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Madurai is
the Temple town of the South and it is known as the Cultural Capital
of Tamilnadu. The city is a lotus-shaped one built around the
Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
Few cities in the World can claim a tradition as old as Madurai. Its
history relates to an era several centuries before Christ. The
Pandyan Kings ruled from here until the 14th century. This period
was well known for the genius of the writers and patrons of Tamil
learning. The city was successively ruled by the Cholas and again
the Pandyans until it fell into the hands of the invading Muslim
rulers.
After 70 years of Muslim rule, the Hindu kingdom was re-established
by the Vijaynagar rulers. After the decline of the Vijayanagar
rulers, the Madurai Nayak dynasty, who were subordinates to
Vijayanagar rulers, became the supreme masters of Madurai and added
to its pomp and splendour.
Madurai is famous for its temples.The Aappudaiyaar Koyil Tevara
Stalam and the Koodalazhagar Divya Desam are the most important
temples. In the vicinity of Madurai is Tirupparamkunram, one of the
6 padai veedu shrines of Murugan (glorified in Madurai Sangam
Nakeerar’s Tirumurugaatruppadai). Also in the vicinity of Madurai is
Alagar Koyil, one of the prominent Divya Desam shrines of the Sri
Vaishnavite faith.
Situated on the banks of Vaigai, Madurai is 472 kms from Chennai.
Today Madurai is a thriving commercial centre, mostly famous for its
handloom materials.
Accessibility:
By Rail:
Madurai is an important Rail Junction of the Southern Railways and
has trains to major destinations in Tamilnadu like Chennai, Trichy,
Rameshwaram and to other places in South India like Bangalore and
Kollam. Madurai is on the Madurai-Tiruchirappalli-Dindigul-Quilon
line.
By Air:
Madurai Airport is located 10 kms away from the city. It is well
connected by air to Chennai, Bangalore,Tiruchi, Coimbatore and Kochi
.
By Road:
Madurai has five bus stands, which cater to the needs of the people:
Centralized Bus terminus at Maattuthavani (North), Palanganatham
(South), Arapalayam (West), Periyar (Central) and Anna Bus stand
(East). The major bus stand is at Maattuthavani, from which many
interstate buses and tourist buses operate round the clock.
Places of Tourist Interest:
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Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Madurai
 Thirumalai
Nayak Palace belongs to the 17th century and is built in the
Indo-Saracenic style with beautiful arches in 1636 by King
Thirumalai Nayak. The Palace is a big structure. |
Gandhi Museum, Madurai
 Gandhi
Museum is housed in Tamukkam Palace of Rani Mangammal of Nayak
dynasty. The museum is one of the rare living memorial of
Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom struggle. |
Places of Worship:
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Madurai Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple
 Dedicated
to Goddess Parvathi and Lord Siva, this is perhaps the grandest
temple in the entire south. Madurai Meenakshi Temple is one of
the holiest Pilgrimage site in India. |
Thirupparankundram Temple
 Thirupparankundram
Temple is about 8 kms from Madurai, atop a hill. This is a rock
cut temple of Lord Subrahmanya. It is one of the six abodes of
Lord Muruga. This temple is regarded as a sacred place for
marriages. |
Vandiyur Mariamman
Teppakulam
 Vandiyur
Mariamman Teppakulam is a huge beautiful tank which is 1000 feet
long and 950 feet wide. This is about 5kms east of Meenakshi
Temple. There is a mandapam at the centre of the tank which has
an idol of Lord Vigneshwara. |
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Azhagar Koil and
Pazhamudhircholai
 Azhagar
Koil is a famous Vishnu Temple, 21 km away from Madurai and
dedicated to Lord Alagar. This temple is at the southern end of
the hill Alagarmalai. The temple is located amidst very
picturesque surroundings. |
Koodal Azhagar Temple,
Madurai
 Koodal
Azhagar Temple is located about a few kilometers from Madurai on
the way to Pazhamudhircholai. This temple is dedicated to Lord
Vishnu. Its architectural and sculptural works are magnificient.
Many beautiful sculptures and paintings are available inside the
temple. |
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