Meenakshi Temple

The temple dominates the old city which evolved around it. The street run in concentric circle around the temple. The four 'Veli' street mark the outer limits of the temple town.

The temple is dedicated to both of Meenakshi of the limpid fish-shaped eyes, the lovely consort of Lord Siva; and to Lord Siva himself (Sundareswarar). It is one of the holiest places of worship in South India, drawing thousands of devotees everyday. It has also been the centre of Tamil culture, sponsoring literature, art, music and dance over the countries. Legend has it that when the third and the last Tamil Sangam (Academy of Tamil Literature) met at Madurai, literary works were thrown into the temple tank, where a divine force caused works of merit to float and inferior literature to sink. The original temple was probably a modest structure built to Agamic guidelines. However, it has grown with the graceful additions of puissant dynasties and victorious monarchs into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65,000 sq.metres.

The temple is dominated by four enormous towers (gopurams) over the entrance gates. The oldest tower is the 13th century eastern gopuram, opposite to the Sundareswarar shrine, built by Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan. The southern gopuram is the tallest and was built in the 16th century. From the top of the tower one can get a panoramic view of Madurai and the 11 other gopurams of the temple.