One
of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with
the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river
Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the
great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important
cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the
capital city for the great Pandya kings.
Known as the "city of nectar", Madurai is the oldest
city in Tamil Nadu and was home to the ancient Tamil Sangam,
the literary conclave that produced
the first epic,
Silappathikaram.
Today, it is known to produce some of the finest textiles in India
and some of the best harvests of jasmine flowers. One cannot ignore
mention of the Meenakshi Temple, which is as well known for its
architectural splendor as also a shelter, which inspired a thousand
arts.
Tourist
Destinations
» Meenakshi
Temple
The first thing that comes to a person's mind,
when you mention the word Madurai is the Meenakshi Temple. The
Temple has almost become synonymous with the place. This is Madurai's
most famous landmark. This 17th century temple has two sanctum
Sanctorums: one dedicated to Lord Shiva as Sundareswar ("Lord
of Beauty") and the other to Meenakshi, his wife. Meenakshi
holds a parrot and bouquet. Meenakshi in Sanskrit means "one
who has eyes like a fish". It is a belief that just as a
mother fish has to just look on her spawn to develop life in them,
similarly every wish of the Goddess' worshipers will be granted
when goddess Meenakshi glances at them.
» Koodal
Alagar Temple
This
ancient shrine has Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures,
one above the other. It has elegantly carved ornamental windows
described as "miracles of the stone masons art". There
are also intricate wood carvings including a panel of lord Rama's
Pattabishekam (coronation).
» Vandiyur
Kanmoy Tourist Complex
Located
6kms from the Periyar Bus stand, Vandiyur Kanmoy (tank) is an ideal
picnic spot. T.T.D.C. operates a children's Train and boating service.
There is also a restaurant in the tourist complex.
» Thirumalai
Nayak Mahal
The
Thirumalai Nayak's palace is open to the public from 9.00a.m. to
1.00 p.m. and 2.00p.m. to 5.00 p.m. The most imposing remnant is
a huge Audience hall opening into a countryard with elaborately
ornamented arches. A sound and light show depicting the story of
Thirumalai Nayak and Silappathikaram (a Tamil Epic) can be seen
here daily. Timings: English: 6.45 p.m. Tamil: 8.15 p.m.
» Gandhi
Museum
This institution
housed in a 300-year old palace is dedicated to Gandhiji and promotes
study and appreciation of the Mahatma's teachings. There is a picture
gallery, personal memorabilia of the Mahatma, a library and an exhibition
of South India handicrafts and village industries. The Government
Museum is also in this complex. Timing 10.00a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and
2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
» How
to reach Madurai
By
Air : There are daily flights to Madurai from Chennai, Bangalore,Tiruchi
& Coimbatore. Madurai Airport is 10 Kms away from Madurai City.
By Road :There are excellent roads connecting Madurai to all parts
of South India. Madurai City has 5 Major Bus Stand.
By Rail : Madurai is an important railway junction of the Southern
Railway and is directly connected to Chennai and Tirunelveli.
