Famous Madurai Temples

There are numerous ancient temples throughout South India. However, Madurai is one of India's oldest and holiest cities. It is regarded as Tamil Nadu's cultural center as well. And the temples of Madurai bear witness to the fact that it is one of the most significant sites in the nation. Because of its lotus-shaped layout and construction, it is often referred to as "Lotus City". Madurai served as the Pandya kingdom's capital for a very long period. Madurai has a rich religious and cultural history, which is reflected in its temples and is documented in old books like the Arthasastra. For a list of the best temples in Madurai, see this article.

Well-known Temples Close to Madurai:

Central Tamil Nadu is home to Madurai, originally known as the city of Mathura. While there are many temples in the city of Madurai, we have brought you the top 12 temples that you can put on your itinerary when you plan to visit the holy city.

1. Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai:

As soon as you enter the city of Madurai, the first thing that catches your eye is the 14 gateway towers (gopurams) of the sprawling temple. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the main temples of Shakti Peetha. It is the only temple in India with four Rajagopurams.

The present buildings were built in the 16th and 17th centuries, but the original temple is believed to have been built in the 6th century B.C. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to creator Lord Shiva and mighty goddess Parvati. Two beautiful golden shrines to Meenakshi plus a central shrine with 33,000 sculptures.

The temple is known as one of the most popular tourist attractions on the banks of Vaigai River. Dravidian architecture exhibits the craftsmanship of a bygone age with its well-carved and intricate artwork.

Address: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001

Timings: Darshan timings for Madurai Meenakshi Temple are 5.00 am to 12.30 pm & 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm.

Dress Code: The Madurai Meenakshi dress code follows a strict ban on shorts, lunges, caps and animal skin clothing inside the temple premises. Dressing well is encouraged. Men should wear trousers and shirts. Women should avoid sleeveless kurtis.

Approximate Visit Duration: 1 hour

How to reach: 1 km from Madurai Junction Railway Station. Madurai Airport is 10 km from the city and is well connected to all major destinations in India. Cabs and buses are easily available in Madurai city.

Temple Website: https://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/

Best time to visit: Chitrotsavam, Avanimula Festival, Masi Mandal Festival, Float Festival and Navratri Cultural Festival

Other attractions: Airam Kala Mandapam and Koodal Azhagar Temple are very close.

2. Edaganathar Temple:

Edaganathar is another incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Edaganathar Temple was built on the banks of the Vaigai River and was his regnal residence. The temple has two gopurams facing each other, one dedicated to Edaganathar and the other dedicated to the consort of the Lord in this 5 acre temple. The temple is believed to have been built during the Pandyan Empire and the stone carvings define the origin of Lord Edaganathar.

Address: Thiruvedagam Village, Madurai District.

Opening Timings: 6.30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Dress Code: There is a strict dress code for wearing traditional Indian clothes.

How to reach: The temple is located near Sholavandahan, 20 to 25 km from Madurai city. Madurai is connected to all major cities of the country. Locally you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the temple.

Temple Website: N/A

Other attractions: Small temples in the vicinity.

3. Thirumoohur Kalamegaperumal Temple:

Thirumoohur Kalamegaperumal Temple is located near Melur, Madurai district, also known as Thirumoohur or Thirumogur Temple. The temple glorifies the Divyaprabandha, an early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints, and is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. Vishnu is worshiped as Neelamegha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Tirukannapura Nayaka and is one of the 108 deities dedicated to Vishnu. A granite wall encloses all the shrines and three of the four water bodies surrounding the temple.

Address: X624+9V8, Thirumohur, Tamil Nadu 625107.

Opening Timings: Monday to Friday: 7 AM to 12 PM, 4 to 8 PM, Saturday: 5:30 AM to 1 PM, 4 to 8:30 PM.

Dress Code: There is a strict dress code for wearing traditional Indian clothes.

How to reach: The temple is connected to Madurai and the city is connected to many cities in the country. You can hire cabs to travel locally.

Temple Website: N/A

Other attractions: Ajagar Kovil.

4. Thirumeninathar Temple:

Thirumeninathar Temple is located in Tiruchuli in Virudhunagar district and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is represented by a lingam and worshiped as Thirumeninathar and his consort Tunaimalaiyammai is depicted as Amman. This temple is classified as a holy place for feet. A 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the presiding deity is venerated in Thevaram, known as Myanmars, written by Tamil saint poets.

Address: Manamaduri, Mangalam, Tamil Nadu 630606.

Opening Timings: 6 AM to 8:30 PM.

