Location:

Situated in the city of Madurai, TamilNadu.

About:

This is an excellent masterpiece of the Pandian era, which is built out of a single rock. Located inside the Meenakshi Amman temple, this hall houses 1000 pillars, which was built during 1569 A.D. Once you enter Meenakshi Amman temple it will lead to this mandabam (hall). It has ancient articles displayed around the mandapam built with 1000 pillars.

The carvings and statues on each of the pillars are unique and fabulous. Its amazing that such intricate carvings and statues were done hundreds of years back. So artistic and tasteful. There is a statue of Natarajar at the center of this hall. This is an example of the marvel of Indian architecture.

It is up to you to explore the intricate carvings that are exquisitely carved inside the temple. s.The hall was built by Ariyanatha Mudaliar in 1569 and it is a structure where the engineering skill and artistic vision are blended. Ariyanatha Mudaliar was the prime minister and general of Viswanatha Nayak, the first Nayaka of Madurai (1559–1600). He was also the founder of Poligar System, the quasi-feudal organization of the country, which was divided into multiple palayams or small provinces and each palayam was ruled by a palayakkarar or a petty chief.

.At the entrance of the hall the statue of Ariyanatha Mudaliar seated on a horse-back is present, which flanks one side of the entrance to the temple. The statue is periodically garlanded by worshippers.Each pillar in the hall is a carved monument of the Dravidian sculpture. The more prominent among the carved figures are those of Rati(wife of Cupid), Karthikeya, Ganesha, Shiva as a wandering mendicant and endless number of yalis(mythical figures of lions).There is a Temple Art Museum in the hall where icons, photographs, drawings, and other exhibits of the 1200 years old history of the temple is displayed.Just outside this hall, towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar, when struck, produces a different musical note.