Madurai Tourism

   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 splendour as also a shelter, which inspired a thousand arts.

Madurai has found mention in Megasthenes' Indica, where the ancient Greek diplomat and envoy to India in the 3rd century BC wrote about this temple-city in the most glowing terms. Madurai reached its pinnacles of glory during the time of the Cholas and then during the Pandyas' regime in the 13th century.

Places of Interest

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.

It is estimated that there are 33 million carvings in the temple. This temple has some of the best architecture in India. About 10,000 people visit the temple every day. Around 25,000 people come on Fridays, which is the day sacred to the Goddess.

Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank
This huge tank is about 300 m (1000 feet) by 285 m (950 feet) and is located 5 km east of the Meenakshi Temple. The famous Teppam Float Festival takes place here, during which the deities are taken out on decorated boats in January / February.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace
This palace is located about one km. south-east of the Sri Meenakshi Temple. The palace was constructed in a Indo-Saracenic style by Thirumalai Naicker. A sound and light pro gramme, depicting the story of Thirumalai Nayak and of Silappathikaram is organized here daily at 6.45 pm.

Thirupparankunram
This famous Temple is one of Subrahmanya's six sacred abodes. The temple, which is carved out of a mountain is dedicated to Lord Muruga (Subramanya). This temple celebrates the God's marriage to Indra's daughter, Devayanai.