Madurai

[theertsa]

I is situated on banks of river Vaigai, Madurai is one of the most oldest cities of South India. The name Madurai is derived from the Tamil word 'Madhuram' which means 'sweetness' . This city is the subject of an numerous number of myths.

[theertsa]

Madurai is a typical Hindu City and was the capital of ancient
pandya Dynasty till 10'th century AD.

[theertsa]

With 6 meters high wall, it is one of the longest temple complexes in India, it was constructed between 16'th to 18'th century, but certain parts of the teple are much older. This temple is dedicated for the Fish-eyed godess Meenakshi.

[theertsa]

It is situated 5km east of the old city and covers an area almost equal to Meenakshi Temple. This tank was once filled with constant supply of water which flowed via underground channels from river Vaigai.

[theertsa]

It was constructed in 17'th century which belongs to famous Nayak Thirumalai, but only quarter of it remains. It is a rectangular courtyard flanked by 18 meters tall colonnades.

[theertsa]

Among the memories of Mahatma Gandhi also preserves the bloodstained Dhoti of Gandhiji, that he was wearing at the time of his assassination. It also holds a reference collection of 15,000 books, letters and microfilms material by and about Mahatma Gandhi.

[theertsa]

It displayes stone and bronze sculptures, festival costumes and fine collection of shadow puppets which originated in Thanjavur during Chola Dinasty period.