Viswanatha Nayak
| Garikepati Viswanatha Nayaka | |
|---|---|
King Viswanatha Nayak, Founder of Madurai Nayak Dynasty | |
| Nayak of Madurai | |
| Reign | 1529–1564 |
| Predecessor | Position established |
| Successor | Kumara Krishnappa Nayaka |
| Died | Madurai (present-day Tamil Nadu, India) |
| House | Madurai Nayaks |
| Father | Nagama Nayaka |
Viswanatha Nayaka (died 1564) was the Vijayanagara viceroy to Madurai in south India and later the ruler of Madurai from 1529 to 1564. He is the founder of the Nayak dynasty of Madurai. He hailed from the Garikepati family of Balija caste.
He was supported by his general Ariyanatha Mudaliar who led Viswanatha Nayak's army became second in command and took power along with the latter in Tirunelveli in southern India. Viswantha Nayak was then succeeded by his son Krishnappa Nayak who along with his father's able minister Ariyanatha expanded the Madurai Kingdom under the Nayaks and brought most of the ancient Pandyan territory under its rule.