Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai: Complete Guide to Timings, Online Booking & Darshan (2025)

The Madurai Meenakshi Temple, officially known as Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, stands as one of India’s most magnificent spiritual destinations. Located in the heart of Madurai city, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.

The temple is particularly famous for its evening ceremony called “Sundareswarar returning to Meenakshi,” symbolizing the divine couple’s nightly reunion. The temple’s architecture represents the perfect blend of spirituality and artistic excellence, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple – from darshan timings, ticket cost and online booking procedures to dress codes and travel tips. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another spiritual experience, this guide will help you make the most of your pilgrimage.

Location- Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
Official Website – https://maduraimeenakshi.hrce.tn.gov.in/
Contact No. – 0452 234 4360

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Timings

The Madurai Meenakshi Temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM with a midday break from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. General darshan starts 30 minutes after the temple opens to allow for morning prayers and rituals.

Activity	Timing
Temple Opens	5:00 AM
General Darshan Starts	5:30 AM
Afternoon Break	12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening Darshan Resumes	4:00 PM
Temple Closes	10:00 PM

Types of Darshan Options at Meenakshi Temple With Ticket Cost

Darshan Type	Ticket Cost (₹)
Special or VIP Darshan (For Amman and Swamy Darshan)	₹ 100
Special Entrance (For Amman or Swamy Darshan)	₹ 50
Cloak Room	₹ 2
Mobile Safety Locker	₹ 5

Special or VIP Darshan (For Amman and Swamy Darshan)

This premium darshan allows you to visit both Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar without waiting in long queues. You get closer access to the main sanctums and can spend more time for prayers and photography. The VIP darshan ensures a comfortable spiritual experience with dedicated pathways and priority entry during busy festival days.

Special Entrance (For Amman or Swamy Darshan) – ₹50

This paid entry gives you faster access to either Goddess Meenakshi’s shrine or Lord Sundareswarar’s temple through separate entrances. You can avoid the regular crowd and enjoy a more peaceful darshan experience with less waiting time. This option is perfect for devotees who want to focus their prayers on one specific deity with enhanced comfort.

Types of Pooja Rituals At Meenakshi Amman Temple With Cost & Timings

Pooja Ritual Name	Cost (₹)
Arulmigu Amman Swamy Abishegam	1300
Ubaya Thangaratham	1501
Ubaya Thirukalyanam	1501
Siddhar Pushpa Koodaram	500
Kalyanam	100
Kalyanam Thambulam	50

Some of the popular pooja rituals are:

Kaalasandhi Pooja This early morning ceremony awakens Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar for the day ahead. Temple priests offer fresh flowers, light camphor, and recite ancient hymns to invite divine blessings. Many devotees join this peaceful ritual to start their day with spiritual energy and positive vibrations.

Timing: 6:00 AM
Duration: 30 minutes

Uchi Kala Pooja The noon worship happens when the sun is at its highest point, symbolizing peak divine power. Priests present specially prepared food offerings called naivedyam along with fruits and sweets to both deities. This important ceremony concludes the morning worship session before the temple takes its afternoon rest.

Timing: 12:00 PM
Duration: 45 minutes

Sayarakshai Pooja Evening prayers begin as the temple reopens, welcoming visitors back for sunset worship. Hundreds of oil lamps are lit creating a magical atmosphere while priests perform arathi with devotional songs. This time is perfect for families to gather and experience the temple’s most vibrant spiritual moments.

Timing: 6:00 PM
Duration: 40 minutes

Arthajama Pooja The day’s final ceremony gently prepares the divine couple for their nighttime rest. Temple staff offer warm milk, honey, and traditional sweets while singing lullabies to the deities. Devotees who attend this intimate ritual often feel a deep sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.

