Madurai - The Glory of the Pandyas

Tamil Nadu Tourism - Madurai Tourism

Introduction:
Madurai is the oldest city in Tamilnadu and Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai,eternalized in Lord Shiva's exploits in the 'Halasya Purana'.  Madurai is a place of great historical and cultural importance, it is the second largest city in Tamilnadu.  Madurai is known as industrial town, it is more of a temple town.  Madurai is one of the liveliest cities in South India it was originally known as Kadambavanam or the "forest of Kadamba" or the Nauclea kadamba. The city was prominent even in the ancient times and it was even known as the Athens of the East.

Attractions of Madurai:

Meenakshi Temple : The Meenakshi temple is located at the heart of the city of Madurai. Its the main focus of national as well as international tourists' attraction. The structures that are standing today date mostly from the 12th  to the 18th century. They occupy a vast space, 258-m by 241m. The Meenakshi temple consists of the twin temples of God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, each one as high as about nine storeys. Meenakshi temple is superb example of sculpture and magnificent architecture. It is central to the religious as well as to the cultural life of the city of Madurai.

Koodal Alagar Temple: The Koodal Alagar Temple is situated just 2 km away from City of Madurai, it is a Vaishnavaite temple. A unique feature of this temple is the three different postures of the same God residing in three different alter.This temple is a very prominent hub of art and culture. The Temple of Koodal Alagar is a very old one and is one of the best expressions the City's cultural traditions.

Azhagar Koil:  Azhagar Koil :  Azhagar Koil temple is located at the distance of about 21 km from Madurai and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated atop a hill called Alagarmalai. The temple is very old and had attracted pilgrims even in the early days of the Sangam age.

Mariamman Teppakulam Tank : Mariamman Teppakulam Tank is very enormous temple tank, which is the largest tank of its kind in whole Tamil Nadu. Its located at the distance of about 5 km east from the famous Meenakshi Temple.The Mandapam in the centre has an idol of Lord Vigneshwara . This idol was found here when the place was being dug to construct the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.