Monday 17 June 2013

NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES

Navagraha temples are temples devoted to Navagraha - the nine (nava) major celestial bodies (Grahas) of Hindu astronomy. These celestial bodies are named Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Chevvaai/Mangal (Mars), Budhan (Mercury), Guru/Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra(Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node).


Sani - Thirunallar


The name “TIRUNALLARU” is said to represent the association of Nala of the Nishadha country who got his deliverance from the evil effects of Shani (Saturn) by invoking the Lord’s mercy here. (Nala+Aru-Nallaru). The word “Aru” also conveys the meaning “to heel” and the two words taken together will mean Nala’s place of redemption or the pace where Nala secured his redemption from the hold of Saturn through the Lord’s Grace. 
As per the history of the temple, the great King Nala of Puranic fame was relieved of the affliction of Lord Saturn or Lord Saneeswaran after worshipping the Lord consecreted in this temple.
When the Planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The Legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his affictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worships in this temple.
Whoever visits this temple and prays before Lord Saneeswaran is believed to have been relieved of all the curses and sufferings and get the blessings of Lord for a happy and prosperous life.
The moolavar of Dharbarenyeswarar is Swayambu Lingam.Poojas are performed 6 times(6 kalams) by the Brahmin priests.Poojas like Ashtothra Archana, Abhishegam, Sahasranama Archana and Navagraha Shanthi Homam are performed daily but Homams are not accepted on Saturdays.
Festivals
Among the Navagrahas, Lord Saturn (Saneeswarar) occupies an important place. 
Sivarathri festival for Chandrasekarar and Ambal in February March.
The Brahmortsavam festival in Vaikasi.Sanipeyarchi festival for two days once in two and half years when “Sani” changes his gruha or place.
Apart from these festivals, Special Abhishegam are also held in the Temple throughout the year on important occassions.
The place was originally a forest of Dharba grass and it is stated that the Lingam even now has impressions left by the Dharba weeds within which it was situated.The Lord here is also known as “ADHIMOORTHY or NALLARAR”.
“PACHAI PADHIGAM” sung by the great saint Thirugnanasambhandar is very famous one.
Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the important one. By bathing here, it is belived that one washes off all kinds of misfortune , afflictions and to escape from the woes of sani. Saniswara or Saturn, is generally known to affect one adversely on occasions when he occupies certain positions in one’s horoscope.A prayer to him, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate the hardships one will have to face during these periods. 
Mantra for SaturnAum aing hring shring shung shanaishcharaye namah aum
Route map
Air : The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli, 168 Kms. away
Rail : The nearest Railway Station is Nagore, 10 Kms. away from here.
Bus Service : Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Pondicherry Tourism & Transport Development Corporation and other private buses are available.

Raghu-Thirunageswaram

Thirunageshwaram is one of the 127 temples on the southern banks of river Cauvery. It is one of the Panchakrosa Sthalas. The presiding Deity is Arulmigu Giri Gujambika Sametha Naganathaswamy. The Raaghu Sannathi (Nagaraja Shrine) is on the South-West direction of the second prakara.

The Chola King Kandaraathithya (950 AD-957 AD) changed it into a granite edifice. The inner Mantapa was built by Seikkizhar, as it was a favourite place to him. Govinda Dikshitar (17th century A.D.) a minister to Acchuthappa nayak, constructed the outer mantapa. Sambumali, a King built the beautifulSurya Puskarani beautifully. The roof and other renovation work were done by Arimalazham Annamalai Chettiar. 

Further Raaghu had received a boon from Siva for bestowing grace and prosperity to those who worship Him with devotion. He took His abode as God with His two consorts. As per the Sthalapuranam, there are two Shrines (Sannidhis) for the Presiding Deity (Moorthi)
  • Naganatha Shrine
  • Arthanareeswara Shrine
Sculpture 

There are some ancient sculptures in the Mantapas. The horse and lion figures on the pillars, Adhikaranandi, Seikkilar,Balaravoyar,his brother and their mother, Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar, Manikkavasagar, Bairava, Nataraja, and others are very beautiful. The thousand pillared mantapa is designed like a chariot having artistic stone wheels.

