Madurai - Cultural Capital
Madurai Tourism - One of South India's great temple towns, Madurai is synonymous with the distinguished Meenakshi Temple.Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai has a rich cultural heritage passed on from the great Tamil era more than 2500 years old. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It was the capital city for the great Pandya kings. Madurai is surrounded by several mountains. The Madurai city has 3 hills as its city boundary. Yanaimalai, Nagamalai, Pasumalai named after Elephant, Snake and Cow respectively. It is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Jasmine flowers are transported to other cities of India from Madurai.
Madurai - As the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai has a lot of tourist attractions . The Meenakshi Temple complex is factually a city, one of the largest of its kind in India and unquestionably one of the oldest too.The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into a massive complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m.The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was significantly lengthened during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak. About 1.5 Kms from the Meenakshi temple is the Thirumalai Nayak Palace which was built in 1636 by the ruler whose name it bears. The impressive structure is famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and striking arches.
The Thirupparankundram Temple is located 8 Kms South of Madurai Railway Junction. The temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock. About 21 Kms North East of Madurai, stands a celebrated Vishnu Temple dedicated to Lord Alagar.The temple is situated on a hill amidst panoramic surroundings. The shrine is known as Alagarkoil and the hill, Solaimalai. The Gandhi Museum , located in the old palace of Rani Mangammal depicts the highlights of the freedom struggle and contains a picture gallery of the Gandhian movement.
Among the most ancient temples in Madurai Koodal Azhagar temple stands high. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You could see him in various postures sitting, standing, reclining one over the other. Apart from that there are intricate woodcarvings, one of them depicting Lord Rama's coronation.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
Built in 1523 AD by the Nayak ruler Thirumalai Nayak, the palace is an excellent example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture. Once four times larger than what is left of it today, the palace is only left with the main entrance gate, the dancing hall and the main hall. You can enjoy the main attraction of the palace which is light and sound show based on the life of "Tirumalai Nayak" and "Silapathikaram".
Vanditur Mariamman TeppakulamBuilt by Thirulmalai Nayak in 1646, this huge tank covers an area equal to the six of Meenakshi temple. Some sources say that this tank was once connected to Vaigai River, however today it lies empty except during the Teppam Festival.
Mariamman Teppakulam is a beautiful square tank spread over a huge area of almost 16 acres, located about 5 Kms East of Meenakshi Temple. The tank is the scene of the colorful float festival held in January/February to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, who built this tank.
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