For the people of Madurai, the temple is the very center of their cultural and religious life.
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.
Both the Meenakshi and Sundareswarar shrines have gold plated towers whose tops can be seen from a great distance.
There is also a sacred water tank, several halls and innumerable Mandapas.
There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures all over the temple.
The temple wasnt always so vividly painted.
The original structure was probably unpainted granite.
Then people started painting the sculptures because they wanted the temple to look colorful during big events and festivals.
