Southern India is filled with temples that have a rich history. But Madurai is one of the holiest and oldest cities in India. It is also considered the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. And, It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country, and the temples in Madhurai are a testament. It is also known as the “Lotus city” because the plan and construction are shaped like a lotus. For the longest time, Madhurai was the capital of Pandya kingdom. Madurai’s strong cultural and religious heritage is visible in its temples and is mentioned in ancient works like the Arthashastra. Go through this article for a list of the top temples in Madhurai.

Famous Temples near Madurai:

Madurai was formerly known as Madura city, located in the south-central Tamilnadu. Although there are several temples in the city of Madurai, we have presented you with the top 12 temples you can put in your itinerary when you plan to visit the holy city.

1. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple:

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As soon as you enter the city of Madurai, the first thing that catches your eye is the sprawling temple’s 14 gateway towers (gopurams). The Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is one of the main Shakthi Peeth temples. It is the only temple in India that has four Rajagopuram.

The present buildings were built during the 16th and 17th centuries, but the original temple was supposedly built during the 6th century B.C. The Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is dedicated to the creator Lord Shiva and the mighty Goddess Parvathi. The two beautiful golden shrines to Meenakshi is the central shrine with an additional 33,000 sculptures.

This temple has made a name for itself as one of the most renowned tourist attractions located on the banks of the Vaigai river. The Dravidian architecture displays the craftsmanship of the bygone era with its well-carved and intricate artwork.

  • Address: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
  • Timings: Madurai Meenakshi temple timings or rather the Madurai Meenakshi temple darshan timings range from 5.00am to 12.30pm & 4.00pm to 10.00pm
  • Dress Code: Madurai Meenakshi dress code follows a strict prohibition of shorts, lunges, caps and animal skin clothes inside the temple premises. Decent clothing is encouraged. Men have to wear pants and shirts. Women should avoid sleeveless kurtis.
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
  • How To Reach: 1 Km away from Madurai Junction Railway Station. Madurai airport is 10 Km from the city and connected with all major places across India. Cabs and buses are easily available in Madurai city.
  • Temple Website: https://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/
  • Best Time To Visit: Chitra festival, Avanimoola festival, Masi Mandala festival, Float festival, and Navarathri cultural festival
  • Other Attractions: Aayiram Kaal Mandapam and Koodal Azhagar Temple are incredibly close.

2. Edaganathar temple:

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Lord Shiva’s other avatar is Edaganathar. Edaganathar Temple is his reigning abode constructed on the banks of the Vaigai River. The temple comprises two gopurams facing the two shrines, one dedicated to Lord Edaganathar and another to the Lord’s consort in this 5-acre temple. This temple is believed to have been constructed during the Pandyan Empire, and the stone carvings define Lord Edaganathar’s origin.

  • Address: Thiruvedagam Village, Madurai District.
  • Opening Timings: 6.30 AM to 12:00 AM, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
  • Dress Code: There is a strict dress code for wearing traditional Indian attire.
  • How to Reach: This temple is near Sholavandahan and is around 20 to 25 km away from Madurai city. Madurai is connected to all the major cities in the country. Locally you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the temple.
  • Temple Website: N/A
  • Other Attractions: Small temples in the nearby area.

3. Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple:

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Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple is located near Melur, Madurai district, called Thirumoohoor or Tirumogoor temple. This temple glorifies the DivyaPrabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints, and is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Neelamegha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as TirukannapuraNayagi and is one of the 108 Divysdesham dedicated to Lord Vishnu. A granite wall encloses all the shrines and three of its four bodies of water by surrounding the temple.

  • Address: X624+9V8, Tirumohur, 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 attire.
  • How to Reach: The temple is connected to Madurai, and the city is connected to several cities in the country. You can hire cabs to travel locally.
  • Temple Website: N/A
  • Other Attractions: Azhagar Kovil.

