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Madurai is called the `Athens of the
East’ because of the way myth meets life here. Legends of warrior princesses, the
gods falling in love and divine promises abound. Originally called Madhurapuram because
honey (madhu) is said to have dripped off the locks of Shiva here, Madurai is now the
second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Always an important city politically, it is now among
the most important pilgrimages for Hindus. The chief attraction at Madurai is the imposing Meenakshi temple,
which was built mainly by the Nayaks. The Pandyas originally built the Meenakshi Temple
but little had survived when Tirumalai Nayak restored it to its old glory. |
The grand gopurams of the Meenakshi
Sundareshwar Temple tower over the city at the heart of which they stand. The
temple complex covers 6 hectares right in the middle of the city and is flush with
visitors from all over, each and every day. The towers that loom overhead are famous for
detailed carvings of the gods and goddesses, mythological figures and running depictions
of legendary tales. The huge southern gopuram has over 1500 sculptures! The temple is
dedicated to Shiva and Meenakshi, an earthly incarnation of his wife Parvati, who was born
to the childless ruler after many a prayer.
The Temple Museum is at the 'thousand– pillared
hall’ where each of the 985 pillars are carved in great detail. 5 km east of the
temple is the Mariamman Teppakulum tank where the annual Float Festival
is held in January. The Shiva Meenakshi idols are taken out of the temples and float on
decorated rafts for several days before returning.
Entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the Shiva temple is restricted
to Hindus, and in the Meenakshi temple to Hindu women.
The
Chitirai Festival in April/May sees the idols being taken around on their chariots in
celebration of the divine marriage. The zestful thumping of drums or nadaswarams
accompanies the procession.
When to go
The summer months should be avoided though the temperature averages only about 37°C. The
winter months are cooler: the maximum temperature is about 29°C. The Chittirai Festival
is held in April/May, so it might be wise if you are keen on seeing it, to time your visit
accordingly.
Getting there and
around
Madurai
has a domestic teminus with daily flights from Chennai, Bangalore, Tiruchirapalli and
Mumbai. Rail connections are available from Chennai (8 hrs) and Rameswaram (6 hrs.)
Madurai is also very well connected by road. Rent a car or use your own to drive in.
Private and state-run buses ply regularly from all major cities in Tamil Nadu.
Public transportation in Madurai consists of local buses and the
ubiquitous cycle and auto rickshaws. One can also rent a car or hire a taxi.
Accommodation
There are several reasonably priced clean places to stay in along Town Hall Road and
Dindigul Road. The bigger hotels, and there are some pretty good national chains which
have deluxe hotels here, are across the Vaigai River to its northern side.
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