Seeking the secrets of our ancestral past and the Hindu religion in general? Or just aiming to find your sense of solace in worship and devotion? Madurai is your ultimate destination for a religious and culture-laden trip. Why? This city has a unique infectious vibe of positive energy and spirituality. Even as one enters this town, one is awe-stricken by the site of the famous Meenakshi Amman temple. Yes, the city’s very skyline is dominated by the 14 well-lit and vibrant gopurams. In fact, the city was constructed around this world famous temple. Yes, the Meenakshi temple was the very geographical and cultural centre for this historic town in the state of Tamil Nadu. Therefore Madurai temple history is just so unique from the rest and all the more significant.
Madurai is rightly known as the ‘Temple City’. This is because a multitude of Hindu temples in Madurai have come to be known extremely well. There are remarkable temples near Madurai as well. This is also because of the many existing Dravidian style temples to visit in Madurai. Imagine intricate carvings of relic episodes and Hindu deities, ceremonies and festivities celebrated with utmost fervour and a variety of temples each with their own unique story and customs. Here is a glimpse into the top 9 temples in Madurai district to start on this enriching journey.
Madurai Temples List – Top 9 Temples in Madurai
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple:
This temple aces the Madurai’s important temples list and Madurai famous temple list. This beautiful temple situated in the temple city of Madurai has 14 gopurams with the tallest being 170 feet. It is also known as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple which really are alternate names of Parvati and Shiva respectively. The temple city of Madurai came to existence 2,500 years ago with this holy structure thus it is quite historic in its significance. There are two golden sculptured vimanas, the shrines over the sanctums of the main deities. According to statistics, 15,000 visitors a day and 25,000 on Fridays visit the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. An estimation of 30,000 sculptures is boasted by this temple. In the months of April and May, a million visitors visit the temple to celebrate the annual 10 day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam Festival. The temple is located at a serene environment adding up on the charm of the place, on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. It is believed, Kulashekarar was the Pandyan King, who bu
ilt Madurai Meenakshi temple as per instructions given by Lord Shiva himself in his dream.
- Address: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
- Timings: Madurai Meenakshi temple timings or rather the Madurai Meenakshi temple darshan timings range from 5.00am to 12.30pm & 4.00pm to 10.00pm
- Dress Code: Madurai Meenakshi dress code follows a strict prohibition of shorts, lunges, caps and animal skin clothes inside the temple premises. Decent clothing is encouraged. Men have to wear pants and shirts. Women should avoid sleeveless kurtis.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 1 Km away from Madurai Junction Railway Station. Madurai airport is 10 Km from the city and connected with all major places across India. Cabs and buses are easily available in Madurai city.
- Temple Website: https://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Chitra festival, Avanimoola festival, Masi Mandala festival, Float festival, and Navarathri cultural festival
- Other Attractions: Aayiram Kaal Mandapam and Koodal Azhagar Temple are incredibly close.
2. Koodal Azhagar Temple:
The Koodal Azhagar Koli temple is located in the centre of the city Madurai and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Koodal is another name to Madurai and Azhagar in Tamil means ‘the beautiful one’. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams. There are three postures of Koodal Azhagar, in sitting posture, in a standing posture as Sri Surya Narayan and in a reclining posture. The deity is taken for a dip in the Vaigai River on the occasion of Chaitra Purnima day. Also, a 10-day boat festival is celebrated on Masi Magam day. The temple’s architecture is one that truly awe-struck the beholder. Constructed in Dravidian craftsmanship, this temple attracts religious devotees, archaeologists and historians alike.
- Address: Near Periyar Bus Stand, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
- Timings: 05.30 AM – 12.00 PM and 04.00 PM – 09.00 PM
- Dress Code: Decent, respectful clothing would work best.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: The temple is near to central bus stand and Madurai railway station. The airport is 10 Km from the city. public transports and auto rickshaws easily available throughout Madurai.
- Temple Website: http://koodalalagartemple.tnhrce.in/
- Best Time To Visit: The 10 days float festival (month of Maasi on Star Makham).
- Other Attractions: Meenakshi temple. Prema Villas for some local shopping.