4. Thirumeninathar Temple:

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Thirumeninathar temple is located in Tiruchuli in Virudhunagar district and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva is represented by the lingam and is worshipped as Thirumeninathar, and his consort is depicted as Thunaimalaiyammai Amman. This temple is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, known as nayanmars, written by Tamil saint poets.

  • Address: Manamaduri, Mangulam, Tamil Nadu 630606.
  • Opening Timings: 6 AM to 8:30 PM.
  • Dress Code: There is a strict dress code for wearing traditional Indian attire.
  • How to Reach: Madurai is well-connected to all the major cities in the country, and you can use a cab to reach the temple locally.
  • Other Attractions: Small temples nearby.

[Read: Top Temples in Ooty]

5. Kalaiyar Kovil:

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Kalaiyar Kovil is located in the Sivaganga district and is the famous Madurai temple with historical importance. Three functions of life creation, preservation, and completion inspire the three shrines in this temple. In addition, there are three separate shrines in the mandapam outside the shrine for both the male and female deities of famous shiva temples.

  • Address: SivagangaiSamasthanam Devasthanam, Sivaganga – 630 561, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu.
  • Opening Timings: 6.00 AM to 12.00 noon and 4.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
  • Dress Code: There is a strict dress code for wearing traditional Indian attire.
  • How to Reach: Madurai is well connected to all the cities in India with airways, roadways, and railways. You can rent cabs to explore the city locally.
  • Other Attractions: Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Sri Shanmughanathar Temple, Thirukoshtiyur Sowmya Narayana Perumal Temple, Chettinadu Tourism, Sheik Abdullah AvuliyaTharga.

6. Koodal Azhagar temple, Madurai:

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Koodal Azhagar temple is one of the 108 Divyadesam Vishnu temples on the 65th spot and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple covers 2.5 acres, and the goddess Lakshmi is Mathuravalli Lord Vishnu’s consort. Lord Vishnu’s idol is in three different postures near each other, making this a famous 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: Decent, respectful clothing would work best.
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
  • How To Reach: The temple is near to central bus stand and Madurai railway station. The airport is 10 Km from the city. public transports and auto rickshaws easily available throughout Madurai.
  • Temple Website: http://koodalalagartemple.tnhrce.in/
  • Best Time To Visit: The 10 days float festival (month of Maasi on Star Makham).
  • Other Attractions: Meenakshi temple. Prema Villas for some local shopping.

7. Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram:

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Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram, is one of the six abodes of Murugan’s built-in rock-cut architecture built by the Pandays in the 6th century. This temple houses other deities of Shiva, Vinayaka, Durga, and Vishnu, apart from Muruga in the main shrine. The tradition of worship in this temple is Shaivite. The Hindu religious and endowment board of the Government of Tamilnadu maintains this temple.

  • Address: Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu 625005
  • Timings: 5.30 AM-1PM, 4PM-9 PM
  • Dress Code: Traditional wear is encouraged
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
  • How To Reach: 9 KM from Airport and 8 Km from the station. You can take a cab or taxi to reach the temple
  • Temple Website: http://www.thiruparankundrammurugantemple.tnhrce.in/
  • Best Time To Visit: Brahmotsavam festival time
  • Other Attractions: Annadhanam can be organized for groups of people at affordable rates. Thirumalai Nayak Palace is near.

8. Kallazhagar Temple:

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Kallazhagar temple has brilliant architecture with breathtakingly beautiful structures which invoke a sense of reverence. Also called AlagarKovil temple, it is the home of Lord Vishnu with a seven-tiered Rajagopuram bordered with a granite wall enclosing the shrines completely. The reigning deity of this temple is Uraga-mellanayaan Perumaal which is similar to the SrirangamRanganathaswamy, which looks like a reclining posture on a snake bed. This temple is one of the 108 Vishnu temples, also classified as Divysdesam.

