Meenakshi temple, or as it is called Meenakshi of Sundareswarar, located on the left Bank of the river vagai, on the territory of the city of Madurai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was erected in honor of the Goddess Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort of Shiva, which in this part of the country called Sundareswarar.

The Meenakshi temple is a huge complex of buildings, which occupies a large area right in the heart of Madurai. You can get inside through one of the four available gates. The complex consists of fourteen towers that are in buildings of this type are called gopuram. Each gopuram rises above the ground at 45-50m. They are built around a beautiful waterfront. The biggest gopuram – South tower has a height of 52 metres. And the oldest is Eastern gopuram, which was built in 1216-1238 years by order of the king of Marvelman of sundara Pandian. Also on site is two large gilded Vimana – sculptural tower-pavilions, which houses the main Shrine of the temple. In one Vimana is carved of black stone with an emerald hue the image of the Goddess Meenakshi, another sculpture Sundareswarar. In addition to Parvati and Shiva, the temple also worship Ganesha, the sculpture which stands near the Vimanas Sundareswarar.

Each gopuram of Meenakshi Sundareswarar is a true work of architectural art: from the bottom to the top they are covered with beautiful sculptures, painted in bright colors.

The complex was completely built in the XVII century – in 1623-1655 years.

Daily in the temple is attended by about 15 thousand visitors, and on Fridays the number increases to 25 thousand.