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By Author: surya kanth
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Madurai Religious Spots

Sri Meenakshi – Sundareswarar Temple

Madurai is synonymous with the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or Meenakshi. The temple was originally built by the Pandyas (7th – 10th centuries) but extensively added by the successive rulers between the 14th and 18th centuries.

The temple complex consists of high walled enclosures inside which the sanctums for Meenakshi and Sundareshvara are kept surrounded by other smaller shrines. The most impressive are the 12 gopuras. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases and are decorated with figures of deities, mythical animals and flowers, painted in vivid colors.

The temple remains open on all days. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum. There is also a museum open to the public without any charges. Two festivals viz. Chitirai and Avanimoolam are celebrated here with great enthusiasm.

Thirupparankundram Temple

Just 7 kms southwest of Madurai, is a small town known for its sacred granite hill. The site is regarded as one of the six ...
... sacred abodes of Murugan, son of Lord Shiva. This is the place where he married to Devyani, daughter of Indra. There is a rock cut temple here built by the Pandya rulers in the 8th century. The temple has been beautifully carved and decorated with mandapas. A 14-day temple festival is held in March/April to commemorate the victory of Murugan over the demon Suran.

Kadal Alagar Temple

Towards the south west of Meenakshi temple is the Alagar Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is considered to be one of the 108 sacred Vaishnavite shrines in India. The temple has three superimposed sanctuaries of diminishing size, housing Lord Vishnu. The outer wall has beautiful sculptures and stone carvings. The temple remains open on all days but not allowed to non-Hindus.

Alagar Koil

The temple at Alagar Koil, 12 kms north of Madurai is dedicated to Kallalagar, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is known to be Meenakshi’s brother. The main attractions here are Sadhus (Swamiyars), or homeless, casteless holy man passing, mischievous monkeys among the families that bring their small children to have their heads shaved, coated in cooling sandalwood paste, and blessed. This small town is located at the foot of the Alagar Hills.

Anglican Cathedral

Towards west of Madurai, is a magnificent Church, designed by Robert Fellowes Chisholm and was consecrated in 1881. This church is a fine example of Neo-Gothic architecture of the British era, a widely visited site in Madurai.

Museums

Gandhi Museum

Gandhi Museum is one of the distinct places of Madurai retaining the living memorial of the Father of Nation – Mahatma Gandhi. The museum houses some of the rare objects used by Gandhiji, valuable books and manuscripts.

Other Attractions

Tombs of the Madurai Sultans

Towards the north of Vaigai River are the tombs of the Madurai rulers. The sultans were buried to the north of the city. The complex includes Alaauddin’s Mosque with its flat-roofed prayer hall and the tomb of a local Sufi saint, Bara Mastan Sada built in the 16th century.

Thirumalai Nayaka Palace

About 1.5 kms from Meenakshi temple is a grand palace built by Thirumalai Nayaka in 1636. The palace reflects the power and wealth of Nayakas who ruled the city for over centuries. The building with its interesting Islamic influence was partially restored in the 19th century by Lord Napier, Governor of Madras between 1866 and 1872.