If you want to experience the feel of the harmonious blending of history and religion, you should travel to the temple city of Madurai. Madurai is almost synonymous with the famed Meenakshi Temple. Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Besides displaying its cultural legacy, Madurai has also emerged as a commercial hub, being a well-known producer of textiles and exporter of jasmine flowers.

The history of Madurai dates back to the epic times. According to legend Madhu (divine nectar) was showered from the locks of Lord Shiva and that is how Madurai gets its name. The city was the home of such illustrious institutions as the 'Sangam', which revived and nurtured great works of Tamil poets and artists. The most prominent tourist attraction in Madurai is the Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Meenakshi.It is one of the important centers of Hindu pilgrimage. The Meenakshi temple exemplifies the Dravidian architecture with gopurams (large gateways) and mandapams (multi-pillared halls). Other temple attractions in Madurai are the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam with Lord Vigneswara as the presiding deity. Thirupparankundram, 6 kms southwest of Madurai is one of the six dwellings of Lord Subramanyam and is famous for its cave and rock cut temple built by the Pandyas in the 8th century. Tirumalai Nayak Palace and Temple, an Indo-Saracenic building built in 1523 features the architectural works of the Nayaks and gives an insight into ancient Tamil history.

Excursions from Madurai can be made to quite a number of interesting places around Madurai like the beautiful Vaigai dam, the popular hill resort Kodaikanal and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The popular festivals in Madurai are the Chithirai festival, Avanimool festival, the Navarathri Festival and the Float Festival.


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