3. Tirupparam Kunram Murugan Temple:
Tirupparam kunram Murugan temple offers a mystic charm and is huge in structure. It dates back to the 6th century and has been mentioned in ancient relics. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan who is said to have married Deivayani, the daughter of the king of heaven, Indra, in this very place. In fact it is one of the six main holy sites famous for the worship of the of Shiva – god Murugan. The main shrine has the deity of Murugan along with deities of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Vinayaka and Goddess Durga. Brahmotsavam is the widely celebrated festival here apart from Skanda Shasti, Kartikai festival, Vaikasi Vikasam and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
- Address: Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu 625005
- Timings: 5.30 AM-1PM, 4PM-9 PM
- Dress Code: Traditional wear is encouraged
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: 9 KM from Airport and 8 Km from the station. You can take a cab or taxi to reach the temple
- Temple Website: http://www.thiruparankundrammurugantemple.tnhrce.in/
- Best Time To Visit: Brahmotsavam festival time
- Other Attractions: Annadhanam can be organized for groups of people at affordable rates. Thirumalai Nayak Palace is near.
4. Azhagar Kovil Temple:
Azhagar Kovil or Thirumaliruncholai Temple is located 21 km away from the city of Madurai. It is one of the most celebrated temples around Madurai. Alagar koyil is a Tamilian village and basically, the lives and history of its inhabitants are shaped around the Kallazhagar Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has large gopurams and pillared mandapams like any other South Indian temples. The main tower entrance has the shrine of Karupana Swami which remains closed always except for one day in a year. The important festival celebrated here is Chithirai Thiruvizha in the Tamil month Chithirai. Millions of people gather in Vaigai River to see the main event of Kallzhakar crossing.
- Address: A.Valayapatti, Tamil Nadu 624401
- Timings: 6.00 AM to 12.30PM and 3.30 PM to 8.00 PM
- Dress Code: Respectful attire is encouraged
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: 31 KM from Airport. Madurai Railway junction is the nearest by rail.
- Temple Website: http://www.alagarkoil.tnhrce.in/
- Best Time To Visit: Chitra festival ( on Pournami or full moon day) in April and may every year.
- Other Attractions: Holy bath at Nupura Ganga for ‘Ishta Siddhi. Gandhi Memorial Museum can be explored.
5. Shri Solaimalai Murugan Temple:
Pazhamudircholai or Shri Solaimalai Murugan Temple is 16 km north to Madurai located on top of a hill surrounded by dense forest. It is one of the six important abodes of Lord Murugan. This temple is the only one among Murugan’s Aaru Padai Veedu temples. The festivals celebrated here are Tamil New Year, Vaikasi Visakam, AadiKruthika, and Annual Abhisek festival, Skanda Shashti, Tirukarthikai and Panguni Uthiram. What’s mysteriously special? The Naval fruits that ripen in July-September in other places are said to ripen in the Aipasi (Oct- Nov) months here when Lord Muruga’s Sasthi festival is celebrated.
- Address: Alagar Hills R.F., Tamil Nadu 624401
- Timings: 5.30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
- Dress Code: modest and comfortable attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: By road, you can reach Azhagar kovil (23 km from Madurai Central Bus Stand). The temple is 3 km from here which can be travelled by a bus service organized by the authorities, moving to and fro from the temple regularly.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Annual Abhisek festival
- Other Attractions: Athisayam is a theme park located in Madurai which can be explored.
6. ISKCON, Sri Sri Radha Mathurapati Temple:
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON temple is located in Madurai. ISKON as a name today resonates with one and all whether religious or not. This Hare Krishna movement has become so famous that ISKON is not only popular in India but also extremely loved abroad. Today it has around five hundred centres and temples. This tranquil one at Madurai is also devoted sincerely to celebrate the love for Hare Krishna. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has a beautiful deity of Radha Madhav. The temple performs various rituals, prayers and kirtans. On Sundays, the temple serves prasadam to one and all present there. The temple is very prominently visited during festivals like Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Gaur Purnima or Holi and Ekadashi.
- Address: No.12/37, Mani Nagaram Main Road, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
- Timings: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:15 PM
- Dress Code: Simple, decent attire would work
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
- How To Reach: 2 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Can be accessed via all transportation modes easily.
- Temple Website: http://www.iskcon.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Janmashtami. Sundays for their bhajans and teaching programs.
- Other Attractions: Spiritual lectures and kirtans held here are extremely soothing. Meenakshi Amman Temple is nearby.
