Gandhi Museum - It Leads The Pictorial Gallery Depicting A visual Biography Of Gandhi ji

GANDHI MUSEUM

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MADURAI

Gandhi Memorial Museum at Madurai has been built and organised by Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. There are ample places in South India which are important in relation to Gandhiji. Since, he has visited Tamil Nadu 14 times, among all of them  Madurai city got its distinct place of its own.  It was in Madurai in the year 1921, Gandhiji adopted for the first time the line cloth as his mode of dress, which made him known throughout the world as "The Half  Naked Fakir".  

It was in Madurai again that the doors of great Meenakshi Amman Temple were thrown open  to  Harijans, thus winning a historic battle against "Untouchability".  Gandhiji visited the Temple in the year 1946 along with Harijans as a triumph for the cause of Harijan Temple entry.  The Gandhi Memorial Trust has allocated Ten Millions Rupees for the purpose of setting up Gandhi Memorial Museum in selected seven places in India associated with the life of Gandhi.  

The Gandhi Memorial Museum is meant to be a living  Institutions and not merely a building  preserving and showing exhibits, however precious. It seeks to help an ever increasing number of people particularly the youth of the country to understand and to value the life, work and teachings of Gandhiji.The Picture Gallery presents a visual biography of Gandhiji. It contains photos, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, quotations, and some original articles used by Gandhiji (Relics and replicas). Special Exhibition on "India Fights for Freedom" with 265 illustrations, depicting the history of the Freedom Movement, greets you first.  

The Gandhi Memorial Museum at Madurai was the first of its kind to be completed and it was inaugurated by Shri Jawaharlal Nehru on 15th April, 1959. The Museum serves to propagate the ideals of Gandhiji. Exhibitions, Seminors, Study Circle meetings, Group discussions, Summer Camps for students, Fine Arts training courses for children and classes on Yogasana and Naturopathy are organised periodically.  A Science Park has been put up for the benefit of school children.  Examinations for students on 'Gandhiji's life and Thought' are regularly conducted. 

   

Gandhi Memorial Museum conducts an Educational Programme for the students of the Colleges and High Schools of Madurai City.  They undergo a methodical one day study course of 7 hours duration, on the history of "Indian Freedom Movement" and on a brief study of "Gandhiji's life".  The courses are Class room study, Film and Slide shows and Museum Gallery tour.  A Class room is set up with Film Projection annexe for this purpose in the second floor of the Museum section.  The Educational programme is a regular activity of the Museum.    

      

The Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai is an autonomous Registered Society and is administered by a committee which includes Gandhian leaders, Educationalists, Social Workers and representatives form the State and the Central Governments.

Gandhiji, during his visit to Madurai stayed in the residence of Sri Ramji Kalyanji, 175-A, West Masi Street, Maduraiwho respectfully invited him to his house, on 21.09.1921. During his stay there at night he was mentally agitated and worried to think of the various farmers and poor people on his way dressed in scarce cloths that is only a small towel like dhothi around the waist and were shivering with cold, while he was  wearing long turbans khurtha and dhoties. 

So overnight he took a decision that he should be a model to everyone and to dress in a simple manner like the peasants and poor people he witnessed in his journey to Madurai and he carried out this from the very next day itself. On 22-09-1921 (the next day) morning all were shocked to see him in his new pattern of dress and Gandhiji explained them about his decision and he followed this throughout his life. Then he attended the meetings in Madurai (The place now called as Gandhi Pottal) at 0700 hrs, explaining the reason for his new mode of dress therein. Then he attended the meeting at Karaikudi and returned to his destination.

By Air

There are daily flights to Madurai from Chennai, Bangalore,Tiruchi & Coimbatore. Madurai Airport is 10 Kms away from Madurai City.

By Train

Madurai is an important railway junction of the Southern Railway and is directly connected to Chennai and Tirunelveli. Madurai is on the Madurai-Tiruchirappalli-Dindigul-Quilon line. The Vaigai Express, which is a super-fast day train between Chennai Egmore and Madurai takes 7 hours for the 495kms.

By Bus

There are excellent roads connecting Madurai to all parts of South India.  Madurai City has 5 Major Bus Stand.

Meenakshi Amman Temple - It Is One Of The Oldest Temple In South India

MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE

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MADURAI

The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai.

The annual 10 day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival celebrated during April–May attracts 1 million visitors.

