Madurai Travel

Madurai, probably over 2500 years old, is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. Its origin and name emerge from a misty and lovely legend. In a forest near a lotus pond, Indra, King of Gods, Worshipped Lord Siva as a Swayambu Lingam.

At this hallowed spot, the Pandyan monarch Kulasekhara built a great temple and clearing the forest, he created a lotus- shaped city around the temple. On the day the city was to be named, Lord Siva appeared at the ceremony. As he blessed the land and its people, divine nectar (Mathuram) was showered on the city from his matted locks.

The city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madhurapuri grew and prospered to become the capital of the Pandyan Kingdom. It is referred to in the Ramayana and Kautily's Arthashastra. Megasthenes (302 BC), pliny (77AD) and Ptolemy (140 AD) wrote of "Madura, the kingdom of the Pandian".

Macro polo visited Madurai in 1293 AD and lbn Batuta in 1333 AD. Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. The temple and the old city are on the southern bank, while modern Madurai with its textile mills, engineering industries and large university sprawls around.

Places To See

MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE
The temple is dedicated to both of Meenakshi of the limpid fish-shaped eyes, the lovely consort of Lord Siva; and to Lord Siva himself (Sundareswarar). It is one of the holiest places of worship in South India, drawing thousands of devotees everyday.


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.

VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN TEPPAKULAM
This enormous temple tank is fed by water brought from the Vaigai through an ingenious system of underground channels. The tank has a Mandapam at the centre enshrining Lord Vigneshwara. In January -February the Teppakulam is the venue of a float festival which attracts thousands of tourists.

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.

THIRUPPARANKUNDRAM
Located 8 kms south of Madurai junction, the temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.

ALAGAR KOIL
Located 21 kms northwest of Madurai is a Vishnu Temple on a picturesque wooded hill. Here Vishnu presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'. During the Chithirai festival in April/May, when the marriage of Meenakshi to Sundereswarar is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai. A gold processional icon called the Sundarajar is carried by devotees in procession from Azhagar Koil to Madurai for the wedding ritual. Pazhamudhirsoali, one of the six abodes of lord Subramanya is on the same hill, about 4 kms above. A natural spring called Buburagangai where pilgrims bathe, is also located here.