So spectacular it's called the 'Athens of the East!'

So spectacular it's called the 'Athens of the East!'

So spectacular, it’s even earned the nickname ‘The Athens of the East’! A city known for its magnificent monuments, exquisite temples and ancient cultural wonders… If you want to experience the harmonious blending of history and religion, then we suggest you head to the picturesque temple city of Madurai, a city that is the cradle of Dravidian culture and tradition. If you have never been here, come and experience Madurai, one of South India’s greatest temple towns and an earlier seat of the ’Tamil Sangam’ or ‘Academy of Learning’ with us.

A city with an interesting past! Legends say that a temple was built around a Lingam accidentally discovered in the middle of a forest on the banks of Vaigai River by King Kulasekara Pandya, and a lotus-shaped city came up around the temple overnight!! When it was time to name the city, Lord Shiva appeared and drops of nectar (mathuram in Tamil) dripped from his matted locks here, thus giving the city the name Madurai or the “City of Nectar”.

Said to be one of the oldest cities of India, with a rich cultural heritage of over 2500 years, Madurai’s history dates all the way back to the Sangam period of the pre Christian era. Another interesting fact, which draws tourist to this city, is that the entire city of Madurai is built around the spectacular Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple! Concentric rectangular streets surround the temple, symbolizing the structure of the cosmos!

Besides its brilliant Meenakshi Temple, (a temple dedicated to Shiva) which is almost synonymous with Madurai, other attractions here include the Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, Thirupparamkundram Temple, Azhagar Kovil, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam and more.

Famous for their minute carvings, intricate sculptures and unique idols, the Sri Meenakshi Sundareeswarar Temple, is undoubtedly one of the largest and oldest temple complex of India, extending over an area of 65000 Sq. m. The biggest attraction of Madurai, it is a perfect example of Dravidian architecture with gopurams (large gateways) and mandapams (multi-pillared halls), adorned from top to bottom, with multi-colored images of gods, goddesses, animals and other mythical figures. Lord Shiva in his incarnation as Sundareeswarar and his spouse Meenakshi are enshrined in this twin temple. Also famous is the temple known for the ‘Ayiramkaal Mandapam’ or a thousand pillared halls, with 985 beautifully sculptured pillars which are a truly amazing sight. Each pillar features bold, ornate sculptures and appear to be in a straight line from whichever angle it is viewed, making it an architectural marvel!

Constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single girder, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace an Indo-Saracenic building built in 1523, is another not-to-be missed architectural works of the Nayaks that gives tourists an insight into ancient Tamil history. A striking feature of this palace is its massive white pillars having a height of 20m and circumference of 4m, which are connected by high decorated arches. Though this palace was destroyed by King Thirumalai Nayak’s grandson, the wood and jewels removed in order to build his own palace in Tiruchirapalli, it was partially restored by Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras and by other restoration works carried out after that. Do try and catch the sound and light show, whichs talk about the king and his love for art!

Much older than the Meenakshi Temple, take time out to explore the Thirupparamkundram Temple, a cave-like temple with an entrance decked with stately cubical pillars and lotus medallions. It is known for the 48 pillars at the entrance, artistically carved with beautiful sculptures from the Pandya and Nayakar periods

And what about the small village situated on the foothills of the Alagarmalai? Tourists will also find themselves heading to Alagar Koli, famous for its very ancient Vaishnavite temple and its panoramic surroundings. The temple of Alagar Koli is also known for its beautiful carvings and exquisite sculptures in the hall and other Mandapam of the temple. Adding to the scenic beauty are ruins of historic forts, around the temple believed to be built by the Pandayan King.

And adding to the beauty of the place, if you’re visiting Madurai during January / February, the Mariamman Teppakulam, is another must visit! A beautiful square tank, this is the scene of the colorful float festival held to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, who built the tank! Called ‘Teppam’, the deities of Meenakshi and Sundarswarar are placed in a float, decorated with flowers and hundreds of lights and accompanied with traditional music taken around the tank.

Last but not the least is the Gandhi Memorial Museum, it is said that during his visit to Madurai in the year 1921, Mahatma Gandhi made a firm decision to give up his rich dressing style after seeing the poor people dressed in scarce clothes. It was here, he made up his mind to wear a small towel like dhothi around the waist, Madurai is today one among the seven places selected for setting up a memorial to the “Father of the Nation”. Gandhi Memorial Museum stands as a living legend exhibiting the value of life, work and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

While this amazing city has plenty to offer, for those heading south from there, do also take time out to explore its surroundings! From Thirupparangundram a pilgrim spot, believed to be the place, Lord Subramanya got married to the daughter of Lord Indra on Deivanai Hill, to the exquisite hill station of  Kodaikkanal, also referred to as the ‘Princess’ of hill stations in India! Or Sriviiliputhur, one among the 108 holy Vaishnavite Kshetras and Thekkady, another beautiful tourist spot, there’s so much around for tourists to explore!

Be it historians, art lovers or casual tourists, you can’t help but be fascinated by this spectacular city that is endowed with rich cultural heritage and glorious tradition. This antique city promises to provide one holiday of a lifetime! Be a part of it!