Attractions Of Madurai: Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Short Overview:

Thirumalai Nayak Palace of Madurai is an example of architectural grandeur which was built by King Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD. The palace was designed by an Italian architect and served as the residence of the king. It is situated at a distance of 2.5km from the Meenakshi temple in Madurai. The palace is divided into two major parts, Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa which include the royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden.

Long Overview:

The Thirumala Nayak Palace was built-in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian architect in Madurai. The building which we see today was the main palace, where the king lived. Original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. 

In these two parts, there are royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai Nayak celebrated festivals like Sceptre Festival, Navarathri, Chithirai Festival, Masi Festival and the Float Festival here. During British Raj Lord Napier, Governor of Madras between 1866 and 1872 made several renovation works. Today, only the spacious rectangular courtyard called the Swarga Vilasam and a few adjoining buildings survive. The courtyard measures 3,900 sq.m and is surrounded by massive circular pillars. To its west lies the Throne Chamber, a vast room with a raised, octagonal dome. After independence, the palace was declared as a national monument. It is now looked after by the Tamilnadu Archeology Department.

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