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Places of Interest in Madurai
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Alagar Kovil
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Located 21 kms northwest of Madurai is a Vishnu Temple on a picturesque wooded hill. Here Vishnu presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'. During the Chithirai festival in April/May, when the marriage of Meenakshi to Sundereswarar is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai. A gold processional icon called the Sundarajar is carried by devotees in procession from Azhagar Koil to Madurai for the wedding ritual. Pazhamudhirsoali, one of the six abodes of lord Subramanya is on the same hill, about 4 kms above. A natural spring called Buburagangai where pilgrims bathe, is also located here. |
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Meenakshi Amman Temple
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The temple is dedicated to both of Meenakshi of the limpid fish-shaped eyes, the lovely consort of Lord Siva; and to Lord Siva himself (Sundareswarar). It is one of the holiest places of worship in South India, drawing thousands of devotees everyday. It has also been the centre of Tamil culture, sponsoring literature, art, music and dance over the countries. Legend has it that when the third and the last Tamil Sangam (Academy of Tamil Literature) met at Madurai, literary works were thrown into the temple tank, where a divine force caused works of merit to float and inferior literature to sink.
The Pudhu Mandapam with 124 sculptured stone pillars was built by Thirumalai Nayak.
The Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple is open to the public of all days.
Timing 5.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. 4.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Photography is allowed within the temple precincts.
Temple Museum
Timings: 6.00a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
The Thousand-Pillared Mandapam (hall) of the temple has actually 985 beautiful sculpted pillars. The temple Art Museum is housed here. |
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Gandhi Museum
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This institution housed in a 300-year old palace is dedicated to Gandhiji and promotes study and appreciation of the Mahatma's teachings. There is a picture gallery, personal memorabilia of the Mahatma, a library and an exhibition of South India handicrafts and village industries. The Government Museum is also in this complex. Timing 10.00a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. |
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Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
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The Thirumalai Nayak's palace is open to the public from 9.00a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00p.m. to 5.00 p.m. The most imposing remnant is a huge Audience hall opening into a countryard with elaborately ornamented arches. A sound and light show depicting the story of Thirumalai Nayak and Silappathikaram (a Tamil Epic) can be seen here daily. Timings: English: 6.45 p.m. Tamil: 8.15 p.m. |
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Koodal Alagar Temple
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This ancient shrine has Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures, one above the other. It has elegantly carved ornamental windows described as "miracles of the stone masons art". There are also intricate wood carvings including a panel of lord Rama's Pattabishekam (coronation). |
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Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex
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Located 6kms from the Periyar Bus stand, Vandiyur Kanmoy (tank) is an ideal picnic spot. T.T.D.C. operates a children's Train and boating service. There is also a restaurant in the tourist complex. |
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Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
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This enormous temple tank is fed by water brought from the Vaigai through an ingenious system of underground channels. The tank has a Mandapam at the centre enshrining Lord Vigneshwara. In January -February the Teppakulam is the venue of a float festival which attracts thousands of tourists. |
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Thiruparankundram
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Located 6kms from the Periyar Bus stand, Vandiyur Kanmoy (tank) is an ideal picnic spot. T.T.D.C. operates a children's Train and boating service. There is also a restaurant in the tourist complex. |
Madurai Information |
Madurai Area |
3,676 sq. km |
Madurai Population |
25,78,201 (Census 2001) |
Madurai Rainfall |
839.8 mm (Annual) |
Madurai Climate |
Max 37.5°C Min 20.9 °C |
Madurai Std Code |
0452 |
Madurai to Chennai |
447 km |
Madurai Railway Junction Enquiry |
0452-2342888 |
Madurai Bus Enquery |
| Madurai Anna Bus Stand |
0452-2533622 |
Madurai Mattuthavani Bus Stand |
0452-2580680 |
Madurai Periyar Bus Stand |
0452-2337093 |
Madurai Government Hospital |
0452-2532535 |
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