Madurai_temples

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Sri Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple:

Timings : The temple is usually open between 0500hrs and 1230hrs and again between 1600 hrs and 21.30 hrs

The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city - one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak(1623-55 AD).
There are four massive gateways enclosing these two shrines. Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures.

Azhagar Koil:

Azhagar Koil (also, Alagarkoil temple), 21 km north of Madurai, is dedicated to one aspect of Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple is placed atop a picturesque wooded hill called Alagarmalai and has many beautiful sculptures of Vishnu.

Koodal Alagar Temple:

Koodal Alagar Temple is an ancient Vaishnavite temple is located 2 km to the west of Madurai. The temple has many beautiful sculptures depicting Vishnu in three poses-sitting, standing and reclining-one above the other.