|
|
Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of
Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan
rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a
gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. Mythology says
when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the
auspicious occasion some Divine nectar ("Madhu") fell from the matted locks of
Shiva and hence the city was named "Madhurapuri". This sacred town of south
attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as abroad.
Madurai's Pilgrimage - Meenakshi Temple
The life of Madurai revolves around the Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple.
This magnificently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge
Gopurams towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared 'Mandapam'.
Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is delicately and exquisitely
carved. Among these are the musical pillars, which produce music when tapped.
Surprisingly, these musical pillars are carved out of a single granite rock.
The temple has been a hub of Tamil culture and has been sponsoring literature,
art, music, and dance in the region for a long time. The temple also has an art
museum. The city apart from temple is crammed with shops, street markets and
temples, pilgrims choultries, hotels and restaurants. Though Madurai is
considered as pilgrimage but it has also developed as a business centre and is
famed for its traditional handicrafts in bronze and brass.
PRIME ATTRCATIONS
Meenakshi Amman Temple
An excellent example of Dravidian Architecture, the Meenakshi Temple attracts
devotees from all over India and Tourist from all over the world. One can climb
to the southern Gopuram of the temple to get a great view of the city.
Koodal Azhaar Temple
One of the most ancient temples in Madurai, Koodal Azhagar temple is dedicated
to Lord Vishnu. In this temple he is seen in various postures sitting,
standing, reclining one over the other. There are intricate woodcarvings in
here, including one of Lord Rama's coronation.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
This palace is an excellent example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture. It was built
in 1523 AD and originally was four times larger than what it is today. The
gardens, the defensive wall all have gone and what remains are the main
entrance gate, the dancing hall and the main hall. Lord Napier renovated the
palace in 1866-72 and later further restoration works were carried on. Today,
the main attraction of the palace is light and sound show, which is based on
the life of "Tirumalai Nayak" and "Silapathikaram".
Vanditur Mariamman Teppakulam
This huge tank is covers an area equal to the six of Meenakshi temple.
Tirumalai Nayak built it in 1646. It is said that channels from the Vaigai
River connect the tank. Today, this tank remains empty for most of the year
except during the Teppam Festival.
Thirupparankundram
This is one of the abodes of Lord Sundareshwara, a rock cut temple carved out
of a mountain, just 8-km from the city.
Azhagar Koil
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located 18-km northeast of
Madurai on a picturesque hilltop. The gold image of Azhagar travels for the
Celestial marriage during the Chithirai festival.
Pazhamudhirsolai
On the same hills of Azhagar Koilthis is again one of the six abodes of Lord
Subramanya.
EXCURSIONS
Vaigai Dam
Vaigai dam is surrounded by well-manicured gardens and has come up as a popular
picnic spots, just 70-km from Madurai.
Megamalai
The tea estates on the slopes of the Western Ghats nestles Megamalai. This
lovely place is bound to capture your imagination. Good place to stay and enjoy
a lovely surrounding. One can also watch the animals roaming in the forest,
which are close to Megamalai, Just 130-km from Madurai.
Suruli Falls
123-km from Madurai city is Suruli falls, which are located in a picturesque
area. It is an ideal spot and an excellent picnic spot to spend one day.
Courtallam
Courtallam is located about 167-km on the Western Ghats and is an excellent
health resort in this part of the country. This place is also known as the 'Spa
of the South'. Courtallam is located just 160-km from Madurai. This place has
got nine splendid waterfalls, which attracts a large number of visitors. TTDC
offers here a boathouse accommodation apart from the restaurant.
Palani
118-km from Madurai is the temple dedicated to Lord Subramanyam. The temple is
located on top of a hill 180 meter high. The temple attracts many devotees and
people coming to Madurai do not miss visiting Palani. From the hill top one
gets an excellent view of the nearby area.
Viraganur Dam
This ideal picnic spot is located just 8-km from Madurai.
Kumbakkarai Water Falls
This place serves as the base camp for the trekkers who venture in the hills of
Kodai. Kumbakkarai Water Falls are 105-km from Madurai and form an excellent
picnic spot. Waterfall surrounded by forests combined with the pristine beauty
of the hills creates a very soothing atmosphere.
|
