Madhura Meenakshi Temple

The Madura Meenakshi Temple in Poonjar, is built in the Tamil style of architecture made out of stone. The idols installed in the temple are originally the ulsava murthys (the idols which are taken out for procession during temple festivals) of the presiding deities, Meenakshi and Sundereshan, from the Madura Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. These were brought to Poonjar by the Pandyan monarch Manavikraman in the 11th century. This is one of the oldest temples built by the Poonjar royal family and was established around the mid 11th century by the Pandyan prince. After abdicating his throne, he carried the procession idols during his travels, to establish a kingdom in a new land. Finally, Poonjar was the chosen place. Daily pooja’s are conducted and Navarathri is celebrated with traditional rituals, a practice which has been continuing for centuries. The temple is situated in the same vicinity as the Poonjar Sree Dharma Shasta Temple. Read more about the Mana Vikrama Pandyan and the Poonjar Dynast here.