The Meenakshi temple is believed to have been founded by Indra (king of Deva celestial deities) while he was on a pilgrimage to atone for his misdeeds. He felt his burden lifting as he neared the swayambu lingam (self formed lingam, a representation of Shiva used for worship in temples) of Madurai. He ascribed this miracle to the lingam and constructed the temple to enshrine it. Indra worshipped Shiva, who caused golden lotuses to appear in the nearby pool.

Tamil literature speaks of the temple over the last two millennia. Thirugnanasambandar, the famous Hindu saint of Saiva philosophy, mentioned this temple as early as the 7th century, and described the deity as Aalavai Iraivan. The temple is believed to have been sacked by the infamous Muslim invader Malik Kafur in 1310 and all the ancient elements were destroyed. 

The initiative to rebuild the structure was taken by first Nayak king of Madurai, Viswanatha Nayak (1559–1600) under the supervision of Ariyanatha Mudaliar, the prime minister of the Nayak Dynasty and the founder of the Poligar System. The original design by Vishwanatha Nayak in 1560 was substantially expanded to the current structure during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak (1623–55). He took considerable interest in erecting many complexes inside the temple. His major contributions are the Vasantha Mandapam for celebrating vasanthorsavam (spring festival) and Kilikoondu Mandapam (corridor of parrots). The corridors of the temple tank and Meenatchi Nayakar Mandapam were built by Rani Mangammal.

Rous Peter (1786–1828), the Collector of Madurai in 1812, got nickname 'Peter Pandian’ as he respected and treated people of all faiths equally. He donated a set of golden stirrups studded with diamonds and red stones to the temple.Goddess Meenatchi is believed to have saved Rous Peter from a fatal incident. He also wished that after his death, his body be buried in a position that would enable his eyes to face the temple

 According to legend, the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods indira at Kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in Madurai. The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Indira in this temple is said to be proof for this.

Many historical evidences of the temple have been found dating back from early A.D. The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310 following the invasion of the Islamic conqueror Malikkapur.As kings who were followers of Islam were noted for their intolerance towards other religions, the invaders destroyed most of the ancient sculptures of the temple. 

Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has mentioned the temple in his songs which go back to early 7th century. The Lord has been described as Alavai Iraivan in his songs.The temple was restored to its pristine glory in the late 14th century when the Hindu Kings came back to power in Madurai.This can also be termed as a new beginning of a new era in the history of the temple, when it was almost rebuilt. The King Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple according to records.

The temple has four Rajagopurams or majestic towers, there are five towers on top of the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord, three on top of the sanctum sanctorum of the Goddess and two golden towers or gopurams, all which have been exquisitely designed and sculptured. All fourteen towers have been segregated based on the stages they are,.

Nine tier gopurams - four

Seven tier, Chittirai gopuram - one

Five tier gopurams - five

Three tier gopurams - two

Golden gopurams - two

By Air

Madurai Airport is located 12 kilometres from the city. It is one of the important airport in Tamil Nadu. 

By Train

Meenakshi Temple is 2 Km - Distance from Madurai Railway station. Madurai Junction is an important railway junction in southern Tamil Nadu and constitutes a separate division of the Southern Railway. It is the second largest revenue division in Southern railway next to the Chennai division. There are direct trains from Madurai connecting important cities in India like Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Banglore, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Trivandrum, Coimbatore, Kollam, Kanyakumari, Trichy, Tirunelveli, Rameswaram, Thanjavur, Vijaywada, Calcutta, Nagpur and Bhopal. Madurai has rail connectivity with important cities and towns across India.

By Bus

Madurai city has 5 Major Bus Stands- Periyar Bus Stand, Anna Bus Stand, Palanganatham Bus Stand, Arapalayam Bus Stand, Mattuthavani Bus Stand and probably to all parts of major cities in south India.

Pazhamudhir Solai Temple – It Is Positioned In The Midst Of Alzagar Hill With Dense Forest

PAZHAMUDHIR SOLAI TEMPLE

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MADURAI

Palamuthir Solai is located near Madurai city. Palamuthir Solai is the last army camp of Lord Muruga where he graces with his both consorts Valli and Deivanai. This temple is stashed between the wild greens of the Alagar hill. There is a small spring above this temple and the water from this spring contains lots of spiritual powers. This temple is at a distance of 19 km from Madurai.

Pazhamudhir Solai is a beautiful temple created in the memory of Lord Subramaniya who is worshipped by several people in southern India. It has great sculptures of Lord Subramaniya carved in wood and marble and is a wonderful temple with giant steps in the front of it.