Some special features

There is a separate shrine to Goddess Girigujambika. Lakshimi and Saraswathi are standing on either side of Her. There is no daily Abhiseka(oblation) to the Goddess, as it is a stucco Indra was cursed by Gautama Rishi. He got deliverance by worshipping the Goddess by adorning Her with civet.The milk poured (Abhiseka) to Raaghu changes into light blue color.
There are 12 Theerthams
1. Surya 
2. Yama 
3. Brahma
4. Chandra 
5. Agni 
6. Durga
7. Gowthama 
8. Paraasara 
9. Indra
10. Bruhu 
11. Kanva 
12.Vashista

Relief From Doshams

Rahu is the source of plenty. Kalathra dosham, puthira dosham, communicable diseases, mental disorders, leprosy, fall in grace are caused by Rahu dosham. Praying to Rahu at this sthala helps rids a person from these factors and also saves the person from all poisonous life forms. Trips to holy places, Gnanamarkam are his beneficial aspects.

Festivals
The annual Bhramotsavam is observed in the month of Kartikai while the Sekkizhaar festival is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi.
Mantra for Rahu
Aum rang rahuve namah aum
Temple Timings
6 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4P.M. to 8.30 P.M.

BUDHAN - Thiruvenkadu

Thiruvenkadu, is a reference to the temple in Valmiki’s Ramayana. Therefore it is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. Budha or Mercury is considered as the greatest among the wise.One can do all the karmas here, that is supposed to be done in kasi. We can find a separate sanctum sanctorum for bhudan. Bhudan holds the portfolio of Education and Arts and it is the next popular place students prefer to go after Tuition centers.This temple is situated at thiruvenkadu 59Kms away from kumbakonam and 23 Kms away from mayiladuthurai.Bus root from sirkali – Bus No 5a, 5b to poombukar to sirkazhi and from Mayiladuthurai to perunthottam 34,Anantha Nangoor 28,Mangai Madam 12, Illaya Madhu Koodam 4. Rest rooms are also available in this temple.

Pattinathuadigal

Thiruvengadar, the son of Sivanesan and Gnanambigai, with the blessings of a Siva Muni received Siva Ditchai and a Siva Linga and came to be called Pattinathu Adigal.

Indran

Indran to make remedies for his sin of having killed Virudhasuran, worshipped Lord Thiruvengadar & was absolved of his sins.

Iravadam

Sage Durvasar gifted a mala to Indran. Indran, in his vanity threw it on his white elephant Iravadam which stamped the mala under its feet. Durvasar cursed Indran to turn into a wild elephant. Indran realising his folly formed a tank (Thadagam) in Thiruvengadu and worshipped a Siva Linga. He was blessed by Lord Siva and absolved of his sins and reached Indralogam again.
Vedarasi
Vedarasi, a brahmin had placed his bundle of food in the hollow of a tree. A snake residing in the hollow, spewed poison on the food. Unaware of this, Vedarasi gave this food to a vedic priest, who died of the poison. This brahmin was absolved of his Brahmahathi Dosham by worshipping Lord Siva of Thiruvengadu.
Suwedakedu
Suwedakedu on realising that he was destined to die in his eighth year, reached Thiruvengadu and performed Siva pooja. As soon as he saw Yama, he held on to the Siva Linga tightly. Yama on seeing Thiruvengadar, ran away in fear and died. On the request of the Devas, the Lord brought Yama back to life.
Mantra for Marcury
Aum Mahalakshmaye vidmahe
Vishnu Priyaye dhi mahi
Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat



There are six holy places equal to Kashi. Thiruvengadu is one among them. Here everything is three – the presiding deity, holy water and the holy tree. Of the nine planets, Thiruvengadu belongs to Mercury. This is one among the 51 Sakthi Peethas. Thiruvengadu has the pride of being sung by the Great Four, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Sundarar and Manickavasagar. The Chidambara Rahasya is also here. Vishnu has a place near the Nataraja here as in Chidambaram. Indira, Iravadha (the white elephant) Vishnu, Sun, Moon, Agni (fire) worshipped the Lord. It is in Thiruvengadu Pattinathar had Sivadiksha, ascesticism.
This temple is situated 57Kms away from kumbakonam and 3kms from poombukar.
This temple will remain open from 6.00AM to 12.00PM and 3.30PM to 8.30PM and also be kept opened during Raaghu kalam and Emakandam.

