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Trip to Madurai

Madurai

About Madurai:

Madurai is counted among the oldest cities in India and is also the second largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu, situated on the banks of the Vaigai River. The name of the city originates from the word ‘Maduram’, which means nector. According to a legend, a few drops of nectar fell from the vessel of the Hindu god Shiva, when he came here to marry Devi Meenakshi. Therefore, it was named as Madirapuri, which later became Madurai. It is also known as the ”Temple City”.

This ancient city is 2,600 years old and was then an important trading center of South India and also the capital of Pandya. Today, Madurai is a progressive and modern city of Tamil Nadu with a plethora of monuments, temples and cultural heritages in its lap.

Madurai Highlights:

Meenakshi Sundereshwara Temple: Madurai is famous throughout India for the Meenakshi temple, it is the landmark of Madurai, which was built by the ancient Pandya king Kulasekara. It is called one of the best temples of Lord Shiva in the entire state, which is famous throughout the country for its greatest cultural and architectural value.

According to legend, this is the temple, where Lord Shiva performed his famous dance form ‘Natarajam’, as he was appreciated with the construction of the temple. There are a number of shrines and large pillared halls throughout the temple complex. There are a total of 12 towers, which add several moons to the beauty of the temple complex. These towers, which have a solid granite base, are beautifully decorated with colorful stucco figures of gods, goddesses, monsters, and animals. Every day around six thousand visitors come to see this fascinating temple.

Kazimar Grand Mosque (Periya Pallivasal) and Maqbara: The Kazimar Mosque is located in the center of Madurai, at a distance of 800m from the Meenakshi Temple. It is the first Muslim place of worship in Madurai, built by Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin during the 13th century. Mudaral Maqbara is also located inside this mosque which is the famous dargah of Mudaral Hazrats.

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal: Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is a palace complex built by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1636 in the Indo Saracen style. It is now a national monument and is under the maintenance of the Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu. The palace complex is divided into two parts, each containing a royal residence, theater, sanctuaries, apartments, armory, quarters, ponds, gardens, etc.

Cathedral Church of Santa Maria: St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in India. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madurai, located 200m from Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal.

Theppakulam: Theppakulam is related to the somewhat Vandiyur Mariyamman temple, which was built around the period of 1500 AD It has now been made as a picnic spot. In the center of the place an artificial stone island is made, which attracts visitors.