People worship the temple by moving across the periphery of the temple a several number of times, with the hope that their wish would come true. It is the giant temple of Lord subhramaniya in southern India and one of the most beautiful too. Its located on the hills of Azharar koil and falls in Madurai in Tamil nadu.

The legend has it that this is the place where Lord Muruga disguised himself as a small boy and tested the knowledge of his pious devotee and the poetess Avvaiyar, by asking the question whether she wants sutta palam or sudatha palam (Black berry). Even now there stands the naval tree (blackberry) besides the temple and is worshipped by all.

Out of usual the black berry tree here blossoms in the month of October-November (the month when Sashti festival is commemorated) rather than July-September it is considered to be a world miracle.

People come to this temple to free themselves from the sins, obstacles in marriage or child birth and to have a prosperous life. There are no steps to this temple and so the temple administration started a van service to and fro in this temple. Trekking lovers can use the trekking path in the hill.

By Air

The nearest airport to this temple is at Madurai.

By Train

Madurai junction is very handy to this temple.

By Bus

There are surplus buses to this temple from Madurai Periyar, Pudoor, and Thirumangalam bus stand.

One Day Tour Around Madurai By TTDC

LOCAL TOURS FROM MADURAI

 AT HOTEL TAMILNADU

 

S.NO	Name of the Tour	Places Covered	Contact Person & Address	Phone Numbers & E-mail
1	One Day Tour around MADURAI	Kudal Azhagar, Inmail Nanmai Tharuvar Koil, Theppakkulam Mariamman Kovil, Muktheeswaran Kovil, Thiruvatpudaiyar Kovil, Thallakulam Perumal Koil, Narasinga Perumal Koil, Thirumogur Chakkarathalwar Koil, Thiruvathavur, Alagar Koil, Thiruparankundram Murugan Koil, Meenakshi Amman Koil.	The Manager, Hotel Tamilnadu, Madurai -625 001.	Std Code : 0452 Phone : 2337471 to 75. Cell:+919176995822 Fax : 0452-2331945 htn-mdu1@ttdconline.com

 Note :- TTDC operates the above tours by tie-up with private cab operators

Murugan Temple In Thiruparankunram – It Is The Primary Of Six Army Camp Temples (Aaru Padai Veedu)

MURUGAN TEMPLE

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THIRUPARANKUNRAM

The Murugan temple is located near Madurai in the tamilnadu state of India. It is one of the most sacred Tamil Hindu shrines - Murugan Temple in Thiruparankundram.

The temple may start with the 8th century AD when Pandya rulers built rock-cut temple. During the reign of Nayaks of Madurai (1559 - 1736 AD) the temple was supplemented with beautiful gopurams and beautified. There was built extensive and beautiful front part (mugha mandapam) with 48 ornate pillars carved during the rule of Pandya and Nayaks.

Of the six army camp temples (Aaru Padai Veedu) of Lord Muruga, this is the first temple. While Lord Muruga graces in a standing form in other five army camp temples, He graces in a sitting, wedding form with His consort Deivanai. Murugan Temple in Thiruparankundram became one of the most revered shrines in Tamil Nadu

The Devas appealed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the terror strikes of demon Surapanma. Lord created Muruga from six sparks from His forehead eye. Lord Muruga fought Surapanma, destroyed and made of him a peacock for his vehicle and a cock for his flag. This happened in Tiruchendur. Indira offered his daughter Deivaniai to Muruga in marriage. The marriage took place in Tiruparankundram attended by a huge number of Rishis, Devas and Gods. Lord Muruga graces here in the wedding form. He is named Subramanya.

This is the only temple where abishek is performed to Vel. More importance is attached to Vel as the Lord came to this place victoriously after defeating the demon Surpanma with the power of this weapon.

Temple leads very active religious life with numerous festivities and Thiruparankundram for most part of the year is teeming with life.

Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aadi Krithikai in July-August, Purattasi Vel festival in September-October, Skanda Sashti in October-November, Tirukarithikai in November-December, Thai poosam in January-February and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple

As if there is not enough importance and reverance, on the top of hill there is also a Muslim shrine devoted to Sekunder - Alexander the Great! Local Muslims consider that Alexander the Great was the friend of King Murugan. Thus Thiruparankundram is a place where both Hindu and Muslims go well along.

