The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, also known as the Meenakshi Amman Temple, is one of India's most famous temples and a must-include in Tamil Nadu tour packages. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, this temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur and was shortlisted among the top 30 nominees for the New Seven Wonders of the World. Covering approximately 45 acres, the temple complex features 14 towering structures and four main entrances. The main entrance, on the eastern side, leads into a series of corridors, halls, and shrines adorned with stunning artwork. The temple is also famous for its year-round festivals, drawing millions of devotees and making it a highlight of Madurai tour packages. Here are some key festivals you shouldn't miss at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
# Tirukalyanam / Chithirai FestivalThe Tirukalyanam, or Chithirai Festival, is the most prominent celebration at the Madurai Temple, one of Tamil Nadu's top pilgrimage sites. This twelve-day festival, held during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May), marks the divine union of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara. It begins with the raising of a flag, and on the eighth day, Meenakshi Amman’s coronation takes place. The next day features a grand procession with the goddess paraded outside the temple. The tenth day highlights the celestial wedding (Thirukalyanam) of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara, attracting large crowds as part of Madurai tours from Chennai. Lord Subramanya leads the wedding procession, while Lord Vishnu, as Meenakshi’s brother, arrives on a golden horse to bless the bride. The wedding is followed by the car festival and Theertha festival. This auspicious time also sees numerous local weddings conducted near the temple.
# Float Festival / TheppotsavAnother major celebration at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple is the Float Festival, a prominent event in Madurai. Established by King Thirumalai Nayak in the 17th century, this festival occurs on the full moon night of the Tamil month of Thai, from mid-January to mid-February. During this festival, the beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara are paraded in a vibrant procession to the Mariamman Theppakulam. The deities, transported in golden palanquins and accompanied by musicians and devotees, are placed on the banks for worship. They are then transferred onto an ornate float for a boat ride, adorned with garlands, flowers, lights, and silk buntings. This festival attracts thousands of devotees and tourists, adding to the allure of Madurai tours from Trichy.
# Aavani FestivalThe Aavani Festival, observed for 18 days at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in August, commemorates the coronation of Lord Sundareswar. The first six days are dedicated to Arulmighu Chandrasekarar, while the remaining twelve days focus on the Panchamoorthies, who are paraded through the Aavani Moola streets in Madurai, a key destination near Chennai. During this period, priests perform daily mythological narratives known as ‘Lila,’ reciting 64 miracles of Lord Siva that saved the city from difficulties.
# Oonjal Festival / Festival of CradleThe Oonjal Festival, a notable celebration at the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, takes place over ten days in June. During this festival, Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are paraded to a mirror chamber, where they are seated in a gently swaying swing for nine days. On the final day, an Abhishekam ritual is performed for the idols, drawing thousands of devotees. This festival is a highlight of various Madurai luxury packages.
# NavaratriNo list of Madurai festivals is complete without Navaratri, celebrated over nine days at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. This major festival features Goddess Meenakshi in different attire each day, offering blessings from the Kolu Mandapam in Amman Sannidhi. Daily rituals such as Kalpa Pooja and Lakshacharna are performed within the Amman sanctum. The final day includes a hair-washing ceremony, with the Panchamoorthies paraded through the temple grounds. The temple complex is beautifully illuminated with colorful lamps, and artistic doll displays captivate devotees. Special cultural events, including classical music and traditional Tamil art forms, are part of the festival, attracting many visitors as part of Madurai tours from Coimbatore.