The Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple is one of the greatest Shiva temples in India, known for its sprawling landscape filled with sculptural wonders; halls, pillars and lofty towers with lavish artwork in all forms. Madurai is a vibrant cultural center speaking of the glorious traditions of the region.
It is the siite of the 64 Tiruvilayadalgal of Shiva (Tiruvilayadal puranam and Halasyamahatmiyam) and is one of the 5 Pancha Sabhais of Nataraja - Rajata (Velli )Sabhai - where Shiva dances with a raised righ food.
The other dance halls are Chidambaram, Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam. In terms of the richness of the legends, the abundance of literature & the stunning architectural& sculptural splendour,Madurai is second to none in representing the rich cultural traditions of India. Madurai is regarded as the 1st of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu.
Presiding deity : Chokkanathar, Sundareswarar
Thayaar : Ankayarkanni, Meenakshi
Theertham: Potramarakkulam