Madurai is rightly called the temple town of India. For one, it is home to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. But not just that, it is also home to many other sacred and beautiful temples. Some of these are very ancient temples. And they have some of the best architecture among the ancient temples of India. So, when our Bangalore – Madurai – Rameshwaram – Chettinad – Thanjavur trip materialised, hopping through the beautiful temples of Madurai was top on our list. Here, we bring you the list of most beautiful temples of Madurai. Also, we have arranged them in the order in which it is most convenient to visit them , like, in a straight line. Here’s the map of the beautiful temples of Madurai that you can easily follow. And visit most of these temples in half a day.
Table of Contents
Vandiyur Mariamman Temple
This is one of the most beautiful temples of Madurai. Located across the river Vaigai, almost 5km from Meenakshi Temple. This temple has a beautiful pond (water tank) in front of it. It is called after the temple as Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. This is a temple of Goddess Mariamman, the Hindu Goddess of rain. A colourful float festival happens in the pond of this temple during Thaipusam. Which continues for 10 days. So, you can plan your visit to the temple around this time. In case you also want to see the festival. Also, in the evening, the temple provides a beautiful view from across the pond. Since it is at one end of our map. So, we start the temple hopping tour in Madurai from this temple.
Shri Draupadi Amman Temple
Draupadi was the wife of the Pandavas in the Hindu Epic Mahabharata. She is also an incarnation of Kali. And this is the temple of Draupadi Goddess. Actually, there are several such temples in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and other parts of South India dedicated to Draupadi. In most of these temples, she is worshipped as the village Goddess. The cult who worship Draupadi Amman have their unique rituals and mythological believes. Which are really interesting to learn. Overall, it is one of the most beautiful temples of Madurai. And the second one on our Map due to it’s location with respect to other temples.
Sri Veeraraghava Perumal temple
This is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s form “Veeraraghava” . There is an interesting legend associated with the temple. It is believed that “Veeraraghava” received his first “welcome” here on the bank of the Vaigai river. And hence the temple was established here. This temple has lord Vishnu’s idol in a standing form.
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Of all the beautiful temples of Madurai, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is the most famous. Even being born and brought up in North India, whenever I heard of Madurai, the name Meenakshi Temple automatically popped up in mind. So much so that Madurai and Meenakshi Temple have become synonym of each other. If you are really pressed by time in Madurai, this is one temple you must visit when here. Try visiting in the morning hours when the crowd is least. The temple is huge, with multiple smaller temples within the premises. The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. But there are several other temples of most of the other important Hindu Gods and Goddess within the temple campus. It easily takes around 2 hours to visit all of them.
Read : Visiting the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai Tamil Nadu
Shri Koodal Azhagar Temple
A beautiful temple dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, Sri Koodal Azhagar Temple is the next on our list of beautiful temples of Madurai. It is located just 1.5km from the Meenakshi Temple. So, makes for the perfect next temple to visit. It is also one of the oldest temples of Madurai. Initially it was built by the Pandayas. And later impoverished by Vijayanagara Empire and Nayaka Dynasty of Madurai. Also, this temple has a unique cemented wall surrounding all its shrines. Also, this temple has a 5 tower gopuram adorned with beautiful sculptures. And there are several inscriptions inside, indicating the legends associated with the temple and the donations made to the temple over the period of time.
Thiruparankundram
Another temple from the 8th century. The Pandyas built this temple as well. And it is carved out of rock. This temple has shrines for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Lord Vinayaka and of other prominent Hindu deities. But the most unique thing about this temple is that the idols of Vishnu and Shiva face each other in this temple. And it is not just one of the most beautiful temples of Madurai. But also historically one of the most significant.
Inmaiyil Nanmai Tharuvar Temple
This is one of the most reverred temples of Shiva in Madurai and in South India. In fact, it is also famous as “Bhookala Kailash” meaning “Kailash on Earth”. Another unique thing about this temple is that the Shivlinga in this temple faces west. While in most other Hindu temples, it faces east. And also, the idols of Shiva and Parvati are established behind the Shivlinga. Overall, it is definitely a must visit among the ancient and beautiful temples of Madurai. And the next one on our list.
More beautiful temples of Madurai
While all the above temples lie within an hour’s distance, there are a few beautiful temples of Madurai a little father off the main town. If you have a little more time at hand, a few of the temples that we recommend visiting include :
Pazhamudhir Solai
This temple lies a little out of the town of Madurai, around 25km north. It is close to Azhagar Kovil so you can visit both together. This is a temple of the God Murugan. Located atop a small and dense hill, the Pazhamudhir Solai Temple is not just one of the most beautiful temples of Madurai. But also its surroundings are very beautiful. Making it a must visit.
Alagar Kovil
One of the largest ancient temples in Tamil Nadu, the Alagar Kovil is also called “Kallazhagar Temple “. This temple is spread in 2 acres. And it has a huge Gopuram towering up to 5 stories. Besides the main image of the deity Sundarabahu Perumal the temple also has images of Sridevi, Bhudevi and Narshimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. Also, the temple houses some rare Vijayanagara sculptures . However, the main feature of the temple is the chakarat azhvar. A god with 16 hands and 16 weapons, but without a Narshimha on it’s top.
Related read
Thirumalai Nayakar Palace Madurai
Things to do in Madurai in a day
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