TEMPLES IN MADURAI

Madurai is a temple city. It is situated on banks of river vaigai. Madurai city finds its place in the Tamil epic Silappathiharam, the legend around Kannagi, Kovalan and Madhavi. There are three hills around Madurai in animal shapes – Yaanai Malai (Elephant shaped), Pasumalai (Cow shaped) and Naagamalai (Snake shaped).

Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple 

Madurai means meenakshi like as kanchi means kamachi. She is the Hindu female deities to have a temple devoted to her. This temple dedicated to parvati and her consort siva. There are 12 massive gopurams in the temple, the four tallest gopurams at the outer walls.  The golden lotus pond is located to the left of the Meenakshi shrine.  Sundareswarar gives darshan in the form of a linga. It is located at 1 km from Railway station & Periar Bus stand. 6 km from Mattuthavani Bus stand. 3 km from Arappalayam Bus stand. The time to visit temple at morning 5.00AM to 1.00PM and evening 4PM to 10PM.

Alagarkovil

Alagarkovil is a temple dedicated to lord Vishnu in 13th century. The temple is situated on a hill amidst panoramic surroundings.  It  is about 21 km from Periar Bus Stand, 15 km from Mattu Thavani Bus Stand, 18 km from Arappalayam Bus Stand. This is one of the most ancient temples in India and famous for sculptures and mandapams.           

Thirupparankundram

Thiruparankundram is known for its ancient temple of Hindu Deity Murugan. It contains 41 inscriptions revealing the early history of the temple. It was built by Pandya kings during 8th century A.D. The temple is about 8kms from Madurai.  The temple is opened from 5.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. 

Koodal Azhagar Temple

Koodal azhagar temple is the famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.  The Lord Vishnu can be seen in three different positions including sitting, standing and reclining. The temple is stand for remarkable architectural and sculptural magnificence. It is suitated at 1km from periyar bus stand. The temple visiting hours 10.00AM to 1.00PM and 4.00PM to 10..PM.

Mariamman Temple 

                                       

Mariamman temple is the Hindu goddess of rain and it is situated about 5kms from meenakshi temple. The temple has a huge tank and it is one of the biggest tank in tamilnadu. This temple is famous for float festival. The visiting hours morning  6.00AM to 1.00PM and evening 4.00PM to 9.00PM. 

Sri Muktheeswarar temple

                       

This temple is dedicated to Shivan. The sun rays are fall on the muktheeswar during the days from 10 to 22 in the month of march and september. The rays are remind for 20minutes each day.Navarathiri, Adipooram are the important festivals celebrated in temple.The temple is about 4km from Madurai central bus stand.The is temple timings are morning 6.00AM to 11.00Am and evening 4.00PM to 8.30PM.

Sri Aadhi Chokkanadhar Temple

                           

This temple is situated in simmakal and the special significance of this temple shivalingas worshipped by kubera. The full moon day, navarathiris and others festivals are celebrated in the temple. This temple is opened from 6.00AM to 11.00AM and 4.00PM to 9.00PM.

Sri Madana Gopala Swamy Temple

               
                           

This temple is dedicated to Vishnu. It is situated in west masi street near Periyar Bus Stand. There is seperate shrine for Aandal. There are also shrines for other gods like hanuman, narasimmar,durgai. The temple is opened from 6.00AM to 12.00pm and from 4.00PM to 8.30PM.