Separate Sannidhi for Mercury

Of the nine planets, Mercury is the lord to bless with good education, knowledge, eloquence, music, astrology, mathematics, sculpture, medicine, scholarship in languages. A temple for Chandra (moon) the father of Mercury is just opposite to the Mercury with Chandra Pushkarani theertha. If mercury is not favourably placed in a horoscope, the native may not have children. Also he/she will have nervous debility and lack of knowledge. They have to propitiate Lord Mercury. Musicologists and film makers worship Mercury.

The head portion of the asura attached itself to a snake body to become Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion that was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region. This was found and preserved by a Brahmin. The head of a snake got attached to the asura body to become Kethu.Persons afflicted by Kethu dosham are stricken with fears of dacoity, bad habits, loss of property, loss of face, putra dosham. By praying to Kethu Bhagavan, one can be rid of the doshams. Motcham, sight, property, land, gold, vehicle, fame, wife, children, happiness, unexpected property gains are the beneficial aspects of Kethu Bhagavan.

Iravadam

Sage Durvasar gifted a mala to Indran. Indran, in his vanity threw it on his white elephant Iravadam which stamped the mala under its feet. Durvasar cursed Indran to turn into a wild elephant. Indran realising his folly formed a tank (Thadagam) in Thiruvengadu and worshipped a Siva Linga. 

Suwedakedu

Suwedakedu on realising that he was destined to die in his eighth year, reached Thiruvengadu and performed Siva pooja. As soon as he saw Yama, he held on to the Siva Linga tightly. Yama on seeing Thiruvengadar, ran away in fear and died.

The sthalam of Kethu is Keezhperumpallam, which is located 6 kms from Thiruvengaadu, enroute to Poompuhar. His wife is Chitralekha. The presiding deities are Naaganaadaswamy and his consort Ambal. He faces the North-West direction. The Adi Devatha is Chitraguptan and the Prathyathi Devatha is Brahma; his colour is red and his vahana is the eagle; the grain associated with him is khollu; the flower – red alli (lily); fabric – multi coloured cloth; gem – Vaidooriyam (cat’s eye); food – rice mixed with khollu powder.
Mantra for KetuAum nring nring nring narsinghaye (Nrisimhaye) namah aum



Guru-Alangudi


People's whose Birth star sign is Punarvasu Nakshatra have to visit Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple - Alangudi in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Visit the Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Punarvasu Nakshatra. 

Punarvasu Nakshatra : Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple - Alangudi Lord Guru Bhagavan or Lord Dakshinamurthy is one of the "Navagrahas" and is referred to the planet Jupiter, and Alangudi is the "Guru Stalam" dedicated to the planet Jupiter. Thursday is an auspisious day for Lord Guru Bhagavan. The temple here is known as the "Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple" where the main deity is Lord Shiva.

Poojas And Festivals

Thursday is auspicious to him. Yellow color garment and chick pea (konda kadalai) are offered to bring happiness to a Guru devotee. It is believed that students, in order to excel in education, can offer kondakadalai garland (chick pea is soaked in water and made as a garland) to Lord Guru. Large numbers of devotees throng here during Guru Peyarchi, that is when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs.

New Moon Day (Ammavasai), Full Moon Day (pournami), Guruhorai, Days falling on stars like punarpoosam, Visagam and Pooratathi are very auspicious for Sri Guru Bhagavan. Offering prayers on these days are more special.
Four worship services are offered daily. The temple opens daily from 5:30 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 8 pm.

Annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai. Also Hindu festival including Navaratri, Skanda Sashti, Aadi Puram, Arudra Darisanam, Kartikai Deepam, Thai Poosam and Pankuni Uththiram are celebrated here with much religious fervor. Guru Peyarchi, the transit of Guru (Planet Jupiter) from one zodiac sign to another, is another major festival celebrated in the temple.

Route map

Alangudi is a small town in the Cauvery delta region, situated in the Tiruvarur district of TN, around 17 km south of Kumbakonam, enroute to Mannargudi, and 7 km north of Needamangalam. Kumbakonam is nearest major town to reach Alangudi.

By Road 

There are many buses plying from Kumbakonam to Mannargudi which stops at Alangudi. There are also plenty of taxi's available from Kumbakonam which can be hired for half a day.

By Rail 

Needamangalam Railway Station, on the Thanjavur - Thiruvarur rail route, is the nearest railhead, which is 7 km from Alangudi. Other than that Kumbakonam is another major railway station. One has to however reach Alangudi by road from either Needamangalam or Kumbakonam.

Reaching Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is well connected by rail and road from Chennai and Bangalore, and all the major cities in TN.

Mantra for Guru

GURU BRAHMA GURU VISHNU
 GURU DEVA MAHESHWARA
GURU SAKSHA PARAM BRAHMA
TASMAI SHREE GURUVE NAMAHA.



Sukran-Kanjanoor

                    

This temple is situated 16KM away from kumbakonam and this temple belongs to madurai Sri Thirugnanasambantha Swamigal Aatheenam. This temple will remain opened from 6.30AM to 12.30PM and 4.00PM to 8.30PM.

The presiding deity Agneeswarar is the embodiment of Sukran. Sukrachariar was the Guru of asuras. He had got the blessings from Lord Siva after severe penances. In the Vamana Avataram of Lord Vishnu, Vamana sought three foot steps of land from Mahabali, an asura king. Realising Vamana to be no mere mortal, Sukrachariyar assumed the form of a bee and tried to block the flow of water from the kamandalam. Vamana picking up a pavithram blinds Sukracharya in one eye while trying to unclog the hole in the kamandalam.

Sukra endows those who pray to him with wealth, pleasure, wife, prosperity, vehicles. He is the next most beneficial planet after Guru. If in a person’s horoscope, Sukra is well placed, then the person will enjoy pleasure, beautiful wife, wealth, house, vehicle, good food, fame, love, affection, marraige, siblings, governmental help, chance to govern the country/state and hold influential status.

If in a bad position, the ward will experience a family devoid of love and ties, bad life, enimity amongst family and friends, Kalathira dosham. By praying to Sukra these problems could be mitigated. Wife, arts, sculpture, love, vehicles are the beneficial aspects of Sukra.

The sthalam of Sukra Bhagavan is Kanjanur, which is located Agneeswarar, enroute to Mayavaram. His wives are Subakirthi, Sundari and Sringini. The presiding deity are Agneeswarar and his consort Iswari. He is the Lord of Rishaba and Thula Rasi and faces East direction. The Adi Devatha is Indra’s physician. His colour is white; his vahana is the crocodile; the grain associated with him is mochai; the flower – white lotus; fabric – white cloth; gem – diamond; food – rice mixed with mochai powder.

Festivals

Six worship services are offered each day here. A festival commemorating Haradatta Sivacharyar is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai each year. Mahasivaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Navaratri and Aadi Pooram are celebrated here.

Mantra for Venus – Aum jung, hang sa bhur bhuvan swa kartike namah
swa bhuvan bhur sa hang jung aum

Temple Timings 7 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and 4P.M. to 8 P.M.


Seevai-Vaitheeswarankoil



This temple is situated 16Kms away from mayiladuthurai and 52 Kms away from kumbakonam.During the tamil month of thai a grand festival will held for 10 days and for pankuni bramotchavam abishegam and arathannai will be done for 28days.During Aaypasi Kandasheasti festival will be celebrated for 6 days.

