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Dazzling ancient edifices, numerous educational institutions, exquisite sanctuaries, and much more- Isnt it enough to describe the Soul of Tamil Nadu? Resting on banks of the River Vaigai, Madurai is a well-known city located in Tamil Nadu. Madurai has served as the royal and authoritarian seat for various clans like Pandyas, Cholas, Nayaks, and the British. During their rule, the city of Madurai was ornamented with awe-inspiring structures like the popular Meenakshi Temple, Idaikattur Church etc. Presently, it is also tagged as the educational hub of Tamil Nadu owing to a wide number of educational institutions.
People from the different directions of the country flock to this city to spend their vacation, visit the holy shrines and to get themselves enrolled to receive the higher education. Take a look at this quick guide to know about the must-visit places on Madurai.
Madurai houses different and intricately carved Hindu shrines. All these shrines boast astounding sculptures that represent the Hindu religious figurines. One such exquisite temple is Sri Meenakshi Temple. Also known by the name of Meenakshi Amman Temple, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathy and is nearly 2,500 years old. The present day architecture of the temple was completely different from the initial one as it suffered a great devastation. Till date, it is among the most-visited Hindu shrines in Madurai.
Depicting the skillful Dravidian style of architecture, Alagarkoil Temple is a popular shrine located in Madurai. It is surrounded by lush green vegetation and spans a gross area of 2 hectares. The presiding deities of the temple are Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu. The interior, as well as exteriors of the temple, are beautifully bedecked with the arresting stone carvings.
Gandhi Museum, or Gandhi Memorial Museum, is a well-known museum located in Madurai. It is a commodious building that is entirely devoted to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. This museum was erected exactly after ten years of his assassination. Inaugurated by former PM late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Gandhi Museum is a home to all items like pen, footwear, handwritten letters and the blood-stained cotton cloth that he was wearing when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse.
Dont you think that a shrine will lure you more if it is located amid the dense woods? If youre thinking yes then you are absolutely right! Pazhamudhir Solai is an ancient Hindu shrine that rests on a hill-top. It is surrounded by lush green vegetation and is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The compelling fact about the location of this holy shrine is that no wild animals reside in this jungle! Therefore, devotees can also be spotted camping near the temple.
Regarded as a grandiose in Madurai, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is a splendid palace. It was constructed in the 17th century under the reign of the Nayaka dynasty. The palatial infrastructure represents the skillful Dravidian architecture and has the largest interiors among the palaces located in Madurai. The hall, courtyard, garden, palanquin place, and the royal corridor comprise over 876 pillars with distinguished carvings.
So, heres another add-on in the must-visit destinations in Madurai. Koodal Azhagar Temple is an arresting Hindu shrine that dates back hundreds of years ago. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnus semblance Koodal Azhagar. Constructed in the Dravidian architecture, there is one gopuram in all directions of the temple. Each gopuram is carved in a labyrinthine manner and depicts different poses of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Madurai isnt reckoned for the Hindu shrines it houses, but also the alluring churches. St. Marys Cathedral Church is a popular church situated in Madurai. Constructed entirely out of the white marble in the 18th century, this church was erected in the Gothic style of architecture. Just like other Catholic grandiose, St. Marys Cathedral also holds a special place in the heart of Christians & non-enthusiastic Christians. Each year, especially during Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas, this cathedral is ornamented beautifully.
Many people think that dams arent a place to visit. After reading this, their opinion might change. Standing on Vaigai River with an enormous height of 111 feet, Vaigai Dam is a well-known location in Madurai. This mammoth-sized dam has a capacity to hold back 17 million cubics of water up to a height of 70 feet. What makes it special among the people is the Vaigai Recreational Park. It is an alluring park located close to the dam and serves as the right spot for chumming around.
The murky hills and mountains have different tales to tell to visitors. Similarly, the hills of Samanar have a lot to tell you. Located 15 kilometers away from Madurai, Samanar Hills is a rocky complex that constitutes the part of Keelakuyilkudi village. These hills are basically Jain caves that were used as a temporary residence by monks. 2 famous Jain scriptures of Jain Tirthankaras were found by Archaeological Survey of India. Today, these hilly caves are visited extensively by visitors.
Idaikattur is a quaint village that is located away from the noises of the city. Endowed with serenity in its ambiance, it is a place where different religious shrines are located. A popular Christian church known by the name of Idaikattur Chruch is a major attraction here. Regarded as the replica of Rheims Cathedral (France), Idaikattur Church is built in Gothic style of architecture. Legends say that angels descended from heavens in order to contribute in the construction of this church.
Goripalayam Dargah is an astounding mosque located in Madurai. It derives its name from the Persian word Gor that means Grave. This frequented tomb is the final resting place of the Muslim saints Hazrat Alauddin Badshah & Shamsuddin Radiyallah. Their sacred graves are maintained and looked after their descendants that reside in Madurai. The festival of Urus is celebrated each year with a great zest at Goripalayam Dargah.
Arittapatti Shivan Temple is another fine example of the rock-cut edifices present in Madurai. Located 20 kilometers from Madurai, this astounding temple dates back to the 7th century. Arittapatti temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and he is worshiped in the form of a Linga. Prayers are offered in this shrine regularly and it has emerged as a frequented tourist spot. Each year on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, this temple is festooned beautifully.
Hemmed in the beauteous natural surroundings, Kutladampatti Falls are stunning waterfalls located in the quaint village of Kutladampatti. The white waters of this marvel pave their way and spill down from a height of 90 feet to form a pool. This waterfall is located in a reserved forest, therefore, it allows globetrotters to spend a nice time amid nature. Close to the waterfall, mango farms located there. Try to taste the fresh and pure mangoes of Kutladampatti.
Theres a lot to be explored in the city of Madurai. Whether it is an intricately carved temple, an arresting wildlife sanctuary, or an enchanting waterfall, you will never get disappointed after visiting such beguiling destinations. Gear up peeps, vacations are on the head and this time, you should spend them at a special place like Madurai.
