An Insight :
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.
Lets Explore Madurai :
» 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.
Shopping in Madurai :
Madurai has been a textile center since ages. The streets and lanes are
lines with shops and tailors offering ready made as well as fabric material
manufactured in Madurai. The Puthu Mandapam, an old pillared hall along the
entrance to Meenakshi temple is popular among the visitors and locals for
the cotton fabric and the Batiks. The lovely Sungundi Sarees are in great
demand among Indian women. Collectors are delighted to have the Brass lamps
from Madurai.
Where is Madurai?
» By Air - Madurai is connected by direct daily
flights with Chennai.
» By Rail - Madurai is one of the major railway
junctions of South India. It is connected with all the main tourist as well
as religious places in Southern India. Overnight Express trains connect
Chennai with Madurai.
» By Road - Madurai is 150 kms from Trichy and also
150 kms from Periyar and 350 kms from Rameshwaram.
