ASI Protected
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Also known as: Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
14th - 17th Century CE
One of the most famous temples in India, the Meenakshi Temple is a sprawling complex dedicated to Parvati (as Meenakshi, the fish-eyed goddess) and Shiva. Rebuilt and expanded by the Madurai Nayaks, it features 14 magnificent gopurams covered with thousands of colorful stucco figures, a Hall of a Thousand Pillars, and the sacred Golden Lotus Tank.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Madurai Nayaks
- Style
- Dravidian
- Primary Deity
- Parvati (Meenakshi) and Shiva (Sundareshwarar)
- Languages
- Tamil, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Tamil, Grantha
Historical Significance
One of the most important temples in Tamil Nadu. Rare temple where the goddess shrine is more prominent than the god's. Nominated for the New Seven Wonders of the World. Center of Madurai's cultural and religious life for centuries
Architectural Features
14 gopurams covered with colorful stucco figuresAayiram Kaal Mandapam (Hall of Thousand Pillars)Porthamarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Tank)Musical pillars in the Nayak MandapamAshta Shakti Mandapam