MEENAKSHI TEMPLE - One of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage, the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple is located at the heart of the city. Built by Kulasekara Pandya in the pre-Christian era, the temple was in ruins before it was rebuilt by Tirumalai Nayak. Spread over six hectares, the temple is an outstanding example of Vijayanagar temple architecture. The temple has four entrances to it and its gopurams (large gateways) and mandapams (multi-pillared halls)are covered from top to bottom in a profusion of multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The southern gopuram, which is about 48.4-metre-high is the most spectacular of all gopurams, and has over 1,500 sculptures. The two presiding deities are seated at Oonjal Mandapam on the western end of this tank. The deities are worshipped every Friday on a swing. Next to this is the Kilikootu Mandapam (hall of parrots) where some beautiful sculptures as well as parrots that chant the name of Meenakshi can be seen. The shrine dedicated to the goddess is just beyond this hall and entry is restricted only to Hindus.

TIRUMALAI NAYAK MAHAL - About 1 km from the Meenakshi Temple is the palace of Tirumalai Nayak. Constructed in 1523, this Indo-Saracenic building was originally four times as large as it is today. Its dome, which lies beyond a huge courtyard and rises to a height of 20 metres without any support, is a magnificent example of the engineering skills of its builders.

KOODAL AZHAGAR TEMPLE - Two kms to the west of Madurai is located the Koodal Azhagar Temple, an ancient Vaishnavite temple. The temple has a statue that depicts Lord Vishnu in three poses.

VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN TEPPAKULAM - Five kms east of the Meenakshi temple is a tank called Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. At the centre of the tank is an idol of Lord Vinayaka or Vigneshwara installed on a platform. The tank was built by Tirumalai Nayak in 1646 and is connected to the Vaigai River by underground channels.

PAZHAMUDHIRSOLAI - Located on a picturesque wooded hill, Pazhamudhirsolai is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.




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