Timing: 9:00 PM
Duration: 30 minutes

How to Online Book Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple VIP Darshan & Abishekam (All Details)

Planning a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai? Booking your darshan tickets online or reserving pooja and Abhishekam is simple with the official website. Here’s a step-by-step process covering entire Meenakshi Temple darshan booking process

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Darshan and Pooja Booking Steps:

Go to the Official Site
Visit the official Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple website
Select Temple Booking Services
On the homepage, find and click “Temple Booking Services.” This is where you start your Madurai Meenakshi Temple online darshan booking or pooja booking process.
Click e-Services Search
Choose “e-Services Search” to see all available darshan and pooja options—such as special darshan, VIP darshan, Abhishekam, Kalyanam, and more—for Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Pick Your Darshan or Pooja Type
Select the specific darshan (e.g., general, special, or VIP) or pooja (e.g., Abhishekam, Kalyanam) you want.
Choose Your Preferred Darshan Date and Timings
Pick your preferred date and time slot
Click “Book”
Confirm your selection and click “Book” to reserve your slot for darshan or pooja.
Fill in Visitor Details
Enter your name, contact, and ID details.
Complete Online Payment
Pay securely using any online payment method. Once you pay, you’ll receive a darshan booking confirmation on your email—essential for entry.

This covers Madurai Meenakshi Temple online ticket booking for both darshan and pooja bookings.

Best Time to Visit Meenakshi Temple

The month from October to March are considered best to visit Meenakshi temple as the weather is pleasantly mild and perfect for sightseeing. During these months, you can comfortably explore not only the temple’s magnificent architecture and vibrant rituals but also enjoy nearby attractions. This season ensures a delightful travel experience without the discomfort of summer heat or heavy monsoon rains.

Important Guidelines & Travel Tips For First Time Devotees

Dress Code Requirements – Wear traditional or modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts, while women should wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with covered tops.
Footwear Rules – Remove and deposit shoes at designated counters near temple entrances. Keep the receipt safe and wear socks to protect your feet from hot stone floors during summer.
Best Visiting Hours – Early morning (6-8 AM) or late evening (7-9 PM) offer cooler weather and smaller crowds. Avoid peak afternoon hours when temperatures soar and crowds are heaviest.
Entry Restrictions – Mobile phones, cameras, and leather items are prohibited inside the temple premises. Store these at paid counters outside or leave them at your accommodation.
Temple Layout Navigation – The temple has multiple entrances and complex corridors. Enter through the main East Tower and follow the prescribed clockwise path to avoid getting lost in the maze-like structure.
Special Darshan Options – Consider purchasing special entry tickets for faster access during festivals or busy periods. VIP darshan tickets help skip long queues but book them in advance.
Festival Calendar Awareness – Check the temple calendar before visiting as special festivals like Meenakshi Thirukalyanam attract massive crowds. Plan accordingly or visit during off-peak periods for a more peaceful experience.
Local Transportation – Auto-rickshaws and city buses connect well to the temple. Negotiate fares beforehand with auto-drivers, or use prepaid taxi services from railway stations or airports.
Nearby Facilities – Dharamshala accommodations and vegetarian restaurants are available around the temple complex. Book accommodation early during festival seasons as options fill up quickly.

How to Reach Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai

Madurai is well connected with all major modes of transport.

By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (12 km) from the temple, offering regular flights from major Indian cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi. From the airport, devotees can hire prepaid taxis, auto-rickshaws, or board city buses to reach the temple directly. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

By Rail: Madurai Junction Railway Station (2 km) is the main railhead, providing excellent connectivity to all major cities across India including Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. The temple is easily accessible from the station via auto-rickshaws, city buses, or a pleasant 20-minute walk through the bustling markets of Madurai.

By Road: Madurai is well-connected by national and state highways. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operates regular bus services from major cities like Chennai (460 km), Bangalore (460 km), Coimbatore (210 km), and Trichy (140 km). Private vehicles can be parked at designated parking areas near the temple. The temple is located in the heart of Madurai city, making it easily accessible by local transportation including city buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis from any part of the city.