The name of mother goddess is Meenakshi Amman. The another well known tamil name is Angayarkanni which means she has fish shaped eyes. Meenakshi Amman protects her devotees like a fish.
The temple is globally famous. Religious and political history of Tamilnadu begins from here. Mother Meenakshi sets an example of fair administration. Lord Shiva is all to all. A temple worshipped by great saints. This is the sacred land where Lord Shiva danced changing his legs. Indira and Varuna worshipped here.
As this the first of the 64 Shakti Peetas in the country, all pujas are first dedicated to Mother Meenakshi and then to Lord Shiva.
Mother Meenakshi has many names as Pachai Devi, Maragathavalli, Thadathagai, Abishekavalli, Abhiramavalli, Kayarkan Kumari, Karpooravalli, Kumari Thurayal, Komagal, Sundaravalli, Pandipiratti, Madurapuri Thalaivi, Manickavalli, Mummulai Tiruvazhumagal.
This is a temple speaking volumes of the glory of Tamil culture and arts with live statues and idols, stones singing and great literatures produced by eminent scholar poets. There are live paintings all over the temple depicting the Tiruvilayadals of the Lord. Prose, poetry, plays all three forms of Tamil language – Iyal, Isai, Natakam reached the peak of glory.
It is here that Pottramarai Kulam – the tank with golden lotus came into being offering flowers to Indira for Shiva puja. There are no fish or water creatures in the tank.
There are temples on four directions within the Madurai city known as Inner Aavaranas.
Moolavar : Sundareswarar, Chokkanathar
Amman / Thayar : Mennakshi, Angayarkanni
Thala Virutcham : Kadamba tree
Theertham : Pottramarai, Vaigai, Kruthamalai, Teppakulam, Purathotti
Agamam / Pooja : Karana Agamam
Old in year : 2000-3000 years old
Historical Name : Alavai, Kudal, Nanmadakudal, Kadambavanam
City : Madurai
State : Tamil Nadu.
Festival:
The famous Chithirai Tiruvizha in April-May has many programmes as Wedding of Mother Meenakshi with Lord Shiva, Her Coronation and car festivals. Navarathri in September-October, Aavani Moola festival in August-September, Thai float festival in January-February, Aadi Pooram in July-August, Pongal in January-February, Deepavali, Tamil and English New Year days, Vinayaka Chaturthi are other festivals. There are monthly special pujas also. Almost every day is a festival day in the temple.
Opening Time:
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.
Address:
Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai – 625 001.
+91- 452-234 9868, 234 4360
