Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

A national monument, built by the king Thirumalai Nayakar in 17th century with the help of an Italian architect is Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. It is a palace where Dravidian and Islamic architecture style has amalgameted and resulted in the erection of this glorious majestic palace. This Mahal is famous for its pillars that stand at a height and width of 82 feet and 19 feet respectively. The palace has an arcaded octagon covered by a dome of 60-70 feet high and is held up and supported by stone ribs. Visitors become curious about how they built the palace during that period when technology was not so improved. Bricks, stucco and the white egg of yolk have been used to construct the palace. You will wonder when thinking about how many eggs were used for building this palace. The palace was built in such a way that it was comprised of Sorga Vilasam and Ranga Vilasa. The palace was huge and extended up to North Masi Street. Chokkanadha Nayak, the grandson of Thirumalai Nayakar demolished the palace and transported the things and removed most of the jewels when he shifted the Nayak dynasty to Trichy. In 1886, the Governor of Madras Lord Napier took an initiative and renovated the palace. The Palace was erected 4 times bigger than what you see today. This palace is famous for its beautiful and minute architecture perfectly sculpted in the ceilings. You come with your friends and relatives to visit this beautiful ancient temple in Madurai.