The south Indian town of Madurai, famous for the temple of Debi Minakshi, can be included in any circuit. It is well connected by road and rail with South Indian towns like Tiruchirapalli, Kodaikanal, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Chennai etc. From Periyar also you can hire a car for a day's sight-see. The town was established in 600 B.C, on the banks of the river Vaigai, by King Kulashekhara of Pandya dynasty. It finds mentioned in the works of Greek ambassador Megasthenes. After being under the rule of Panyas, Cholas, Muslim rulers of Delhi and Vijaynagara kings the town finally passed into the hands of the Nayka rulers. In 17th centuary, the Nayaka ruler Tirumalai built the present temple, a testimony to Dravidian architecture with intricate relief work of Gods and Godesses, scenes from legends and animal figuriness. It is a km's walk from the railway-station.

In two seperate temples within the temple-complex lies the deities Devi Minakshi and Sundareswara Shiva. The crown of the temple is covered with gold. As you enter, the Asthashaki mandap, bearing the amazing tales of Shiva-Parvati, greets you.

The wedding scene of Shiva-Parvati is beautifully etched on the kambathadi mandap, built in 19th centuary. Do not miss the Mandaps standing on thousands of pillars and the exquisite lampstand. Tirumalai Nayaka Mahal is 1 and 1/2 km from the temple 5 km away from the town in the north, lie the Gandhi meseum as well.

The water from Vaigai River is brought to the lake Mari Amman Teppakulam by a tunnel. In the months of January-February, the Shiva-Parvati idols are brought here for a boat-trip.
Tirupankundram Temple, housing the deity of Subrahmanya or Lord Kartikeya, lies 8 km away from the town. According to legends, Lord Karti keya's marraige with Debjani took place here.

The market place surrounding Minakshi Temple is abuzz with shops selling the famous south-Indian silks.

Did you know?

The town of Sundara, cozily rested in between the two mountains of Hasti and Naga, was so attractive that it was called "Madhuram" or "Madhunagari (a beautiful place), which changed into Madurai with the passage of time.

How to go

Indian Airlines flight from Mumbai or Chennai well drop you at the nearest airport of Madurai, 12 km away from the town. You can take bus, taxi or an auto from there. The important rail-junction of Tiruchirapalli has a regular service to Madurai. It takes about 4 hours and is the most convenient way. Trains like Vaigai Express, Pandiyan Express, Pearl City Express, Chennai-Kanyakumari Express etc. depart from Chennai. Apart from this, Madurai is connected by rail with major South-Indian towns like Rameswaram, Koimbatore, Nagarkayal, Bangalore, Kuillon etc. National Highway nos 45 and 47 pass through Madurai. A regular connection via road is maintained with Tanjore, Tiruchirapalli, Rameswaram, Kodaikanal, Tiruvantapuram and Kotlayam.

Where to stay

Madurai has no lack of good accomodations. Hotel Tamil Nadu has 2 units. Unit-1 (- 737471) near the TTC Bus-stand and on Alagarkoyal round there is Unit-II (^- 537461). Among the private hotels, there are Hotel Arathi (541571), RadhaKrishna Lodge (26165), Abinaya Lodge (54322), Shuvam (542022), Hotel Prem Nivas (542022), Hotel Vanamani (742701), Hotel Neena (603203), Hotel Grand Central (743940). All hotels offer double beds for Rs 250-500. STD Code of Madurai : 0452.

Best Season

Madurai can be visited throughout the year, but October-March is the best time of visit.

Remember

Beware of the spurious guides roaming about in Madurai. They are actually publicity-agents of different shops. They often dupe the travellers by taking them to a tower in the temple-courtyard, which is actually a shop in itself.