Puthu Mandapam - Heritage preservation in Madurai - Madurai, India

It is an amazing place with lot of wonderful architectural carvings. The place is so cool that Goddess Meenakshi from Meenakshi Amman temple visits this place during summer evenings. It's so true. One can feel the cool breeze inside while it is hot outside. Lot of shops were there before, but it's closed now. But still the ritual is God 's visit continues during summer.

Puthu Mandapam is near to Meenakshi Mandir in the bazar. It is closed as of now due to some work (probably restoration, we did not see anyone inside though) being carried out by ASI. But from the outside you can see the figurine carved on stone pillars and those are astonishing. Those almost look alive. Beautiful piece of work. Make dure to stop by while in Meenakshi Mandir.

Market area around the entrances to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple, collectively known as Puthu Mandapam, or the New Temple Porch. Neatly maintained lines of shops, selling everything related to temple and home, besides some coffee, snacks and the now famous Jigar Thanda. The primary pain point that threatens to destroy all goodwill are the ubiquitous pestering beggars that keep nudging and prodding you.

Partially burnt.... Have seen before the fire accident.... Really painful to see this state.... Anyways they removed those small packed stores and stalls for good.... There are still good sculptures to see by.....Hoping to see the best for our monument of pandian pride and it signifies the importance that madurai had for millenniums

One of the marvellous and ancient architectures of Madurai. One of the good moves from the government in shifting the shops which were earlier housed in Pudhu mandapam to a new site. Hope this marvel is preserved and maintained with good care.

Amazing place. I seen angler fish in this stone carving. I don't know how is this possible. Because angaler fish was found in 19th or 18th century but this mandabam was very ancient. wow. this is the example. There are lot of excited carving I found.

You can popular and village/festive traditional items here. Rates will be reasonable. But you have to bargain.

Architectural excellence ! This puthumandapam is made with rocks only. The height is 15 feet+. Each pillar has unique sculptures carved out of it. But, the puthu mandapam is now a shopping area. There are a wide range of shopping items available there ( mainly handicrafts and ornaments related, usual temple views). Some of ethnic items I found interesting. Sadly, this mandapam is not maintained nicely. First impressions itself it's full of dust and densely packed shops. The government should renovate this area, without affecting the lively hood of the business men there.