Meenakshi Temple is very famous temple situated on the southern bank of the river Vaigai in Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. Located at about 460 kms southwest of Chennai this temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi who is considered to be another form of goddess Parvati and Sundareswar who is considered as another form of Lord Shiva.
It must be noted that after the 14th century the temple was rebuilt and in the 17th century Thirumalai Nayakar repaired and renovated this temple. It is worthy to mention that Muslim Commander Malik Khafur who belonged to armies of Delhi Sultanate stole some of the precious valuables and destroyed this temple. Later Vijayanagara Empire rulers did superb work of reconstructing the core and this temple was reopened. Visitors coming to this temple would be amazed to see Lord Shiva in dancing avatar present on a silver altar.
This magnificent temple is present in a land of area 45 acres and the temple has got as many as fourteen gopurams or towers and the tallest gopuram is of 170 ft. The 1000 pillar hall present in this temple is remarkable. People visiting this temple would be seen going around the Potramarai Kulam first as it is regarded highly. In the month of April Meenakshi Thirukalyanam is observed in this temple is known.