The 12 Gopurams (tall towers) are the first thing you’ll notice as you draw close to the Meenakshi Aman Temple. They are strikingly beautiful structures that are decorated with thousands of finely sculpted statues of various gods, goddesses and demons.
You would need at least 2-4 hours to tour the entire temple complex because it is huge and has several shrines spread over 45 acres of land. Walking through the stunning thousand-pillared hall to the “Kambathadi Mandapa” is an experience in itself. Some of
The 12 Gopurams (tall towers) are the first thing you’ll notice as you draw close to the Meenakshi Aman Temple. They are strikingly beautiful structures that are decorated with thousands of finely sculpted statues of various gods, goddesses and demons.
You would need at least 2-4 hours to tour the entire temple complex because it is huge and has several shrines spread over 45 acres of land. Walking through the stunning thousand-pillared hall to the “Kambathadi Mandapa” is an experience in itself. Some of the pillars in this hall are identified as musical pillars. Wonder why? Well, that’s because when you tap them, they produce some musical notes. Also, do visit the colorful flower market on the West Avani Moola Street before entering the temple. Its air fills up with the fragrance of the fresh flowers every morning.
The evening ceremony that takes place at 9.30 pm everyday, is a magical moment shrouded in mysticism and romanticism. The image of Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) is carried from his shrine to the bed chamber for the night, where his wife, goddess Meenakshi is waiting for him. The procession takes place amidst much fanfare with people singing hymns and drums playing in the background. While non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main sanctorum, they can witness the ceremony from the gallery outside.
Read Less
