This is an important Vishnu temple in Madurai very close to the Meenakshi Amman temple. It is a Divya Desam temple. Very ancient, it is mentioned in the Sangam Literature of the 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE. But the current structure was originally built by Pandian kings between the 9th and 12th centuries (with some Chola input) and extensively renovated during the Vijayanagar and Nayakkan periods between the 14th and 16th centuries, it has layers of history embedded in it. There is an inscription from the 8th century. The sanctum has 3 levels and is one of only two temples where you can see Lord Vishnu in all 3 poses - sitting (on the main level), lying (on the second level) and standing ( on the 3rd level). There is a small fee to access the upper levels. The style of the Vimanam (it is eight sided - Ashtanga Vimanam) suggests the 10th century. Absolutely stunning architecture. Look carefully at the sculptures and you may be able to see that they were crafted at different time periods.
We visited in August 2019. Base Madurai.
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