Things to Do in Madurai

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple:

The Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple was constructed under the reign of King Kulasekara Pandya between 1190 and 1216 AD.

He was responsible for the main sections of the three-tiered gopura at the entrance of the Sundareswarar Sanctuary, as well as the central area of the Goddess Meenakshi Sanctuary, which are among the earliest existing components of the temple.

Additionally, he established shrines (Koil) dedicated to Natarajar and Surya adjacent to the main temple, along with Ayyanar to the east, Vinayagar to the south, Kariamalperumal to the west, and Kali to the north.

He also built a Mahamandapam. Kulasekara Pandya was not only a ruler but also a poet, and he wrote a poem titled Ambikai Malai in honor of Meenakshi. Corridor with pillars leading to the Sundareswara sanctuary and the Sundara Pandyan Mandapam.

This temple is an important pilgrimage site within the Shaivism tradition, Meenakshi Devi, and Shiva. It is noteworthy that Vishnu is present in various narratives, sculptures, and rituals, as he is considered Meenakshi's brother.

The daily religious observance that occurs early in the morning is traditionally known as Thirupalli Ezhuchi, which translates to "awakening a prayer" or "morning prayer" for the opening ceremony.

The evening ritual is known as the closing ceremony or chamber ceremony, and it takes place at night. The temple is usually open from 5:00 to 12:30 and from 16:00 to 20:30.

As the evening draws, the extraordinary ‘Going to Bed Ceremony’ at Sri Meenakshi Temple rises. Each night, the image of Shiva is carried from his shrine to join his consort Parvati, in another part of the temple.  This ceremony can be chaotic and noisy, but this is not to be missed if you are traveling to Madurai. Each morning, the image of Shiva is returned to his own place of rest. We will start at the east entrance of the temple, and we will witness the traditional Aarti ceremony that is performed every evening at dusk. The experience wonderfully highlights local culture and religion, in an effort by the participants to find peace. Note: *Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the Temple’s main sanctum area, but they can witness the ceremony from outside. *The beginning time of the ceremony is not precise. It depends on the number of people, temple festivals and the movements of Hindu's astrological constellations.

Dress Code:
* Full pants and shirt with sleeves is required. People wearing Half pants/ sleeveless shirts are not allowed inside the temple.
* Cigarettes, lighters, match boxes, tobacco, chewing gum, cosmetic items are not allowed to take into the temple. Water bottle, purse and small hand bag are allowed to take into the temple.
* Photography/videography is prohibited inside the temple premises.

Exclusions:
* Entrance fee for the Temple
* Tipping for the guide


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Note :
The Morning Walks in Madurai Would be starting at 9 am instead of 8 am.

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Description:
Madurai is an ancient city that is situated in the South state Tamil Nadu, India. It is the earliest recorded civilisation and there is evidence that there was human settlement here dating back to 300 BC. The town is built around the Meenakshi Temple. It is well known for various reasons one of them being the historical monuments like the Meenakshi Amman Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace. Madurai has also contributed a lot to Indian literature with its rich and abundant literary tradition. On your visit here admire the Dravidian style of architecture as you pay pilgrimage to Meenakshi temple. The pillars outside the temple are erected so cleverly that they one can hear different notes when touching them. Thirumalai Nayak palace is known as the living palace of the Nayak Kings, it was built in the 17th century and is a beautiful construction with several pillars and domes around. With only a fourth portion of this marvel surviving.

Note :

The Morning Walks in Madurai Would be starting at 9 am instead of 8 am.

and

These tours has minimum number (Minimum Two) of guests required for it to run. While unlikely , it is possible that will not reach the minimum and the guest will be notified that it has been cancelled.