Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Meenakshi Amman Temple (Other names : Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Tiru-aalavaai  or Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a historic Hindu temple located in the southern bank of river Vaigai in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Meenakshi Temple is the most exquisite example of the Dravidian architecture. It is a master piece and was the center of activity for the promotion of art and culture in Madurai. It is the main attraction of the city and pilgrims come to the place in the search of spirituality and peace. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarer. Meenakshi Amman Temple is located centrally in Madurai and the lotus-shaped city surrounds it completely. It claims the distinction of being the largest and the oldest temple in Madurai.

It is dedicated to Parvati who is known as Meenakshi and her consort, Shiva, named here as Sundareswarar. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The complex houses 14 gateway towers called gopurams, ranging from 45-50m in height, the tallest being the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high, and two golden sculptured vimana, the shrine over sanctum of the main deities. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is built during 1623 to 1655 CE The temple attracts 15,000 visitors a day, around 25,000 during Fridays and gets an annual revenue of sixty million. There is an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple and it was in the list of top 30 nominees of the "New Seven Wonders of the World".

This city of Madurai in Tamilnadu-India is bestowed with the privilege of being the center of attraction due to the location of  famous Hindu Temple Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple more often called as Meenakshi Amman Temple or Tiru-aalavaai in the city.  Here Goddess parvati and shiva are known as Meenakshi and Sudareswarar and the temple’s main deity is Goddess Parvati.   The history of the temple dates back to over 2500 years and has 14 Dwars (entrance) termed as Gopurams, out of which the tower at the South end called Southern Tower is the tallest  and is around 50 ft height, apart from which the temple’s sacred sanctum area is adorned with two Vimans which are of Gold.  The existing temple was constructed somewhere during 1623 to 1655 and the temple has reference in the olden tamil literature due to its importance as the main notable icon of Tamils.  The daily visitors to the temple would be say around 15,000 and Fridays attract more Visitors to the tune of 25000 and the yearly collection of the temple crosses Rs. 60 million.  The artistic sculptures of the temple would be around 33,000 in toto and found a place for nomination for new seven wonders of the world contestants.  It is worth noting that every year the Thirukalyanam (the sacred marriage function) of the Goddess celebrated in April-May is watched by over one million people and the celebration goes for about 10 days.