Dress Code: There is a strict dress code for wearing traditional Indian clothes.

How to reach: Madurai is well connected to all major cities of the country and you can use a cab to reach the temple locally.

Other attractions: Small temples nearby.

5. Kalaiyar Kovil:

Kalaiyar Kovil is located in Sivaganga district and is a famous Madurai temple of historical importance. The three shrines in this temple are inspired by the three functions of life creation, preservation and fulfillment. Additionally, there are three separate shrines in the mandapam outside the temple for the male and female deities of popular Shiva temples.

Address: Sivagangai Samasthanam Devasthanam, Sivaganga - 630 561, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu.

Opening Timings: 6.00 AM to 12.00 PM and 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM.

Dress Code: There is a strict dress code for wearing traditional Indian clothes.

How to reach: Madurai is well connected to all cities in India by airways, roadways and railways. You can hire cabs to explore the city locally.

Other Attractions: Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Sri Shanmughanathar Temple, Tirukoshtiyur Soumya Narayana Perumal Temple, Chettinadu Tourism, Sheikh Abdullah Awliya Targa.

6. Koodal Ajagar Temple, Madurai:

Koodal Ajagar Temple is the 65th of the 108 Divyadesam Vishnu Temples and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is spread over an area of 2.5 acres and Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu at Maduravalli. The Vishnu idol is in three different postures next to each other, making it a popular temple near Madurai.

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: Nice, dignified attire works best.

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

How to reach: The temple is located near Central Bus Stand and Madurai Railway Station. The airport is 10 km from the city. Public transport and auto rickshaws are easily available throughout Madurai.

Temple Website: http://koodalalagartemple.tnhrce.in/

Best time to visit: 10-day float festival (Masi month in Star Makham).

Other attractions: Meenakshi Temple. Prema Villas for some local shopping.

7. Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram:

Arulmigu Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram, is one of the six abodes of Murugan's built-in rock-cut architecture built by the Pandeas in the 6th century. Apart from Muruga in the main shrine, the temple has other deities of Shiva, Vinayaka, Durga and Vishnu. Shaivism is the tradition of worship in this temple. The temple is managed by the Tamil Nadu Government Hindu Religious and Charitable Board.

Address: Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu 625005

Timings: 5.30 AM-1 PM, 4 PM-9 PM

Dress Code: Traditional dress is encouraged

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

How to reach: 9 km from airport and 8 km from station. You can reach the temple by cab or taxi

Temple Website: http://www.thirupaparankundrammurugantemple.tnhrce.in/

Best time to visit: Brahmotsavam festival time

Other attractions: Andanam can be organized for groups of people at affordable rates. Tirumala Nayak Palace is nearby.

8. Kallajgarh Temple:

Kallajagar Temple has breathtakingly beautiful architecture with stunning architecture that evokes a sense of devotion. Also known as Alagarkovil Temple, the abode of Lord Vishnu, it completely surrounds the sanctum sanctorum with a granite wall bordered by a seven-tiered Rajagopuram. The presiding deity of this temple is Uraga-Mellanayan Perumal, who resembles Srirangam Ranganathaswamy in a reclining posture on a snake bed. This temple is one of the 108 Vishnu temples, also classified as Divisdesam.

Address: Alagar Kovil Main Road, Alagar Kovil, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.

Timings: 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM and 3.30 PM to 8.00 PM

Dress Code: Respectful attire is encouraged

Approximate Visit Duration: 1 hour

How to reach: 31 km from the airport. Madurai Railway Junction is near by rail.

Temple Website: http://www.alagarkoil.tnhrce.in/

Best time to visit: Chitra festival (full or full moon day) in April and May every year.

Other attractions: 'Holy bath in Nupura Ganga for Ishta Siddhi. Gandhi Memorial Museum can be explored.

9. Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple, Pajamudircholai:

Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple is one of the famous Madurai Murugan Temples located on a densely forested hill 25 km north of Madurai. All of Urahara belongs to Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. In contrast, Madurai falls under one of the six residences required for Lord Muruga's temple entry. The temple is managed by the Department of Hindu Religion and Charities, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Address: Solai Malai(Pajamuthir Cholai), Alagar Hills R.F, Azagarkoil, Madurai Dist., Tamil Nadu 624401

Timings: 5.30 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.

Dress Code: Modest and comfortable clothing

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

How to reach: You can reach Ajagar Kovil (23 km from Madurai Central Bus Stand) by road. The temple is located at a distance of 3 km from here, regular bus service operated by the authorities is available back from the temple.

