About Madurai
Madurai then acted as a cultural centre to Pandyan dynasty and now is serving as administrative headquarters to Madurai District is famous for temples. These temples were built by Madurai Nayak and Pandyan dynasty in pure Dravidian style. Madurai is considered to be India’s prominent pilgrimage centre for Hindus.
Madurai records its history as old as 3rd century BC. Megasthenes has mentioned Madurai in his works as a Greek ambassador during the Mauryan rule. This serene city is built around famous Meenakshi temple. This temple is built symbolically signifying the structure of cosmos.
Places to visit in Madurai
When you step your foot on Madurai, you will feel a stupor of blessedness. The reason is that the city is lotus shaped. It has rectangular streets which find the origins of their names in the months of Tamil calendar.
Meenakshi Amman temple originally built by a Pandya King is the greatest Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu. It has a story that Nataraja performed a dance with his raised right leg here. Lord Shiva is believed to be pleased with the construction of this temple and has performed various dances. This temple has attracted tourist from all over the world and is located in the heart of the city of Madurai.
There are many astonishing sculptures inside premises and as well as on gopurams of the temple. You would be amazed to see an engraved mythical creature called Yaali which is similar to the Chinese dragon on the pillars of Meenakshi temple. Once you are inside the temple you would not miss to move your eyes off the ceiling. There are most beautiful and ancient paintings which adorn the roofs of Meenakshi temple.
Other points of tourist attractions are the Maqbara and Kazimar Big Mosque. The Maqbara is located within the Mosque. You can also visit Thiruparankundram hill and a Dargah mounted on its top. Then there are other religious visiting points like Goripalayam Dargah, Theppakulam part of Vandiyur temple, Koodal Azhagar Koil, St. Mary’s Cathedral Church.
Madurai is the city one should visit at least once in their entire life – time to experience the feeling of heavens. It will amaze you with the experience when Gods touch their blessed feet to the grounds and your soul feels blessed.