7. Vandiyur Mariamman Temple:
Vandiyur Mariamman temple is located in the east of the temple city of Madurai. It’s an ancient one with a legacy of 2000 years old. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of Rain, Mariamman. The main shrine is of Goddess Mariamman but the temple also has pechiammam and vinayagar beside a pipal tree. The temple is located on the near Vaigai River and has its own huge pond called Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. The temple organizes a float festival of Thaipusam which is celebrated grandly at a stretch of 10 days.
- Address: On NH 49, Towards The Banks Of Vaigai River
- Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m
- Dress Code: Simple traditional wear would be ideal
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: you can take a bus from Madurai Periyar Bus stand. Cabs to the temple are also a good option. Madurai rail junction is 30 minutes drive from the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Mariamman Teppakulam (Float festival time) in Jan/Feb.
- Other Attractions: Meenakshi Amman temple, Thiruparankundram Murugan temple, Alagar temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral Church. abhisheka water known for its magical strengths.
8. Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple:
Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal temple is located 8 kms away from Madurai and is dedicated to Yoga Narasimha Perumal. The temple is on the hills of Yanaimalai hills. Constructed in 770 AD, the temple has a front mandapam and the idol of Narasimha Perumal is carved out of the hill itself. The inscriptions of the Moolavar Sannidhi show that the temple may be traced back to over 5000 years. The temple is a great specimen of Pandian architecture and the rock-cut styles. The temple also has a stone structure of Goddess Narasingavalli. The main festivals celebrated are Narasamhi Jayanthi festival and Gajendra Moksha festival.
- Address: Narasingam, Tamil Nadu 625104
- Timings: 7am-12noon and 4pm-8 pm
- Dress Code: Modest attire is encouraged
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: Minibuses run every 10 minutes from Othakkadai. Auto can be taken from Matuthavani bus stand or the Madurai Railway Station to the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Gajendra Moksha festival
- Other Attractions: Veda Narayana temple
9. Sri Mavoottru Velappar Temple:
Velappar Temple is located in Madurai district amidst of mountains. To reach the temple, one has to climb around 300 steps. The presiding deity here is Lord Murugan and the puja is conducted by the Paliyars (local tribes). The temple has a stream on the side which comes out as a natural spring from among the roots of the mango trees which forms into a stream. It is said that a bath in this spring and eating food cooked with this water can cure the most difficult of diseases.
- Address: Mavoottru Velappar Temple, Varusanadu hills, Mavoottru road, Tamil Nadu 625705
- Timings: 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Dress Code: Traditional wear encouraged
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
- How To Reach: 98 KM from Madurai. You can take a bus or train (closer to the temple and then by bus or taxi).
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Thai moon days in July-August
- Other Attractions: The perennial spring. The temple is itself in an extremely scenic environment tucked between the hills and surrounded by natural vegetation. A bonus for all nature lovers.
So we say that stop glaring at only Madurai temple photos and rather get booking your trip already. Now that you’re all set to explore this beautiful city on your own, why not stop and acknowledge that Madurai is not only about temples. I would say the charm of it revolves around these religious festivals and the grandeur and solace found in these temples, however, there’s more than the city offers to those looking for a little break in between. Places to shop, eat, entertainment parks and in general soaking, in the distinct culture this Tamil Nadu town brings along. So book your tickets already and do share your valuable feedback with us so that we can guide you even better in the future. Happy travels and may you find your own path of divine peace.
Frequently Asked Question and Answers:
1. Why is Madurai known as The City of Festivals?
Madurai is famous as the city of temples and festivals. All religious festivals here are celebrated with a great deal of enthusiasm and love. The most popular is April’s Chithirai Festival that celebrates goddess Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu. Millions of devotees come in to be a part of the procession every year. Devotees flock at the Azhagar Kovil Temple to carry the god’s idol to Madurai.
2. Are There any Places of Worship for Jains in The Madurai District?
Yes. In fact, the earliest of the Southern India Jain centres are located in and around the city of Madurai. There are 16 natural caverns here known as the Jain caves. Its believed that at these caves, some of the most learned of the Jain monks lived and practised. It is thus a holy place for those believing in and following Jainism.
3. Is Madurai also Famous for Any Mosque?
Yes, the Gorippalayam Dargah is popular throughout India as one of the most significant places of worship. It houses graves of the two world-famous saints of Islam. Stunning when lit up and visible from the A.V bridge, this dargah attracts many due to its sense of peace and purity. People from all over Tamil Nadu and even India come here to pray and seek blessings.