Worship timing's

Morning: 5.00A.M to 1.00P.M

Evening: 4.00 P.mM to 9.00P.M

There are eight kalam (times) of poojas daily and they are as follows :

S.No	Pooja Name	Time
1	Thiruvananthal	5.30 A.M
2	Vizha Poojai	7.30 A.M
3	Kalasanthi	8.00 A.M
4	Thirukaka santhi	10.00 A.M
5	Uchikalam	12.00 P.M
6	sayaratchai	5.30 P.M
7	Artha Jamam	8.45 P.M
8	Palliyarai	9.00 P.M

By Air

The nearest airport to Thiruparankundram is madurai airport, madurai which is 6 km away from Thiruparankundram.

By Train

The nearest railway station to thiruparankundram is Madurai Jn Train Station which is 5 km away from Thiruparankundram.

By Bus

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Madurai.

Azhagar Temple – Devotees Adore Here Lord Vishnu As Azhagar

AZHAGAR TEMPLE

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MADURAI

 It is situated 21 kms northwest of Madurai is a Vishnu Temple on a picturesque wooded hill. Here 'Vishnu' presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhgar'. During the Chitrai festival in April/May, when the celestial marriage of Meenakshi to Sundareswarar is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai. A gold processional icon called the Sundararajar is carried by devotees in procession from Azhagar Kovil to Madurai for wedding ritual.

Palamudhirsolai, one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya is on the same hill, about 4 kms. above. A natural spring called Nuburagangai where pilgrims bath, is located here.

Alagarkovil, a village situated very near Madurai at the foot of the range of hills called Alagarmalai, is famous for its ancient . Vaishnavite temple, and the beauty of exquisite sculptures in the hall and other 'mandapams' of the temple.

The Alwars have sung in praise of the deity of the place and the hills. In addition, Nakkirar, the Tamil poet has composed several popular poems about this deity. As the place itself suggests, the temple is dedicated to Alagar who is popularly known as Sundararajar. It is said that Alagar kovil attracted pilgrims even in the early days of the Sangam age.

The temple is built on an extensive area in a very picturesque spot, surrounded by the ruins of a historic fort. The impressive main tower at the entrance, believed to have been built by the Pandyan Kings, has some beautiful sculptures depicting scenes from the epics.

 According to historical records, Malayadhwaja Pandyan, son of Kulasekhara Pandyan, who is said to have established the Pandyan kingdom, appears to be the earliest known monarch who patronised this temple.

 Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan, who reigned during the period 1251-1270 A.D., beautified the 'vimana' of the 'sanctum sanctorum' with gold plates. Later, during the reign of the Vijayanagar king Krishnadeva Raya, the temple was endowed with revenues from two villages for conducting regular festivals.
After the end of Pandya rule in Madurai, the Nayaka kings became the chief patrons of this deity. The famous Nayaka king Vishwanatha, who ruled in Madurai during 1558-1563 A.D., made magnificent donations to this temple.

The golden canopy to the dome of temple was done in the 13th Century A.D. by the devoted king Sundara Pandian. Many such sacred dedicatory pieces of artistic additions were added by the king Thirumalai Naickar. A holy spring known as Noopurangangai is perennially sprouting up at the top of the hillock.

In this temple, Lord Mahavishnu is worshiped in the form of Azhagar, also known as Kallazhagar and Sundararajar. As per Puranams, this temple was built by God Dharmadevan. Later it was renovated by the Pandian King named Malayathdwajan. It is also said that Malayathdwajan prayed Shri Azhagar in this temple and got Goddess Meenakshi as her daughter.

By Air

Madurai is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights.

By Train

You can easily get regular trains to Madurai from other major cities of the country.

By Bus

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Madurai.

Madurai Tirumalai Nayak Palace - Sound And Light Show

 Thirumalai Nayak Palace

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MADURAI

Thirumalai Naicker Mahal is located in Madurai District of Tamilnadu State of South India.

Sound and light show the only one of its kind in South India, really is a boon to Madurai city. This show was established during 1981 when the fifth world tamil conference was conducted. The programme was engineered by the then Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Mr.M.G.Ramachandran.

The show begins with the reverbrating tribute to the King Thirumalai Naick. It deals with the important events which took place in the life of the King. His victories over the enemies, his love on art, his deep sense of devotion to Goddess Meenakshi are narrated interestingly. The court scene in which Kannagi, the heroine of Silapathikaram challanged the Pandya King Nedunchezhian, is an interesting episode of the show. This is an interesting show that one should not miss.

