Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple kumbabishekam LIVE: Devotees gather in large numbers

The historic kumbabishekam of the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple began on September 17, 2026, as senior priests from various temples carried sanctified water to the temple’s twelve gopurams. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, along with ministers C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar and P. Vishwanathan, addressed the gathering and highlighted the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance.

The ceremony was slated to run from 7.40 a.m. to 8.10 a.m., with devotees entering through the west and south towers and exiting via the east tower. A colour‑coded pass system—red, yellow, purple and green—directed crowds to designated zones, while toll‑free numbers 1800‑425‑6781 and 1800‑425‑6782 were provided for assistance. Police and district officials worked to prevent breaches of security barricades, especially near the West Gopuram, where hundreds of worshippers attempted to push forward.

Meenakshi Temple, a landmark of Tamil architecture and spirituality, draws millions of pilgrims annually, and the current consecration underscores the state’s effort to preserve its heritage. Officials emphasized the need to protect ancient structures while facilitating large‑scale devotion, noting that the event reflects both religious fervour and the region’s cultural identity.