Sivaganga Palace is also known as Gowri Vilasam. It is located in Sivaganga district, around 40 km from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. This place was once the power seat of Marava Kings.

Today, most of the palace building is in shambles, yet its architectural beauty is still intact. This Palace still attracts history lovers and tourists who have an eye for architectural detail.

The custody of this palace lies with Rajalakshmi Raguraj from the Sivagangai Samasthanam.

History

Sivaganga Palace was constructed by Sasivarna Thevar, who was the first king of the Sivagangai kingdom in 1730. According to historical records, the palace was ruined when Rajah Doraisingh Thevar (1898-1941) abandoned it, believing it to bring bad luck. Later, during the British rule, the palace got destroyed further.

Architecture

Sivaganga Palace exhibits architectural essence of Thirumalai Nayak’s period and also displays Rajput art. The Palace walls talk about the battles won and lost by Marava Kings of the 18th century.

A statue of Rani Velu Nachiyar in bronze greets visitors at the entrance of the Palace. The Zenana Pond or Nadai Kinaru is one of the most fascinating parts of this Palace. It is a tiny swimming pool that is built in a way that clean water could be filled daily from teppakulam via an underground duct. This duct is now closed. The queen of this palace bathed in the pool. A staircase is built near the pool. It goes towards a dome-shaped balcony.

There is an open space at the west of the Palace within the compound. There stands the temple of the family deity of kings, Shri Rajarajeshwari. The royal household celebrated all functions and festivals at this spot. This part of the Palace is known as Gowri Vilasam. It is in good condition as compared to other parts of the Palace.

Another intact part of the Palace is the Grand Wall, which is 5 feet wide and 18 feet high. One part of the wall is broken down to build shops. The front of the palace has a palanquin, which is in feeble condition.

At the backside is a small hall. It is supported by black marble squares. There is a seat of stone inside the hall. It is carved of black marble. Tourists can find a big portrait of Rani Velu Nachiyar with a wooden weapon that resembles a boomerang, called ‘Valari Kambu’. Several weapons and swords are placed in this hall.

Sivaganga Palace also harbors several secret passages, which are all buried now.

Palace Timings

The public is prohibited from entering the Sivaganga Palace. However, tourists can visit the Shri Rajarajeshwari temple in the compound, but only in evenings and on auspicious days.

Best Time to Visit

Tourists can visit this place from September to March.

How to Reach

Madurai Junction is the nearest railway station, while Madurai airport is the nearest airport. The place is well connected by roads. Tourists can get buses from cities like Chennai and Bangalore. Sivaganga is just a short drive away from Madurai.