Madurai Meenakshi temple-Dravidian Masterpiece

Madurai, one of the oldest cities in South India, is considered to be among the prime centres in the world for Tamil learning. With a history spanning many kings and empires and eras, this 2000 year old ancient pilgrimage centre is known all over the world for its Meenakshi temple, which is, perhaps, the finest example of Dravidian architecture in the world. Madurai is among the most prominent and famous pilgrimage centres in India.

DESTINATIONS in Madurai- TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

  • The most famous pilgrim tourist destination in Madurai is obviously Meenakshi Temple; in fact, it can be said that the city revolves around the temple. Legend has it that the Meenakshi temple is named after the daughter of a Pandyan king. According to the legend, princess Meenakhsi was born with three breasts. The worried king was assured that the extra breast would disappear the day Meenakhsi finds the man she would marry. This happened when Meenakshi met Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash, who then incarnated as Lord Sundereswara to marry the princess. The Meenakshi temple complex is spread over an area of around six hectares and spans a plethora of temple buildings. Meenakshi temple is one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. Featuring an intricate web of gopurams or multi pillared halls, the ancient temple complex also houses a museum that is referred to as the Temple Art Gallery.
  • Located approximately one kilometre away from the main temple complex are the beautiful ruins of the eponymously named Tirumalai Nayak Palace that was built in 1636 by the then ruler of the region.
  • Another popular tourist attraction in Madurai is the Gandhi Museum that provides some of the little-known facts about the Mahatma. Note that the Gandhi Museum of Madurai also houses the blood-stained dhoti worn by Mahatma Gandhi when he was assassinated.
  • Another attraction in Madurai is the Mariamman Teppakkulam tank, which is located a few kilometres east of the old city, where Teppam Festival (float festival) is held every year.
  • Also popular among pilgrims is the Azhagar Koil temple (dedicated to Meenakshi’s brother Azhagar) located 21 kms to the northwest of Madurai.

Madurai- TRAVEL TIPS

  • Languages: Tamil and English are the widely spoken languages in the region. Hindi is somewhat rare.
  • Cuisine: Cuisine is largely South Indian; you can expect Neer dosa’s, idli’s, aapam and a lot of other South Indian dishes.

    • Madurai is a must-stop for any temple tourism initiative or temple tour in South India.

BEST TIME to visit Madurai

The following are the temple festivals held in Madurai’s many historical temples during the various times of the year:

  • Teppam festival- A colourful float festival held between mid-January and mid-February at the Mariamman Teppakkulam tank
  • Chithirai festival- A festival held during the months of March–April that celebrates the marriage of Shree Meenakshi to Lord Sundereswara
  • Avanimoola festival- A festival held in late August–early September during which temple cars are drawn around the streets of Madurai

Madurai can be visited any time of the year. However, this famous temple town is at its fullest glory during the many temple festivals. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com

BEST WAY to reach Madurai

  • By Air: Madurai has a domestic airport; however, connectivity, though decent, is rather limited.
  • By Rail: Madurai is among the more important railway stations in south India. Note that the railway route passing through Kerela offers some lovely sights of the serene Western Ghats.
  • By Road: Madurai is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are plenty from all towns/cities in the region. Local transport in Madurai comprises taxis, cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels and rooms are available to suit all budgets. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via temple pilgrimage tours and temple trips.