Ministers pay tribute to Thirumalai Nayakkar on 443rd birth anniversary

Madurai: Commercial taxes and registration minister P Moorthy and information technology and digital services minister Dr Palanivel Thiagarajan on Sunday paid floral tributes to the statue of King Thirumalai Nayakkar at the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal to mark his 443rd birth anniversary.They were accompanied by Madurai South MLA M Boominathan and Melur revenue divisional officer Sangeetha. Thirumalai Nayakkar, who ruled from Madurai between 1623 and 1659, was a prominent Nayak king and a major patron of art and architecture. He commissioned the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal and several temples and landmarks that continue to define Madurai's cultural landscape. The historic palace, of which only a portion remains, is currently undergoing renovation with support from both the state and central governments, with over 80% of the work completed. The tourism department has also been organising daily light-and-sound shows at the site to highlight Tamil heritage from the Nayak period.