Madurai Site Seeing

Meenakshi Temple

By far, the most common reason for visiting the city is the temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (considered a form of Parvati) with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar (or Siva). Actually, historically, the Sundereshwar shrine is the larger and older of the two temple complexes. The complex itself is a splendid example of the south Indian Dravida architectural idiom. Four immense gopurams or temple towers crown the gateways at each cardinal direction, easily visible from a distance. Each tower is encrusted with more than a thousand brilliantly painted sculptures depicting an assortment of mythological and auspicious themes. It is traditional to enter through the south gopuram and, unusually, worship the Goddess before her consort. Inside the shelter for shoe-storage, offering baskets of coconuts, bananas and incense are available in addition to images of the Goddess for home altars. Many pilgrims -- particularly the men in black or orange sarongs who are devotees of the god Ayyappan -- circumambulate the main temple itself in the prakara or space between the outer wall and main temple. In addition, snake shrines and an assortment of offices and classrooms of religious foundations are found here.

Within the temple, devotees line up for darshan or viewing of the deities. Please note, however, that non-Hindus are not permitted into the inner sancta of Meenakshi or Sundareshwarar; anyone who looks suspicious can and will be pulled out of line by attendants. However, there is an abundance of sculpture and painting accessible to all. In addition, the steps of the Pottramaraikulam or Golden Lotus Pond is open to all and is a common meeting place for inhabitants of the city, in addition to pilgrims and tourists. In ancient times, the sangam or assembly of poets was said to gather at this pool to judge the merits of new compositions, often by throwing the manuscripts into the pool itself. Those that sank were inferior while those that floated were worthy of praise and propagation.

There are many shops within the east gate, selling everything from plastic toys to bronze images of the Goddess. Be sure to bargain hard. NOTE:One can buy the special tickets at the counter[each Rs.15] to get a special darshan,which is nothing but cutting short the line by at least a half.

WARNING: Beware of guides who offer to take you to vantage points outside the temple to get a better view. You will be lured into shops that have a very hard sell..

Koodal Alagar Temple

Important Vaishnav Temple in the heart of the city, one of the Divya Desams ( 108) . Worshipped by "Alwars - Vasihnav Saints ". Worth to see and worship.

Thiruparankundram

One of the important old Temple dedicated to Lord Muruga - Karthikeya located on a hillock approximately 8 km from the city. First Arupadai Veedu. References to this ancient temple are available in scriptures from 6th century AD (Paripadal). The temple interior is a huge rectangular chamber carved out of the hill, with side chambers housing various deities of Hindu religion approached via narrow passages. The temple is accessible via road from Madurai and has a railway station 1 km away. Most express trains do not stop there though.

Alagar Temple

Another Vaishnav temple Alagar Koil, Famous for Chittrai ( First Tamil month)/9April-May)- Summer Festival, 20 km away from the city.

Pazhamudhir Solai

Near to Alagar Koil, important Temple for Lord Karthikeya on the hills , of course inside of Solai - jungle. One of the six important temple for Lord Muruga - Karthikeya. This is a very large and beautiful temple. You can take an Auto rickshaw from the Meenakshi temple to visit this temple for a charge of around Rs 100 (2007). Regular bus service is offered by the Transport Corporation. There is a utsavam of the diety on a golden chariot at 7PM.

Naickar Mahal

The remains of the palace of the 17th century ruler Thirumalai Naickar who contributed extensively to the Meenakshi Temple.Only a small portion of the original structure[which was four times as largeremains. There were originally two parts-Swargavilasa[heavenly pavilion],meant for the King,is harem and housing the darbar court,and the ranka vilasa,which was for the servants. Currently,entrance to the roof is prohibited due the renovation work being carried out by the Archaeological Department.They claim to finish work in 6 months.

There is a sound and light show in the evening (Both English & Tamil Version of the show)

There is also a museum, which houses not only the original portraits of Thirumalai naicker,but also unearthed stine carvings of the 17th century,along with many sculptures of Hindu Gods like Brahma, Nataraja, Saraswati of the period. There is one rare painting on one of the pillars,which the Archaeological Department claim to have unearthed from one of the pillars.There is a painting hidden in every pillar,apparently.

The other portion of the palace, Rankavilasam was demolished by Thirumalai Naicker's Grandson. However, a small structure still remains known as "Ten pillars" or "Pathu Thoon"[in Tamil]. Sadly,these ten pillars of timeless beauty are now surrounded by shops and residential houses.

Please do visit the Archaeological Department adjacent to the palace for more information.

Gandhi Museum

This museum, located on the north side of the river, houses Gandhi's bloodstained dhoti and little else by way of artifacts. Those interested in the freedom struggle, though, will be interested in the extensive text housed here.

Tamil speakers and long-term visitors may be interested in the classes and workshops offered in subjects as diverse as t'ai chi and local herbs. There is also a khadi bhavan (store selling village and handloom products) and bookstore, with (mostly Tamil) books on spiritual and natural health topics.

Also located on the campus of the museum is a government museum (across from the library). The museum is located in Tamukkam Palace near Goripalayam on the northern side of the river Vaikai.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

A temple built in the middle of a man-made pond. Famous for its float festival (teppa tiruvila) conducted during the Thai Poosam (falls in the second half of January). Popular story is that the spot was excavated for its soil to be used for building 17th Century king Tirumala Nayakkar's palace. The king had ordered excavated spot to be converted into a 16 acre lake fed from Vaigai river through under ground channels. The river itself boasts of water only during North-East Monsoon season (Oct-Nov) and hence the lake has water from Nov to Feb.