Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Thirumalai Nayak Palace is a 17th-century palace erected in 1636 by King Tirumala Nayaka, a king of Madurai's Nayaka dynasty who ruled Madurai from 1623 to 1659, in the city of Madurai, India.

The building, which can be seen today, was the main palace, in which the king lived. The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure.

Panorama of the entrance

Panorama of the inner courtyard seen from east to west
The courtyard of Svarga Vilasam measures 75 m (246 ft) by 50 m (160 ft).

Vijayanagara architecture
The palace's architecture reflects the characteristic features of Vijayanagara architecture, including the integration and harmonization of Indo-Islamic and Persian influences.

Vijayanagara architecture, prominent during the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire in South India (1336-1646), is renowned for its grandiose and intricate style.
Grand temples with towering gopurams (gateway towers) are a hallmark of this style. The Virupaksha Temple and the Vittala Temple in Hampi are prime examples.
Usage of colossal stones and massive structures, giving a sense of grandeur and permanence.
The entrance towers (gopurams) are highly ornate and often feature intricate carvings and sculptures.
Pillared halls used for public rituals, often elaborately decorated with carvings of mythological scenes and deities.
Stone chariots (rathas), such as the famous stone chariot at the Vittala Temple, which are symbolic and intricately detailed.
Abundant use of detailed sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, mythological creatures (like Yalis), and scenes from epics.
Intricate friezes and bas-reliefs covering walls, pillars, and ceilings.
Advanced water management systems, including canals, aqueducts, and tanks, integrated into temple complexes.
Some temples have pillars that produce musical notes when struck, showcasing the engineering ingenuity of the period.
While primarily Dravidian, Vijayanagara architecture also incorporates elements from other South Indian styles, leading to a rich and diverse aesthetic.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace is famous for its giant pillars
Pillar's height is 25 m (82 ft) and width is 5.8 m (19 ft).

Many films are shot in the Palace, primarily due to the large pillars present.

Celestial Pavilion (Swarga Vilasam)
The Celestial Pavilion (Swarga Vilasam) was used as the throne-room and has an arcaded octagon covered by a dome 18 to 21 m (60 to 70 ft) high.

The domed structure in the centre is supported by stone ribs and is held up by massive circular columns topped and linked by pointed scalloped arches with an arcaded gallery opening into the nave above the side aisles.