Daily two shows are conducted one in English and another in Tamil for one hour.

Englsih Show - 6.30pm

Ticket – English Show

Adult –Rs.50/, children(age between 5-12) – Rs.25/

Tamil Show - 8.30pm

Ticket – Tamil Show

Adult  - Rs.25/, children (age between 5-12) – Rs.10/ and student – Rs.10/-

Since 1971, the palace is preserved as a monument by the Tamilnadu State Department of Archaeology. The palace is kept open to the public as per the following schedule:

Morning     : 9:00am and 1:00pm
Afternoon   : 2:00pm and 5:00pm

Palace Entrance Fee

          Adult - Rs.10/-

         Children - Rs.5/-

         Foreign Adult - Rs.50/-

         Foreign Children - Rs.25/-

         Still Camera - Rs.30/-

         Video Camera - Rs.100/-

 Thirumalai Naick Palace

              Palace Road, Madurai - 625 001.

              Tamilnadu, INDIA.

24th Rank For Best Tourist Place World Wide 2016-Tamilnadu

Tamil Nadu

India

New gateways to India’s cultural core.

Every year New York times magazine publishes the best tourist destination in world wide. In that magazine tamilnadu has been in 24^th place for tourist spot among 52 places. Madurai meenakshi ammon temple and Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur are mentioned as the best tourist destination for its history and architecture.

North India, with its famous Moghul era palaces and forts, might be the country’s most popular tourist destination, but Tamil Nadu in the south has an equally rich and undiscovered history. The state is where India’s major temple cultural complexes are, and some are so large that they’re considered minicities. There’s Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, a sprawling complex dedicated to a powerful female deity, Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, built by the ancient Cholas, one of India’s greatest dynasties, and several hundred other temples dotting the countryside and brimming with art carvings dating back as far as the 9th century. But temples aren’t the only cultural hit: the region of Chettinad has more than 50 villages filled with 18th century mansions of carved Burma teak. It also boasts cuisine that is among the spiciest and most aromatic in the country and often served on banana leaves. Limited infrastructure in Tamil Nadu made accessibility a challenge for travelers, but the recent burst of boutique hotels is changing that. Over a dozen properties recently opened or on their way to debuting includeChidambara Vilas and the Bangala in Chettinad, Heritage Madurai in Madurai and Ideal River View Resort in Thanjavur.

TIRUMALAI NAYAK PALACE

TIRUMALAI NAYAK PALACE

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MADURAI

This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa.

It is considered a wonder of South India. Thirumalai Nayak wanted the grandest palace for himself and constructed the palace which is a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles. The palace was originally four times bigger and it had two parts. The first part was Swargavilasa or the heavenly pavilion, meant for the King and Ranka Vilasa for servants. 

 Currently it has courtyard surrounded with garden. A sound and light show is held in the evening.The Interior of the palace surpasses many of its Indian contemporaries in scale. The interior is richly decorated whilst the exterior is treated in a more austere style.

Tirumala Nayaka, who ascended to throne in 1623 A.D., and ruled over Madurai for 36 years can be said to have made the largest single contribution towards the enhancement of the beauty and splendour of the town by magnificent edifices and monuments.

Tirumala Nayaka was certainly the greatest of the Nayaka rulers. The nayakas of Madurai like those of Thanjavur and gingee ruled South India as the Governors of Vijayanagar emperors and gradually became independent rulers as the empire began to decline and breakup,though they did not like to call themselves as kings due probably to their reverence to the dynasty.

Sound and light show the only one of its kind in South India, really is a boon to Madurai city. This show was established during 1981 when the fifth world tamil conference was conducted. The programme was engineered by the then Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Mr.M.G.Ramachandran.

The show begins with the reverbrating tribute to the King Thirumalai Naick. It deals with the important events which took place in the life of the King. His victories over the enemies, his love on art, his deep sense of devotion to Goddess Meenakshi are narrated interestingly. The court scene in which Kannagi, the heroine of Silapathikaram challanged the Pandya King Nedunchezhian, is an interesting episode of the show. This is an interesting show that one should not miss.

Daily two shows are conducted one in English and another in Tamil for one hour.

By Air

Madurai has an Airport. The Tirumalai nayak palace is about 8 kms from the airport. There are daily flights to Chennai. Chennai is the closest international airport to Madurai. Nearest

By Rail

 Madurai. Madurai is an important railway junction of the Southern Railway and is directly connected to Chennai (Egmore station), Coimbatore, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Tirunelveli.

