Madurai Hotels
Madurai is known as "Athens of the East", Madurai is a place of great historical importance. The oldest city in Tamil Nadu, Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai. The Meenakshi Temple with its impressive gopurams is one of the most striking man made spectacles in the south it plays host to thousands of devotees and tourists. A Centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries, Madurai is one of the most lively cities in South India. It was originally known as Kadambavanam or the “Forest of Kadamba” (Nauclea Kadamba) Legend says that Lord Siva appeared in the dream on the then King, Kulasekhara Pandya. The king was amazed to see drops of nectar, “Madhu”, falling down of earth from Lord Siva’s matted hair. The “Madhu” was so sweet that the place where it fell came to be known as “Madhurapuri”, which in course of time became “Madurai”.
Tamil and Greek documents record its existence from the 4th Century BC. Being in the heart of Tamil Nadu, Madurai has fostered an essentially Drevidian and Tamil culture. Famous for its cultural and Scholarly pursuits, Madurai had an academy consisting of critics, poets and savants that was highly esteemed both by kings and commoners. It was in Madurai that three successful conferences of Tamil scholars called ‘Tamil Sangams’ flourished under benevolent Royal support.
Madurai is famous for housing one of the five traditional “fance halls’ where Lord Siva, in his form as Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer is said to have danced. Known as the ‘Silver Hall’ (Velli Ambalam). It is situated in the Meenakshi Temple.
Madurai Tourist places and Other attractions
Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
Synonymous with Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 sq. meters. The temple first came into being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the reign of Thirumalai Nayik (1623-55AD)
Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sundareswar and his fish-eyed spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this twin temple. There are four massive gateways enclosing these two shrines. Even casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures.
A Striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure known as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars in the outermost corridor. The Hall has 985 pillars and each pillar features high ornate, bold sculptures that look life-like. Viewed from any angle these pillars appear to be in a straight line, an architectural masterpiece indeed. In the outermost corridors are situated the matchless musical pillars carved out of stones. When it is tapped, each pillar produces a different musical note.
Madurai Festivals
The most important festival in the area is the sacred wedding ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar called the Chitrai festival. This festival is held during these 12 days various plays are staged narrating the story of the Goddess Meenakshi, which culminate in the re-enactment of the wedding between Sundareswarar and Meenakshi. The other important festival here is dedicated to Siva (Avani Mula)and takes place in the months of Aug/Sep. This festival celebrates the coronation of Siva and various plays are enacted telling the stories of the 64 ‘Madurai Miracles’ performed by Siva.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Thirumalai Nayak Palace is about 1.5 km from the Meenakshi temple, this place was built in 1636 by the ruler whose name it bears. The imposing edifice is famous for the ‘Stuccowork’ on its domes and impressive arches. The Sorga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion), measuring 75m x 52m, constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or grider, is a marvel of Indo Saracenic architectural style. Among other striking features of the palace are the massive white pillars, several of which line the corridor that runs along the courtyard Connected by high decorated arches, these pillars measue 20m in height and have a circumference of elsewhere, there are polished black stone pillars of varying heights. Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras who partially restored the palace in 1866-72. Today, we get see the entrance gate, the main hall and the dance hall.
Alagarkoil
Alagarkoil is about 12 km north east of Madurai, stands a celebrated Vishnu Temple dedicatd to Lord Alagar. The Temple is situated on a hill amidst panoramic surroundings. The shrine is known as Alagar Koil and the hill, Solaimalai.
Koodal Azhagar Temple
The Koodal Azhagar Temple.The Koodal Azhagar temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu reflects the best of 17th century Nayaka architecture. The temple is 1 km from the Meenakshi Temple. This ancient and acclaimed Vaishnavite Temple, is noted for its remarkable architectural and sculptural magnificence. The Lord here is in the sitting (Asana), standing (Sthanaka) and reclining (Sayana) postures all enshrined in one vertical plane.
Gandhi Museum
Housed in the old palace of Rani Mangammal, the Gandhi Museum depicts the highlights of the freedom struggle and contains a picture gallery of the Gandhian movement. Also can be seen are a gallery of relics, Khadi and village industries section and South Indian Handcrafts section.
Rajaji Park
Rajaji Park is a recreation park maintained by the Madurai Municipal Corporation.
Srivilliputhur
The Nayak Kings constructed the Vatapatrasayi Temple at Srivilliputhur. But its story goes a long way back to the Pandya times, when moved by her devotion, Lord Krishna married the poetess-devotee, Aandaal. There are shrines dedicated to Vatapatrasayi (Krishna) and Andaal in this Temple, which has one of the most impressive “Gopurams’ in the South.
Thirupparankundram
Situated on the Outskirts, just 8 km to the south of Madurai Junction this temple, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, has been a place of pilgrimage right through the centuries. This temple is one of the six abodes of the Lord Muruga. Its innermost shrine is carved out of a solid rock.
Vaigai Dam
This impressive dam on the river Vaigai is 69 km from Madurai on the way to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary near Andipatti. It is a picnic spot.
How to Get There
Air
(12 km South) Madurai Airport connected by flights from major metros like Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai.
Rail
It is a major Railway junction connection several important cities in India.
Road
Madurai is well connected by road network from neighboring states. Taxi and autorikshwas are also available for local transportation.
Central Bus station
Central Bus station is a 5 minute walk from the railway station. Private long distance coach services also operate from this area.
Long distance buses (Private and Govt.) operate from the New Bus stand in Mattuthavani (6 km from the town centre, on the Trichy Road).
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