Madurai's Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple: 2000-Year-Old Dravidian Masterpiece

• The Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is over 2,000 years old and dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
• A crown jewel of Dravidian architecture, it features a 1000-pillar hall with musical pillars and 14 towering gopurams.
• The temple was destroyed in 1310 and renovated in the 14th century, housing a mystical manifestation of Goddess Parvati.
• Major festivals include the Chithirai Brahmotsavam, celebrating the celestial marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.
• The complex also includes a sacred pond, walls adorned with Shiva's Leelas, and a museum displaying antique artifacts.

Why It Matters: This ancient temple showcases India's rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels.