for 18 days. This festival marks the coronation of Lord Sundareshwara as Madurai’s king. The festival’s first six days are dedicated to Lord Chandrashekhar. On the seventh day coronation takes place. The ritual of Thiruvathavur Manickavasagar Perumal and Thiruparankundram Subramanya bidding farewell is held on the ninth day.
Teppotsavam – This festival is held during the Tamil month of “Thai” which usually happens in January. In a grand procession the idols of Lord Sundareshwara and Goddess Meenakshi are taken around in Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam’s waters. The deities idols are then taken back with great enthusiasm to the Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
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