Chevvai Bhagavan is worshipped in the town of Vaideeswaran Koil which is also called Thirupullirukku Velur. Sambathi, Jadayu, Lord Muruga, Suriyan are also reputed to have worshipped in this sthalam. Even diseases that could not get cured by Mani Manthira Aushathangal got cured at this place and the presiding deity came to be called Vaidyanathar. His consort who was the chief of women of both worlds is hailed as Thayal Nayagi. Selva Muthukumarasami of this temple is lovingly called Muthiah.

The sthalam of Chevvai Bhagavan is Vaideeswaran koil, which is located 6kms from Sirgazhi en route to Mayavaram. His wives are Malini, Susilini. The presiding deity are Vaidyanathan and his consort Thaiyal Nayaki.Chevvai is the Lord of Mesha and Vrichika Rasi and he faces South direction. the flowers – shenbagam and red arali; fabric – red cloth; gem – coral; food- rice mixed with toor dhal powder.

Vaidheeswaran koil is a crowd puller for many reasons along with the Angarakan. Vaidyanadha Swamy ( shiva ) is believed to cure illness of the ardent devotees. Lot of people throng here everyday, offer their prayers for regaining their health with the grace of the deity. Ambal is called Valambika alias Thaiyal Nayaki.

Festivals

Kiruthigai is an auspicious day here with special poojas performed for SelvaMuthuKumara Swamy ( Murugan ). Nayanmars, Arunagiri Nadar, kumaraguruparar, kalamega pulavar have visited this temple and sung in praise of the deity. Separate sanctorum for Angaraka is a speciality out here as you cannot find it elsewhere.

Mantra for Mars - Aum namo hanumate hung Aum

Temple Timings - 6 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4P.M. to 9 P.M




Chandran-Thingaloor


This is the second significant temple of navagrahangal situated at thingaloor near thiruvayaru of tanjore district., The chandra bagavan temple is inpregenated in arul migu Kailasanadhar swamy temple and situated 33kms away from kumbakonam.This temple will remain opened from 7.00AM to 1.00PM and 4.00PM to 9.00PM. 

Chandran is also hailed as Thingal and his abode is Thingalur. it is here that Chandran prayed to Lord Siva and got his blessings. As Chandran is held in the locks of Lord Siva, all devotees who worship Easwaran have also to worship this planet. The asuras held the head portion of the snake and the devas, the tail portion. The poison emitted by Vasuki was consumed by Lord Siva to save the devas, but the toxicity of venom affected the Devas who swooned on its impact. Alongwith the nectar (amirtham), Chandran emerged and it was he who revived the Devas.

Apputhi Adigal was born in Thingalur. he was an ardent follower of Thirunavukkarasar, without ever laying his eyes on the great soul. He did a lot of welfare activity in his hometown in the name of Thirunavukkarasar. During his visit to this holytown Thirunavukkarasar heard about Apputhi Adigal and visited his abode and consented to partake in the meal offered in his honour. To serve food for Thirunavukkarasar, Apputhi Adigal sent his son to the garden to fetch a plantain leaf.

Dosham to mother, mental retardation, skin and nerve problems, jaundice, fluid accumalation are the diseases caused because of Chandra dosham. By praying to Lord Chandran, the above afflictions can be overcome. Wealth, mother’s/wife’s happiness, Govt’s help, ownership of vehicle, marriage, offsprings, prosperity, foreign travel will be bestowed on his devotees.

The sthalam of Chandran is Thingalur, which is located 36kms from Kumbakonam, enroute to Thiruvaiyaru. Chandran’s wife is Rohini. The presiding deity are Kailasanathar and his consort Periyanayakiamman. Chandran is the Lord of Kadaga Rasi and he faces the South-East direction. The Adi Devatha is water; prathyathi Devatha is Gowri; his colour is white and his vahana is white horse. The grain associated with him is paddy, rice; the folwer – white arali; fabric – white cloth; gem – pearl; food – curd rice.


Mantra for moon Aum som somaye namah Aum
Or Aum Shrim krim cham chandeaye namah Aum




Suryan-Suriyanar Koil


Sooriyanar Koil and Thirumanagalakudi are closely related. Navanayakars did their meditation and offered worship to pranavaradeshvarar and Mangalanayaki.

