Located at the heart of the city, the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple has long been the focus of both Indian and international tourist attraction as well as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage. The temple is dedicated to both of Meenakshi of the limpid fish-shaped eyes, the lovely consort of Lord Siva: and to Lord Siva himself (Sundareswarar). For the people of Madurai, the temple is the very centre of their cultural and religious life.