Night Ceremony at Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple - A Captivating Spiritual Experience Tour

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple:

The Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple was constructed under the reign of King Kulasekara Pandya between 1190 and 1216 CE.

He was responsible for the primary sections of the three-tiered gopura at the entrance of the Sundareswarar Shrine, as well as the central area of the Goddess Meenakshi Shrine, which are among the earliest extant components of the temple.

Additionally, he established shrines (Koil) dedicated to Natarajar and Surya adjacent to the main temple, along with Ayyanar to the east, Vinayagar to the south, Kariamalperumal to the west, and Kali to the north.

A Mahamandapam was also constructed by him. Kulasekara Pandya was not only a ruler but also a poet, having  a poem titled Ambikai Malai in honor of Meenakshi.   pillared corridor to the Sundareswara shrine and the Sundara Pandyan Mandapam.

This temple serves as a significant pilgrimage site within the Shaivism tradition, Meenakshi Devi and Shiva. Notably, Vishnu is incorporated into various narratives, sculptures, and rituals, as he is regarded as Meenakshi's brother.

The daily religious observance that occurs early in the morning is traditionally referred to  Thirupalli Ezhuchi, which translates to "wake up a prayer" or "Morning Prayer" for the opening ceremony.

The evening ritual is known as the closing ceremony, or the bed-chamber ceremony, which takes place at night. The temple typically operates from 05:00 hours to 12:30 hours and again from 16:00 hours to 20:30 hours.