The Madurai Meenakshi Temple is one of the most important and oldest temples in India. The temple is located at the heart of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, which is the incarnation of Parvati, and her husband, Lord Sundareswarar, who is the incarnation of Shiva. Every year, millions of people visit this temple due to its deep religious meaning, beautiful design, and cultural history.
Notable features of this temple include spectacular towers, colorful sculptures and carvings. It is an area of about 15 acres and has 14 towers that are studded with thousands of statues on each. The principal deities Meenakshi and Sundareswarar live in the main shrine; apart from that, there are many other small shrines here. Many festivals take place throughout the year; one of the most important events is Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, that calls in colossal crowds.
Darshan and Timings of Meenakshi Temple
| Session | Timings |
| Opening Time | 5:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 7:15 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Afternoon Darshan | 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Break | 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM |
| Night Darshan | 8:15 PM to 9:30 PM |
| Closing Time | 10:00 PM |
Meenakshi Temple Madurai is open from morning at 5:00 AM, and first darshan begins at 7:15 AM. The temple remains closed for two hours in the afternoon from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Timings for the darshan are as under:
The above-mentioned timings can be changed on special occasions and festival time. For the most precise and updated information, you might check the official website of the temple.
How to Book Darshan Tickets Online for Meenakshi Temple
Booking darshan tickets online for the Madurai Meenakshi Temple is a convenient way to plan your visit. Follow these steps to book your tickets:
- Go to the website of Meenakshi Temple or any such specific website for temple ticket booking.
- If you are a first time user, then you will be asked to register by providing your details. Already registered users can simply log in using their details.
- Select the type of darshan that you want to book in. You will have options between general darshan and special darshan and any other kind of entry.
- Set a date and time slot for your visit. Some time slots get completely booked ahead so make sure to check the same beforehand.
- Enter the necessary details like names, number of people and any special requirements.
- Clicking on the pay page, an amount is to be paid through accepted modes of payment, credit/debit card, online banking, etc.
- Following an online payment, you will receive a confirmation e-mail or SMS with the details of your booking and a digital ticket.
- Print your ticket or save the digital one on your mobile device. You will need to use this to get into the temple.
- You should arrive at the temple before the given time slot in your booking. Once you reach there, the entry and darshan instructions will be provided.
- If you find any kind of problem or require any kind of assistance related to your reservation, then you can contact the customer service department of this temple with the contact information provided on the website.
Sevas and Events at Meenakshi Temple
At the Meenakshi Temple, you can book various sevas (rituals) and events online through the official website. Devotees can offer these services to the deities at any time during the day. Below is a table with the available events, their timings, and prices:
| Event Name | Price (₹) | Time |
| Archanai | 5 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Agni Veerabathrar Abhishegam | 1000 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Agoraveerabathrar Abhishegam | 1000 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Amman Swami Abhishegam | 1300 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Anukai Vinayagar Abhishegam | 550 | 12:00 AM – 11:58 PM |
| Arulmigu Bathrakali Amman Abhishegam | 1000 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Durgai Amman Abhishegam | 550 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Saraswathi Amman Abhishegam | 550 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Arulmigu Siddhar PooKoodaram | 500 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Special Entrance (Amman and Swamy) | 100 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Special Entrance (Amman or Swamy) | 50 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
| Ubaya Thangaratham | 1501 | 12:00 AM – 11:58 PM |
| Ubaya Thirukalyanam | 1501 | 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM |
For booking any of these services, visit the temple’s official website and follow the instructions for making a reservation.
Special Pooja Timings at Meenakshi Temple
Below are the timings for the special poojas held for Goddess Meenakshi Devi. Note that these timings might change during special events and festivals, so it’s best to check the official website for updates.
| Pooja Name | Timing |
| Thiruvanandal Pooja (Mahasodasi) | 05:30 AM – 05:45 AM |
| Vilaa Pooja (Paalai) | 06:30 AM – 07:15 AM |
| Kalasandhi Pooja (Gowri) | 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM |
| Maalai Pooja (Panjathasi) | 04:30 PM – 05:15 PM |
| Ardhajama Pooja (Madhangi) | 07:30 PM – 08:15 PM |
| Palliyarai Pooja (Sodasi) | 09:30 PM – 10:00 PM |
For the most current information, especially during special occasions, please refer to the temple’s official website.