  • Address: Alagar Kovil Main Rd, 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
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
  • How To Reach: 31 KM from Airport. Madurai Railway junction is the nearest by rail.
  • Temple Website: http://www.alagarkoil.tnhrce.in/
  • Best Time To Visit: Chitra festival ( on Pournami or full moon day) in April and may every year.
  • Other Attractions: Holy bath at Nupura Ganga for ‘Ishta Siddhi. Gandhi Memorial Museum can be explored.

[Read: Important Temples in Rameshwaram]

9. Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple, Pazhamudircholai

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Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan temple is one of the famous Madurai Murugan temples located atop a hill covered with dense forests, about 25 km north of Madurai. The entire prahara belongs to the Madurai district of Tamilnadu. In contrast, one of the six essential abodes of Lord Muruga’s temple entrance comes under Madurai. The Hindu religious and charitable endowments department of the Government of Tamilnadu maintains this temple.

  • Address: Solai Malai(Pazhamuthir Cholai), Alagar Hills R.F, Azhagarkoil, Madurai District., Tamil Nadu 624401
  • Timings: 5.30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
  • Dress Code: modest and comfortable attire
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
  • How To Reach: By road, you can reach Azhagar kovil (23 km from Madurai Central Bus Stand). The temple is 3 km from here which can be travelled by a bus service organized by the authorities, moving to and fro from the temple regularly.
  • Temple Website: N/A
  • Best Time To Visit: Annual Abhisek festival
  • Other Attractions: Athisayam is a theme park located in Madurai which can be explored.

10. ISKCON, Sri Sri Radha Mathurapati Temple:

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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON temple is located in Madurai. ISKON as a name today resonates with one and all whether religious or not. This Hare Krishna movement has become so famous that ISKON is not only popular in India but also extremely loved abroad. Today it has around five hundred centres and temples. This tranquil one at Madurai is also devoted sincerely to celebrate the love for Hare Krishna. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has a beautiful deity of Radha Madhav. The temple performs various rituals, prayers and kirtans. On Sundays, the temple serves prasadam to one and all present there. The temple is very prominently visited during festivals like Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Gaur Purnima or Holi and Ekadashi.

  • Address: No.12/37, Mani Nagaram Main Road, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
  • Timings: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:15 PM
  • Dress Code: Simple, decent attire would work
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hours
  • How To Reach: 2 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Can be accessed via all transportation modes easily.
  • Temple Website: http://www.iskcon.org/
  • Best Time To Visit: Janmashtami. Sundays for their bhajans and teaching programs.
  • Other Attractions: Spiritual lectures and kirtans held here are extremely soothing. Meenakshi Amman Temple is nearby.

11.  Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam:

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a part of the top Madurai temples list, 5 km away from the Meenakshi Amman temple. The meaning of Teppakulam is temple ponds which are used for festivals. The Vaigai river is connected to this tank through underground channels through an ingenious system. King Thirumalai Nayak built the temple, and the stairs were made of granite on four sides.

  • Address: On NH 49, Towards The Banks Of Vaigai River
  • Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m
  • Dress Code: Simple traditional wear would be ideal
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
  • How To Reach: you can take a bus from Madurai Periyar Bus stand. Cabs to the temple are also a good option. Madurai rail junction is 30 minutes drive from the temple.
  • Temple Website: N/A
  • Best Time To Visit: Mariamman Teppakulam (Float festival time) in Jan/Feb.
  • Other Attractions: Meenakshi Amman temple, Thiruparankundram Murugan temple, Alagar temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral Church. abhisheka water known for its magical strengths.

12. Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple:

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Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple is one of the famous temples near Madurai dedicated to Yoga Narasimha Perumal located in Narasingam village. Madurakavi alias Marankaari the minister of the Madurai King ParantakaNedunjadaiyan built this temple in 770 A.D. The hill is used to carve the sculpture of Narasinga Perumal and represents the sculpturing style from the Pandyas kingdom.

