| Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi | | | | Ashta Shakthi Mandapam: |
| Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple which is | | | | This is located at the eastern entrance of the temple |
| located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. This is | | | | which is known for its 1,008 lamp holders. During |
| among the most famous temples of India which is | | | | festive occasions these lamps are lighted which gives |
| known throughout the world for its outstanding and | | | | spectacular sight to this place. Pillars of this structure |
| impressive architectural beauty. In Hindu religion | | | | are known for their carvings which depict the stories |
| temple is the place which is reserved for spiritual and | | | | related to Meenakshi's birth and LordShiva's |
| religious activities that include prayers and analogous | | | | Thiruvilayadals (miracles). These pillars are carved on |
| rites. | | | | various mythological themes which mesmerizes |
| Sri Meenakshi temple of Madurai is dedicated to Lord | | | | visitors. |
| Shiva and his consort Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati). | | | | Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam: |
| Goddess Meenakshi is an incarnation of the Goddess | | | | It is situated adjacent to the Astha Shakthi |
| Parvati who is worshiped mainly by South Indians. | | | | Mandapam which is known for its 110 pillars. These |
| The utmost architectural wonder of this templeis a | | | | pillars are famous for their beautiful carvings based on |
| testimony to the affluent Dravidian Culture. Some of | | | | various religious and non-religious themes. A figure of |
| the prominent features of this colossal temple are: | | | | animal with a lion's body and an elephant's head called |
| Temple Architecture: | | | | Yalli is extremely beautiful. |
| This temple was built by Kulasekara Pandyan around | | | | Porthamarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Tank): |
| 2000 years ago. The colossal structure of this temple | | | | This is the sacred lake situated inside the temple |
| is among the finest preserved monuments of the | | | | premises, in which devotees take bath. According |
| Dravidian style of temple architecture. Architectural | | | | to the Indian mythology it is believed that Indra |
| and sculptural magnificence is the aspect of this | | | | bathed in this tank to wash away his sin, and then |
| temple which makes it popular throughout the world. | | | | worshiped Lord Shiva with golden lotus flowers from |
| The temple premise is surrounded by elevated wall | | | | the tank. It is surrounded by the corridor which is |
| which is adorned with various paintings and sculptures. | | | | known for its beautiful sculptures based on various |
| The main deities of this temple are Lord | | | | religious themes. The pillars on the northern side of |
| Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi, whose | | | | this corridor are decorated with 24 poets of the |
| sanctums are encircled by number of smaller shrines | | | | Third Tamil Sangam. |
| and majestic pillared halls. Among the several | | | | Some of the other well known attractions of grand |
| magnificent structures the most striking ones are the | | | | Dravidian style edifice are Oonjal Mandapam, Swami |
| 12 gopurams which are known for their bright colors | | | | Sundareswarar Shrine, Kalyana Mandapam, Aayiram |
| painting and decoration of stucco figures of deities, | | | | Kaal Mandapam or Thousand Pillar Hall and many |
| animals, monsters, demigods, and celestial nymph. | | | | more. |