asianaffairs

asianaffairs-Jan 2008

India Tourism

Tamil Nadu
MADURAI: City of Temples

One of South India’s great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of the river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed down from the great Tamil era more than 2,500 years ago. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.
   The Pandyan King Kulasekarar built a great temple and created a lotus-shaped city around the temple. Legend has it that, on the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people, and divine nectar (Madhu) was showered on the city from his matted locks. This city, also famous for its jasmine flowers, was henceforth known as Madhurapuri.
   Madurai is famous for several other temples too. The Aappudaiyaar Koyil Tevara Stalam and the Koodalazhagar Divya Desam are important temples that are a must for visitors.
   In the vicinity of Madurai is Tirupparamkunram, one of the six padai veedu shrines of Murugan (glorified in Madurai Sangam Nakeerar’s Tirumurugaatruppadai). Also nearby is Alagar Koyil, one of the prominent Divya Desam shrines of the Sri Vaishnavite faith.

Other Attractions

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Meenakshi Temple

Meenakshi Temple: Located at the heart of the city, the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple has long been the focus of both Indian and international tourist attraction; it is also one of the most important centres of Hindu pilgrimage and is at the hub of the religious and cultural life of the city.
The temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with gopurams (large gateways) and mandapams (multipillared halls) covered from top to bottom in a profusion of multi-coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. Spread over six hectares, the temple has four entrances.
Of its 12 gopurams, four of the tallest stand at the outer walls of the temple. The 48.4 metre high southern gopuram is the most spectacular and has over 1,500 sculptures. You can even climb the gopuram to get a panoramic view of the city.

Mariamman Teppakulam: Some five km east of the Meenakshi temple is a tank called the Mariamman Teppakulam. The tank has an idol of Vinayaka, or Vigneshwara, installed on a platform in the centre. It is also the site of the temple’s annual Teppakulam float festival.

Tirumalai Nayak Palace

Tirumalai Nayak Mahal: The palace of Tirumalai Nayak is about one km from the temple. This Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times as large as it is today. The palace displays the architectural style of the Nayaks.
The Swarga Vilasam (the audience hall) is one of the most remarkable features of the palace. Its dome rises up to a height of 20 m without any support and is an engineering marvel in itself. Here you can watch sound and light shows on the life of Tirumalai Nayak, as well as see Silappathikaram (a Tamil classic). These shows are held every evening in both English and Tamil.

The Gandhi Museum: Housed in the old palace of the Rani Mangammal, the Gandhi Museum provides a historical account of India’s struggle for independence. There is a shop in the premises where you can buy books on Gandhi.

Thirupparankunram-Murugan
Temple

Thirupparankunram: Eight km south of Madurai is Tirupparankunram. Here you can find Pandyan rock-cut shrines dating back to the 8th century and a later Nayaka Hindu temple. The temple has a wide range of Hindu gods carved on the walls. The Subramanya cave temple has a shrine dedicated to Durga, with the figures of Ganesh and Subramanya on either side. Located atop a hill, the temple is believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.
Azhagar Koil: Azhagar Koil (also, Alagarkoil temple), 21 km north of Madurai, is dedicated to one aspect of Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple is placed atop a picturesque wooded hill called Alagarmalai and has many beautiful sculptures of Vishnu.
Koodal Alagar Temple: Koodal Alagar Temple is an ancient Vaishnavite temple located two km west of Madurai. The temple has many beautiful sculptures depicting Vishnu in three poses –– sitting, standing and reclining –– one above the other.
Vaigai Dam: At a distance of 69 km, on the way to Thekkady, you will come across the Vaigai Dam. It is a beautiful picnic spot and is very popular with tourists and locals alike. You can laze around in the well laid out gardens.

How to reach

By Air: Madurai has its own airport, located 12 km from the city center.
By Rail: Regular trains connect Madurai to all major cities of south India.
By Road: Madurai is well connected by roads to all major towns of Tamil Nadu.

Climate

Dry and hot, with rains during October-December
Summer temperature: Max: 37.5°C and Min: 26.3°C.
Winter temperature: Max: 29.6°C and Min: 20.9°C.
Average Rainfall: 85 cms.

Where to stay

Hotel Royal Court, Hotel Chentoor,
Hotel The Madurai Residency
GRT Regency

For more on India tourism, visit:

www.tamilnadutourism.org
www.hcilondon.net
www.tourindia.com
www.tourismofindia.com

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