Pudhu Mandapam
புது மண்டபம்
A 17th-century stone colonnade opposite the east gateway tower of Meenakshi Temple, its pillars carved with Nayak royalty and mythological figures.
The colonnade was built in the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak and originally served as a place to display the deities’ images during festivals. Its 125 stone pillars are covered with carvings of gods, animals, and the Nayak king and queen. For decades it was crowded with tailors’ shops and brassware stores, but vendors have been relocated in recent years for restoration, so opening arrangements may change. Directly opposite are the temple’s east gateway tower and the base of the unfinished, towering Raya Gopuram.
Opening hours
Open during the day (parts may be closed during restoration)
Nearby sights
- Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
- St. Mary's Cathedral, Madurai
- Goripalayam Dargah
- Gandhi Memorial Museum
- Koodal Azhagar Temple
- Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
- Madurai Flower Market (Mattuthavani)