Madurai is synonymous with the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, which forms the heart of the city. Originally built by the Pandyan king Kulasekara, the Tamil Hindu saint Tirugnanasambandhar sang praises to the temple as early as the 7th century AD. The current structures, however, only date back to the 16th century AD, as Madurai was sacked by the Delhi invader Malik Kafur in 1310. It is one of the largest temples in Tamil Nadu.

Meenakshi Temple in Madurai

The Madurai Meenakshi temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi, or the fish-eyed goddess. Meen means fish in Tamil, and was the symbol of the Pandyan kings who ruled their kingdom from Madurai. Akshi means rule, and hence Meenakshi literally means 'the goddess of Pandyas rule'.

Madurai Meenakshi and Sundareswarar

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Sundareswarar and his consort, Goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi or Fish-eyed Goddess. Legend has it that Lord Shiva, in the form of Sundareswarar, appeared in Madurai with his divine group of followers, to marry the princess of the Pandyan King Malayadwaja Pandya, Meenakshi, who was believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati. This divine marriage of Madurai Meenakshi is reenacted every year in April as part of Madurai’s largest annual celebration.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple Artistry

Similar to other major South Indian temples, the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is rich with artistry and sculpture. The gopurams surrounding the temples are filled with exquisitely carved sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and legend.


Along with the Kanchi Kamakshi Temple and the Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi, the Madurai Meenakshi Temple is one of the most important shrines of goddess Parvati.