People who offer worship at Sooriyanar temple have to go to Thirumangaladudi to offer worship there. In early days both places were same and it was called ‘Argavamam’ before dividing. Both the temples have Erukan plant as ‘Thalavirukcha’

Thirumangalakudi Temple is a famous temple. Both Thirunavukkarasar and Thiruganasambandar had rendered songs of lord Siva. Mangalakudi, Mangala Vinayagar, Mangala Nayahar, MangalaNayaki and Mangala Theertham are five auspicious ones in Thirumangalakudi. There is a marked difference of worshipping in this temple from other temples, one has to follow the custom of worshipping.

To offer worship at Sooriyanar Temple, one has to reach the Rajagopuram (Main Entrance) and more towards North where Pushkarani of temple is located. One can take bath in the tank or sprinkle holy water in the head as purification.

The temple the tower of the temple is 15.5 meter in height and consists of three tiers. At the top of the tower are five domes. To the north of the rajagopuram lies the sacred bathing ghat, called Surya Pushkarni. It is important to bathe in this ghat before offering worship at the temple. If not, one should at least sprinkle its water on one’s head.

Special features of the temple All the grahams face Surya Bhagawan in this temple. As soon as one enters the temple, there is a sacrificial platform (Bali peetam). To its east lies a mandap where one can see an idol of a horse. The Lord’s vehicle is the horse (vaahanam) which goes by the name ‘Saptha, meaning seven in Sanskrit. The one-wheeled chariot is drawn by seven horses.

Festivals

Requirements for worshipping the Lord Flower – Senthamarai (Red Lotus) 
Samith (sacrificial fuel ) – Erukku ( madar plant ) 
Dhaniyam (grain) – Wheat 
Vasthram – Lotus red 
Neivedhyam – Sakkarai pongal

Ratha Saptami in the Tamil month of Thai, and the first Sundays in the months of Aavani (Leo) and Kartikai(Scorpio) and Vijaya Dasami are celebrated in this temple.

Location and Place

Sooriyanar Temple is in East of Kumbakonam, Kumbakonam – Mayiladuthurai road. It is exactly 2Km to the north of Aduthurai and the temple is well connected from lower Anicut and Thiruppanandal.

All the Passengers have to alight at Thirumangalagudi Kaliamman Koil bus stop and walk for two for long north east to reach the temple. 
This temple is in the banks of Cauvery in Thiruvidaimarudur Talulk which falls under Tanjore district known as Head Quarters of King Chola.

Rail Route : Piligrims have to get down at Aduthurai Railway Station and catch the bus bound for Lower Anicut to visit the temple.

Mantra for Sun - Aum hrim hrim suriyaye namah Aum

Temple Timings - 6 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and 4 P.M. to 8 P.M.


 

























































































































































Monday 10 June 2013

Information About Meenakshi Amman Temple - Madurai

Meenakshi Amman Temple
  



The Meenakshi temple complex at Madurai is a city temple. It has eminent and exquisitely carved towers enveloping the temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakashi in Madurai. The temple consists of the twin temples of God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, each one as high as about nine storeys. The temple is superb example of sculpture and magnificent architecture. The Meenakshi temple has majestic stonewalls and towers rising out of the swarming streets of the city center. The image of Goddess Meenakshi is said to be carved out of a single emerald.

 According to the legend of this temple the marriage of the goddess Meenakshi to Shiva actually took place in Madurai and is still celebrated every summer with great enthusiasm and gaiety.The Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the few temples in Tamil Nadu to have four entrances facing four directions. This temple was selected as one of the Seven Wonders of India by NDTV and it is running as the frontrunner in the election for the Modern Seven Wonders of the World.

Features Of The Temples




The Temple complex has 12 wonderful Gopurams (Towers) including two golden Gopurams for the main deities Lord Shiva and Meenakshi Amman which are intricately sculptured and painted. The tallest of these 12 Gopurams is the southern Gopuram which rises over 52 meters high. This Temple complex is surrounded by other shrine sanctums and grand pillared halls.The entrance to the temple complex is indicated by towering gateways at the four cardinal points, while lesser gopuras lead to the sanctums of the main deities.

