The Dhwaja stambha at Madurai Meenakshi Temple.

The Dhwaja stambha at Madurai Meenakshi Temple.

The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The complex houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers) ranging from 45-50m in height, the tallest being the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high, and two golden sculptured vimana (shrine) over sanctum of the main deities.There is an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple and it was in the list of top 30 nominees of the "New Seven Wonders of the World". The temple complex is in around 45 acres (180,000 m2).