LOCATION The historical and temple city of Madurai is located in Tamil Nadu in South India. Madurai is situated in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is 150 km from Tiruchirappalli. Madurai is on the banks of Vaigai River. CLIMATE Madurai enjoys a moderate tropical climate. The average temperature of Madurai is 34 - 38 degree Celsius. The atmosphere is some times humid. | |||||||||||
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THE PAST According to the allusions of earlier Tamil literary pieces belonging to the 3rd century BC, the city of Madurai has had a legendary origin. It is believed that Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, was born as the daughter of a Pandyan king. It was a boon to the king by the Goddess who did not have a child. Later Goddess Meenakshi ascended the throne and became the protector of Madurai city. She was a great warrior and when she defeated her last rivals in the Battle of Kailash, Lord Siva appeared there and married her. Then they both were remained as the rulers and thus protected Madurai. We can also find another major allusion in the Tamil epic “Silapathikaram” of the great poet Ilanko Adikal. In the later phase, Madurai was the headquarters of the Great Nayaks, the mighty dynasty ruled over the area. Madurai City has had a cultural and commercial importance from the time immemorial. The city has constructed in the form of Lotus flower. The very name Madurai conjures up is the Meenakshi Temple, which is the major landmark of city. Madurai is the second oldest city in India, which is almost 2500 years old. Madurai was the seat of Tamil learning. And still Tamil as a spoken language can be found in its most pure form in Madurai only. |
The main city revolves around the Meenakshi Temple, which is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. The temple has designed in 1560 AD and it was built at the reign of Thirumalai Nayak. The temple is situated in an area of six hectors. Four Gopurams of the Temple beautifies the aerial view of the city. The Gopurams have been decorated with numerous multicoloured sculptures of gods, goddesses, other deities and demons. Non-Hindus are also allowed to visit the temple except near the Sanctum Sanctorum. The 1000-pillared hall consists of stone figures carved brilliantly and they are also the music pillars. The temple has 12 towers out of which the Southern tower is the tallest. One can have a glimpse of the whole temple complex from the top of Gopuram. The temples usually opens early at 5 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and re-opens at 4 p.m. to 9.15p.m. In the premises of the temple there is a Temple art museum situated.
Just 1 km away to the temple one can visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, which is a protected monument under Archeological Survey of India. The palace is a very good example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. This Palace has an entrance gate, main hall and a dance hall. The rectangular courtyard is known as Swargavilasa. There is a live light and sound show conducted everyday, both in English and Tamil at 6.30 and 8 pm respectively.
The famous ruler Tirumalai Nayak built the Teppakkulam tank in the vicinity of city. The Tank is as big as the size of Meenakshi temple complex. The peculiar thing to be noted is that the tank is connected to the Vaigai River through underground channels.
Madurai’s famous flower market is located near the temple. The big heaps of flower gives not only amazing moments to the visitor but also forces the visitors to be there for a long time to enjoy the unique aroma of flowers.
The palace of Maharani Mangammal had been converted into the Gandhi Museum where one can get a clear vision of Indian history, especially the freedom struggle.
SITES NEARBY
The Thiruparankundram Temple, situated 8 km south of Madurai, is one of the architectural marvels of Madurai. This is a rock-cut temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. A mythological reference says that the temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga.
Alagar coil temple is located at 21 km north of Madurai. This magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Alagar, an aspect of Vishnu. This temple is a good example of Dravidian architecture.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Theppam festival is one of the popular festivals in Madurai. Theppam literally means float, which is usually conducted in the months of January and February according to the local calender. The devotees are floating the decorated images of deities on the pond. Mainly the worshipped deity is Goddess Meenakshi and Sundareswar, the incarnation of Lord Siva.
Chitrai Festival is yet another festival that brings masses into the heights of Bhakthi and delight. This festival is a commemoration of the celestial marriage of Meenakshi and Siva. The deities are being carried around the city in big chariots pulled by people. The season of this festival is April / May. The festival lasts to 14 days.
Avanymoolam is celebrated to proclaim the coronation of Lord Siva in every September. Navaratri Festival, which lasts upto nine days, is to worship Goddess Durga, held in September / October.
SHOPPING
Madurai is known for its possibilities for textile shopping. Best quality cotton dresses are available in Madurai. Puthu Mandapam is an important place one can buy printed cotton fabric. As in the other parts of India Madurai is also famous for a shopping of bargaining. The major handicrafts shops are situated near the temple.
WHERE TO STAY
As Madurai is a noted tourist destination all kind of accommodation is available ranging from Budget travel to Top end travel. The best budget accommodation is available at Town Hall and Dindigul roads. West Perumal maistry Street is having a plenty of mid-range accommodation. Hotel running by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Corporation is one of the good hotels belonging to the midrange.
HOW TO REACH
By Air: Madurai airport is 12 km south of town. There are daily Flights to Chennai (Madras) and four flights in a week to Mumbai.
By Rail: Madurai is well connected with Trivandrum, Quilon, Chennai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari and almost all the major places of India. Quilon-Madurai passenger train is the overnight train to get into the nearby Kerala state passes through Trivandrum. Some of the trains are Coimbatore-Rameswaram Express, Pandian Express, and Vaigai Express goes to Chennai. Chennai-Kanyakumari Express is passing through Madurai.
By Road: Altogether there are 6 bus stations in Madurai city for both government and private buses. From the New Central bus station Interstate buses are available while all the other stations are mainly intended for local buses. The names of bus stations are Periyar Bus stand, Shopping complex bus stand, Anna Bus stand, Arapalayam Bus stand and Palangantham Bus stand.
INFORMATION
Foreign exchange can be done in State Bank of India in the West Veli st. and some of the other nationalized banks. STD, ISD, Internet, Fax facilities are available in the city. The Madurai Tourist office (Tele - 734 757) gives relevant information is situated in 180 West Veli st.