Ashta Shakthi Mandapam

 Ashta Shakthi Mandapam is located at the eastern gateway of the Meenakshi Amman temple. It was constructed by Thirumalai Nayakar’s wives Rudrapathi Ammal and Tholimamai. This is the hall where food was once distributed to the coming from off places. This entrance leads directly to the Shrine of Goddess Meenakshi Amman.This hall has a dedicated lamp-holder with 1,008 lamps, which are lit and decorated on festive occasions. The sculptures on the pillars tell us about some of the miracles of Lord Shiva and also the story of Meenakshi's birth and her life as the princess of Madurai.

Potramaraikulam (Golden Lotus Tank)

Potramaraikulam is the ancient holy water tank which is 40 m by 60 m in itself is where the devotees take bath. The ancient academy of poets (Tamil Sangam) meeting place was around the Potramaraikulam.The tank is encircled by a pillared corridor. There are steps that lead down to the tank, enabling worshippers to take bathe in it. 

Oonjal Mandapam

Meenakshi TempleThe Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are situated on the western side of the tank. The golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Madapam every Friday and hymns are sung as the deities swing to and fro. The parrots have trained in the Killikoontu Mandapam to repeat goddess Meenakshi Amman’s name. The interesting part of the Mandapam is 28 pillars which portray some magnificent sculptures of figures of Pandavas, Vali, Sugreeva and the inevitable Yali from Hindu mythology of which the Vijayanagar Kings were very fond of. The shrine of the Vigneswara is located at the southern end of this Mandapam.

Ayirankal Mandapam (thousand Pillar Mandapam)

Ayirankal Mandapam is located to the east of the Sundareswarar Sannidhi. There are actually 985 pillars in the Ayirankal Mandapam which supports the roof 73 meters by 76 meters with excellent sculptures. This hall also houses a Temple Art Museum, where you can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. Other than this mandapam there many smaller and bigger mandapams in the temple.

Vasantha Mandapam

Built by Thirumalai Nayakkar, the mandapam is the venue of the Vasanthosavam - the Spring festival, celebrated in Vaikasi (April/May).  This Mandapam is also known as Pudhu Mandapam which contains sculptures of Lord Shiva, Meenakshi, scenes from their wedding and also the figures of ten Nayak Kings along with their consorts.

Rani Mangammal Mandapam

The Rani Mangammal Mandapam is located towards the west side of the Potramaraikulam (golden lotus tank) projecting over the stairs of the tank.The Rani Mangammal Mandapam has statues of the queen, her minister Ramappayyan and grandson Vijayaranga Chokkanatha.This Mandapam has large number of paintings about the events that took place during Rani Mangammal’s Period. The Painting of Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam was painted gorgeously on this Mandapam. 

Musical Pillars

In the Ayirankkal Mandapam, there are two Musical Pillars and near Mottai Gopuram there are five Musical Pillars. Every Musical Pillar has a central column surrounded by groups of thin columns well-defined from the same stone. Each and every pillar produces a different musical note when struck.

Swami Sundareswarar Shrine

The Shrine of Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) the consort of Goddess Meenakshi is to the north of Kilikoontu Mandapam . There's a gigantic idol of Sri Ganesh called Mukkurini Pillaiyar on the way. There's a stump of a Kadamba tree, in the outer pragaram (corridor outside the main shrine), which is said to be a part of the same tree under which Indra worshiped Shiva linga. There's also Kadambathadi Mandapam in the outer corridor and big hall called 'Velli Ambalam'.
Temple Towers:

East Tower    - The 161 feet 3 inch, high tower is nine storied and has 1011 Sudhai figures.
West Tower   - The 163 feet 3 inch, high tower is nine storied carved with 1124 Sudhai figures.
South Tower - The 170 feet 3 inches, high tower has nine stories with 1511 Sudhai figures.
North Tower - The 160 feet 6 inch high nine storied tower has Sudhai figures than other towers.