Maduraithe Divine city for Spiritual Enlightenment  Madurai is one of the oldest cities of South India which is located on the banks of river Vaigai. Madurai has developed Tamil language in all aspects. Madurai is the busiest commercial center in south Tamilnadu round the clock. This sacred city of south India attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India and abroad. It is famous for Ancient Dravidian Culture. The greatest poet Nakkerrar developed Tamil language in this city. Earlier, it was ruled by Pandyas and it was the capital city of great Pandya Kings. Thirumalai Nayakar had played a great role in developing Madurai. Cultural heritage and commercial trading was well developed in Madurai. This city is also called as Temple city. The famous Meenakshi temple is located in Madurai. Lord Meenakshi is considered as power, wealth and knowledge. This city is also famous for Jasmine flowers, textiles and for South Indian spicy food. Places to visitMeenakshi Amman TempleThis is one of the famous temples in South India, which is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. Main goddess is Lord Meenakshi. The temple is located in the centre of the city. Most impressive of the temple is its 12 Towers. This temple has five entrances, four entrances were built according to the direction like East, west, North and South and name as East Tower, West Tower, North Tower and South Tower and it is famous for Golden Lotus tank also. In this temple various festivals are celebrated continuously around the year. All the temple towers are decorated with paintings with arts and architecture. Thousand pillars hall is located inside the temple itself. (Architecture of the temple is amazing & one must see this remarkable temple in his/her lifetime).- During festival season, all the temple towers and water tank will be illuminated with colorful lights. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Night ceremony at the Meenakshi temple (Closing ceremony of the temple) – For any tourist it is the worth visit as they can understand the procedure and formalities how the Hindu temple is been closed every day. Entrance ticket is valid for the full day including going back to the temple for Night ceremony It is very much advisable that one should finish their dinner before attending this ceremony, as it may take time to return back to hotel The same entrance ticket can be used for this ceremony which you purchased early in the same day
Thirumalai Nayak palaceThis palace was built by King Thirumalai Nayak, who was one of the Nayak rulers. The building, which we see now, was the main palace where the King Nayak lived. Still, his throne is kept in the palace for exhibition. The palace was divided into two parts, one is called Swarga Vilasam and another one is called Ranga Vilasam. The specialty of the palace: The style of the architecture and the designing of the palace is the combination of all Dravidian, Islamic and European styles. The Courtyard of the palace is surrounded by huge circular pillars. Every evening, sound and light show is conducted as well with stories depicting Nayak' s life history and about his rule.
Sound and light show at Palace:
Gandhi MuseumThis museum was built to honor our Father of nation, Gandhi JI. It gives a detailed history about his freedom struggle. We shall see many pictures of Freedom struggle and Gandhian thoughts. The pictures exhibits based on Indian political leaders, peace movements and some of the collections of world events. We shall also witness some of the things which were used by Gandhi JI.
Thiruparankundram TempleThis temple is the first one, among the six abodes of Lord Murugan (Karthikeya). This temple was built by carving the hills. Lord Muruga marries goddess Deivayanai, who is the daughter of Indra (King of the Heaven). One more specialty of this temple is the idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu both faces each other in the main shrine which is rare thing in Hindu temples. The vehicle of Murugan is the peacock and his weapon is Vel (Javelin).
Pazhamuthir Cholai Murugan templeThis temple is the last one among the six abodes of Lord Murugan (Karthikeya). As per Hindu mythology
Hospitals in Madurai: (0452)Rajaji Government Hospital - 2532535
Festivals in MaduraiPongal - Festival (common festival in Tamil Nadu) - This is one of the most popular festivals in Tamilnadu, this is festival of harvesting and the festival is celebrated as a thanks giving ceremony to Sun God. Every year this festival is celebrated in the middle of January. Jallikattu - meaning 'bull Taming' , an ancient heroic sport event of Tamil people in Tamilnadu. It takes place during the Pongal festival. It is held every year in Alanganallur a small village near Madurai which is a fabulous one, the most popular destination for Jallikattu is Alanganallur. Chitrai Festival - is the 10 days festival celebrated in between April and May, during this festival idols of God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi will be taken in a procession and will come around the temple Highlights of the festival is the Wedding ceremony of God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi & God Alagar –another name of Vishnu will step into Vaigai river |
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