Temple Website: N/A

Best time to visit: Annual Abhishek festival

Other attractions: Atishayam is a theme park in Madurai that can be explored.

10. ISKCON, Sri Sri Radha Madurapati Temple:

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON temple is located in Madurai. The name ISKCON today resonates with everyone, whether religious or not. This Hare Krishna movement is so famous that ISKCON is very popular not only in India but also abroad. Today there are about five hundred centers and temples. This tranquility in Madurai is also wholeheartedly dedicated to celebrating love for Hare Krishna. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has a beautiful deity of Radha Madhav. The temple conducts various rituals, prayers and chants. On Sundays, Prasad is offered to everyone present in the temple. The temple is most popularly visited during festivals like Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Gaur Purnima or Holi and Ekadashi.

Address: No.12/37, Mani City Main Road, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001

Timings: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:15 PM

Dress Code: Simple, modest clothing will work

Approximate Visit Duration: 1-2 hours

How to reach: 2 km from Meenakshi Amman Temple. Easily accessible by all modes of transport.

Temple Website: http://www.iskcon.org/

Best time to visit: Janmashtami. Sundays are for their bhajans and teaching programs.

Other attractions: The spiritual discourses and chants held here are very soothing. Meenakshi Amman Temple is nearby.

11. Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam:

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a part of Madurai Temples list which is 5 km from Meenakshi Amman Temple. Teppakulam means temple ponds used for festivals. Vaigai river is connected to this tank through an ingenious system of underground channels. The king built the Tirumala Nayak temple, and the steps were built of granite on all four sides.

Address: On NH 49, towards the bank of river Vaigai

Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Dress Code: Simple traditional dress is ideal

Approximate Visit Duration: 1 hour

How to reach: You can reach by bus from Madurai Periyar bus stand. Cabs are also a good option to the temple. Madurai Rail Junction is a 30-minute drive from the temple.

Temple Website: N/A

Best time to visit: Mariamman Theppakulam (float festival time) in January/February.

Other attractions: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Alagar Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral Church. Anointing water is known for its miraculous powers.

12. Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple:

Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple One of the famous temples dedicated to Yoga Narasimha Perumal located in Narasingam village near Madurai. The temple was built in 770 A.D by Madurakavi alias Marankari, a minister of King Parantaka Nedunjadaiyan of Madurai. This hill was used to carve the Narasingha Perumal sculpture and represents the sculptural style of the Pandya kingdom.

Address: Narasingam Main Road, Ottakadai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625107.

Timings: 7 am-12 noon and 4-8 pm

Dress Code: Modest attire is encouraged

Approximate Visit Duration: 1 hour

How to reach: Mini buses ply every 10 minutes from Othakkadai. The temple can be reached by auto from Matutavani Bus Stand or Madurai Railway Station.

Temple Website: N/A

Best time to visit: Gajendra Moksha festival

Other attractions: Vedic Narayana Temple

13. Sri Mavutru Velappar Temple:

Sri Mavutru Velappar Temple is located 75 km from Madurai amidst the mountains and is one of the famous temples in Madurai. Murugan is the main deity in this temple, and Paliyars (local tribes) perform pujas. The specialty of this temple is that it has a natural spring flowing between the roots of mango trees. Many people believe that bathing or cooking with this water cures diseases.

Address: Mavootru Velappar Temple, Varanadu Hills, Mavootru Road, Tamil Nadu 625705

Timings: 7.00 am to 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm to 6.00 p.m.

Dress Code: Traditional dress is encouraged

Approximate Visit Duration: 1 hour

How to reach: 98 km from Madurai. You can take a bus or train (closer to the temple and then a bus or taxi).

Temple Website: N/A

Best time to visit: Thai moon days in July-August

Other attractions: Perpetual spring. The temple is situated in the most picturesque environment amidst the hills and surrounded by natural vegetation. A bonus for all nature lovers.

Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India with a rich cultural heritage. Temples in Madurai make you feel heaven on earth with epic history and perfect architecture. Other temples you can visit in Madurai are Varahiamman Temple in Madurai, Saibaba Temple in Madurai, Shivan Temple in Madurai, Pandimuni Temple, Pandi Temple in Madurai, Inmaiilnanmaitaruvar Temple in Madurai, Sarabeshwar Temple in Madurai, Kaliamman Temple in Madurai, Divyadesam in Madurai, 1000 Pillar Temple. Madurai. Visiting the temples in Madurai mentioned in this article will make your vacation in Tamil Nadu a divine and memorable experience. Don't forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!