The iconic Meenakshi Temple is located in the ancient city of Madurai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located in the heart of the 2,500-years-old city, Meenakshi Temple is dedicated to goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of the Hindu goddess Parvati — the consort of Lord Shiva. It has long been the focus of both Indian and international tourist attraction as well as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage. For the people of Madurai, the temple is the very center of their cultural and religious life.

Meenakshi Temple was originally built by Kulasekarer Pandya in the 6th century BC, but the credit for the present look of the temple goes to the Nayakas, who ruled Madurai from 16th to 18th century. The reign of the Nayaks marks the golden period of Madurai when art, architecture and learning flourished expansively. The riot of colors, however, is a more recent addition.

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