Frequently asked questions
The consecration, darshan, the phone ban and getting there — the questions we are asked most.
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When is the Meenakshi Amman Temple maha kumbabishekam?
On the morning of Thursday 17 September 2026. Three muhurtham moments have been announced: 7.40am for the golden vimanams and rajagopurams, 7.55am for the moolavar Meenakshi Amman, and 8.10am for the moolavar Sundareswarar.
When is darshan suspended at the temple?
Moolavar darshan of both Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar is suspended for six days, from 11 to 16 September, to allow the kumbabishekam rites to proceed. See our darshan suspension page for the detail.
Are mobile phones allowed inside the temple?
No. Since 1 September, camera phones have been barred from 52 temples including this one. Deposit counters operate at the entrances at a charge of Rs 5, and a receipt is issued.
How can I watch the kumbabishekam live?
From early morning on 17 September our live page will carry the broadcast alongside minute-by-minute updates and photographs. LED screens are also being set up at several points across Madurai.
How many people will be allowed inside on the day?
Entry into the temple on the day is capped, and everyone else will watch on the LED screens outside. The final figure will be announced by the HR&CE department.
Why has it been seventeen years since the last kumbabishekam?
The last kumbabishekam was in April 2009. The fire of February 2018, the restoration work that followed, and the safety and repair programme carried out under the monitoring of the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court all contributed to the delay.
What is a kumbabishekam?
After temple restoration is complete, the power raised in the yagasala fire is transferred into consecrated pots, and the water from those pots is poured over the vimanams and towers. In the Saiva Agama tradition this re-establishes the divine presence in the sacred images. Its formal Tamil name is thirukkuda nanneerattu.
How long do the mandala poojas continue afterwards?
By tradition the mandala poojas run for forty-eight days after the kumbabishekam, so special poojas are expected to continue into October. The temple administration will confirm the closing date.
Where can I park?
Traffic diversions will be in force on the streets around the temple. Temporary bus stands and parking areas are being arranged on the city outskirts. We will publish the final map on our visitor guide page.
Where can I find the full programme?
The full programme from 8 to 17 September, with the morning and evening rites, venue and timing for each day, is on our ritual calendar page.
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