By Road

 There are several buses from Chennai, Thiruchanapalli, Coimbatore and Thirunelveli. There are also buses to neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka.

KALLALAGAR FESTIVAL

KALLALAGAR FESTIVAL

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MADURAI

Chithirai festival of this temple celebrated for ten days is one of the declared festivals of Tamilnadu Government. This festival day is declared as Local Holiday. In chithirai, Lord Kallalagar starts from Alagar kovil in the form of Kallar and reaches Madurai on Pournami (Full Moon day).

Here he steps into river Vaigai in his Horse Vaganam. Lakhs of devotees flock to river Vaigai to see this event. "Ethir Sevai" festival is celebrated on the day before Alagar steps into river Vaigai. It is a tradition for the people of Madurai to welcome Alagar.

As Alagar returns from Vandiyur Dhasavatharam festival is celebrated throughout the night at Ramarayar Mandapam in the Northern part of river Vaigai. After this event Alagar is taken to Mysore Veera Mandapam on decorated Anantharayar Palanquin.

The next morning Alagar in the form of Kallar returns to Alagar kovil in 'Poo Pallakku'(Palanquin decorated with flowers) During this festival, the processional idol of Alagar is taken to Madurai, halting at various places on the way.

 This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from South India as well as from other parts of the country.A legend is popular how Alagar, the brother of Meenakshi was unable to attend her marriage in time and how he turned back from the banks of the Vaigai river.

 It is surprising what a strong visible influence this picturesque belief has been left in the environs of Madurai.

By Air
If you are traveling by air, it is very convenient to reach Madurai. The city is well connected to all the major cities of the nation. There are daily flights to Madurai from Chennai, Bangalore, Tiruchi and Coimbatore. Madurai Airport is just 10 km away from the city.

By Rail
Madurai falls on the Madurai-Tiruchirappalli-Dindigul-Quilon line. It is an important railway junction of the southern railway, directly connected to Chennai and Tirunelveli via railway lines. The fastest train on the route is the Vaigai Express, a super-fast day train between Chennai Egmore and Madurai. It just takes 7 hours to cover a distance of 495 km.

By Road
Madurai city is well connected to all the parts of South India. There is an excellent bus service at regular intervals, which facilitates comfortable journey. Madurai city has 5 major bus stands, from where you can get bus to most of the cities of Tamil Nadu as well as the neighboring states.

MEENAKSHI THIRUKALYANAM

MEENAKSHI THIRUKALYANAM

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MADURAI

Meenakshi Thirukalyanam is a part of the renowned ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’ celebrations. This festival is observed during the month of ‘Chitirai’ in the Tamil calendar.

 Chithirai Thiruvizha is an annual event celebrated with great pomp and show in Madurai in the month of April, as per the Gregorian calendar.

 It is known to be the world’s longest celebrations that last for a period of one month (30 days).

Of this, the first 15 days are dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati) and the remaining 15 days is celebrated for Alagar, who is known to be a form of Mahavishnu.

 Alagar is the elder brother of Meenakshi and he visited Madurai to attend the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi.

On the day of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, devotees get up at sunrise and reach the Meenakshi Madurai temple. After taking a holy dip in the Golden Lotus pond, they wear clean clothes.

Goddess Meenakshi is first worshipped by the traditional methods, following which prayers are offered to ‘Viboothi Vinayakar’. On this day devotees sing devotional songs and bhajans. It is also considered auspicious to wear the holy ash, known as ‘Uthiraksham’ while entering the temple premises.

 Devotees also carry fruits, coconuts and incense sticks to offer to their lords. Inside the temple the idols of the Gods and Goddesses are decorated with beautiful silk clothes and floral garlands. Not only is this, on the day of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam the entire temple decorated as a bride.

 There are nearly 50 priests in the Meenakshi Madurai temple who perform the puja rituals and special prayers. The main priests in the temple perform the ritualistic wedding ceremonies. At the completion of the event, magnificent idols of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi Amman are taken out in huge processions on the streets in the ‘Pushpa Pallakku’ and ‘Yaanai Vahanam’.

BY Air

Madurai is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights.

Airport(s): Madurai Airport (IXM)

BY TRAIN

You can easily get regular trains to Madurai from other major cities of the country.

Railway Station(s): Madurai Junction (MDU)

BY BUS

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Madurai.

Bus Station(s): Madurai , Madurai By Pass