  • Address: Narasingam Main Rd, Otthakadai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625107.
  • Timings: 7am-12noon and 4pm-8 pm
  • Dress Code: Modest attire is encouraged
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
  • How To Reach: Minibuses run every 10 minutes from Othakkadai. Auto can be taken from Matuthavani bus stand or the Madurai Railway Station to the temple.
  • Temple Website: N/A
  • Best Time To Visit: Gajendra Moksha festival
  • Other Attractions: Veda Narayana temple

[Read: Beautiful Temples in Tamil Nadu]

13. Sri Mavoottru Velappar Temple:

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Sri Mavoottru Velappar Temple is located 75 km from Madurai amidst the mountains and is one of the famous temples in Madurai. Lord Murugan is the presiding deity in this temple, and Paliyars (local tribes) conduct puja. The unique feature of this temple is that it has a natural spring that forms into a stream that starts among the roots of the mango trees. Many people believe that this water can cure diseases by bathing or preparing food from this water.

  • Address: Mavoottru Velappar Temple, Varusanadu hills, Mavoottru road, Tamil Nadu 625705
  • Timings: 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
  • Dress Code: Traditional wear encouraged
  • Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hours
  • How To Reach: 98 KM from Madurai. You can take a bus or train (closer to the temple and then by bus or taxi).
  • Temple Website: N/A
  • Best Time To Visit: Thai moon days in July-August
  • Other Attractions: The perennial spring. The temple is itself in an extremely scenic environment tucked between 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. The temples in Madurai make you experience heaven on earth with the history of legends and perfect architecture. Other temples you can visit in Madurai are varahiAmman temple in Madurai, Sai baba temple Madurai, Madurai Sivan temple, pandimuni temple Madurai, Pandi temple Madurai, Inmaiyilnanmaitharuvar temple Madurai, Sarabeswarar temple in Madurai, Madurai kaliamman temple, Divyadesam in Madurai, 1000 pillar temple Madurai. Visiting the temples in Madurai mentioned in this article will make your vacation in Tamilnadu a divine and memorable experience. Don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!

FAQ:

1. Where can we go shopping in Madurai?

Pudhu Mandapam is a perfect place for you to go shopping that has streets filled with multiple shops. They sell textile and handmade items you can find only in Madurai.

2. What are the day trips you can plan while visiting Madurai?

Here is the list of some of the most popular day trips you can plan from Madurai:

  • Full-day Madurai tour.
  • Madurai heritage trip.
  • Periyar tiger reserve.
  • Chettinad heritage town.

3. Are there any popular things to do with kids in Madurai?

Here are some of the popular things you can do with kids in Madurai:

  • Visiting Periyar tiger reserve.
  • Sightseeing tour.
  • Spend a day in Athisayam amusement park.
  • Explore Vaigai Dam.
  • Visit famous temples.

4. Why is Madurai known as The City of Festivals?

Madurai is famous as the city of temples and festivals. All religious festivals here are celebrated with a great deal of enthusiasm and love. The most popular is April’s Chithirai Festival that celebrates goddess Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu. Millions of devotees come in to be a part of the procession every year. Devotees flock at the Azhagar Kovil Temple to carry the god’s idol to Madurai.

5. Are There any Places of Worship for Jains in The Madurai District?

Yes. In fact, the earliest of the Southern India Jain centres are located in and around the city of Madurai. There are 16 natural caverns here known as the Jain caves. Its believed that at these caves, some of the most learned of the Jain monks lived and practised. It is thus a holy place for those believing in and following Jainism.

6. Is Madurai also Famous for Any Mosque?

Yes, the Gorippalayam Dargah is popular throughout India as one of the most significant places of worship. It houses graves of the two world-famous saints of Islam. Stunning when lit up and visible from the A.V bridge, this dargah attracts many due to its sense of peace and purity. People from all over Tamil Nadu and even India come here to pray and seek blessings.

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