Meenakshi Amman Temple

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Dating back 2,500 years with the current structure rebuilt by Nayak king Thirumalai Nayak in the 17th century, Meenakshi Amman Temple is the beating heart of Madurai. The four main gopurams (gateway towers) soar up to 52 metres, covered in 33,000 stucco sculptures painted in vivid colours. The thousand-pillar Hall (Ayiramkaal Mandapam) houses a museum. The Golden Lotus tank (Potramarai Kulam) in the centre is considered sacred for ritual bathing. The annual Meenakshi Thirukalyanam (divine marriage) festival in April-May draws over a million pilgrims. Devotees circle the temple at dawn and dusk chanting "Meenakshi Namostute."