Meenakshi Amman Temple

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in Madurai. It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva. The temple is at the heart of the ancient temple city of Madurai mentioned in Sangam-era texts nearly 2,500 years old. The current structure was largely rebuilt by the Nayak dynasty rulers, particularly Thirumalai Nayak, between the 14th and 17th centuries after earlier structures were damaged during the Delhi Sultanate invasions. The temple's Hall of a Thousand Pillars (Ayirakkal Mandapam) is renowned for its musical pillars that produce different notes when struck, and its sculpture work depicting the 64 miracles of Shiva. The temple complex covers about 14 acres and hosts the famous annual Meenakshi Tirukalyanam (celestial wedding) festival.