Sree Meenakshi Temple complex - Stockfoto

The enormous temple complex is dedicated to Shiva, known as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi. The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure, at the core of which are the two sanctums for meenakshi and Sundareshwara, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls. Especially impressive are the 12 gopuras. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases, and are covered with stucco figures of dieties, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colors.