Meenakshi Temple of Madurai

Madurai in Tamil Nadu is known as the city of temples. Among the numerous temples located there, the largest one, the Meenakshi Temple, holds historical importance and is world-famous. Situated in the center of Madurai on the banks of the Vaigai River, this temple is called the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. Built in the 6th century, the temple was looted and destroyed by the Mughals, after which it was rebuilt in the 14th century. What is seen today is a massive complex built in the 14th century. The temple complex is divided into four sections. Featuring four huge entrance gates in its outer wall, this temple is spread across 14 acres. There are 14 sky-high gopurams (monumental entrance towers) in the temple. The tallest gopuram is 170 feet high. Four gopurams are nine stories high. Two small gopurams are gold-plated.