Madurai Meenakshi Temple: The Meenakshi
Sundareshwarar temple dominates the old city which has evolved around it. Located at the heart of the city, the temple is a superb example of Dravidian architecture and sculpture. It has for long been the greatest attraction for the tourist as well as one of the most important places of pilgrimage. The temple has two shrines, one dedicated to Shiva as Sundareshwarar, and the other to his consort Meenakshi. There are four lofty towers in the four directions profusely carved and restored to their original splendour recently. The oldest tower built in the 13th century is in the eastern side, built by Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan. The southern tower is the tallest built in the 16th century.