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Madurai
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Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar |
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Temple Of Madurai |
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Madurai is one of the oldest cities of southern India. It has been a centre of
learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it, that the divine nectar
falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - Madhurapuri, now known
as Madurai.
History
Madurai's history dates back to over 2000 years
ago, when it was the capital of the Pandyan kings. In the 10th century AD,
Madurai was captured by the Chola emperors. It remained in their hands, until
the Pandyans regained their independence in the 12th century, only to lose it to
the Muslim invaders under Malik Kafur, a general in the service of the Delhi
Sultanate. Malik Kafur's dynasty was overthrown by the Hindu Vijaynagar kings of
Hampi. After the fall of Vijayanagar, in 1565, the Nayaks ruled Madurai until
1781 AD.
During the rule of the Nayaks, the bulk of the Meenakshi temple
was built, the main attraction for visitors, today. Madurai also became the
cultural centre of the Tamil people. Madurai passed on to the East India Company
in 1781, and in 1840, the Company razed the fort which had previously surrounded
the city, and filled in the moat. Four streets, the Veli streets, which were
constructed on top of the fill, till today, define the limits of the old city.
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Madurai Pilgrimage Attractions |
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Unique Attraction of Madurai - Shree Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
Every day, the Meenakshi Temple attracts
pilgrims in thousands, from all over India. The temple is named after the
daughter of a Pandyan king who, according to legend, was born with three
breasts. At the time of the birth, the king was told that the extra breast would
disappear, when she met the man she was supposed to marry, and this happened
when she met Lord Shiva on Mount Kailas. Shiva arrived in Madurai, later, in the
form of Lord Sundereswara, and married her.
The Meenakshi temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture,
with gopurams or multi pillared halls, covered from top to bottom, in a
profusion of multicoloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical
figures. The temple occupies an area of around six hectares, and has four
entrances to it. The museum called the Temple Art Gallery, is located within the
temple and contains beautiful stone and brass images, examples of South Indian
scripts, friezes and attempts to explain the Hindu pantheon and many other
legends associated with it.
Pilgrimage Attraction of Madurai
- Azhagar Koil, Madurai
Located 21-km northwest of Madurai is a
Vishnu temple located on a picturesque wooded hill. Here Lord Vishnu presides as
Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'.
It is one of the few temples in the
country built in tiers. The tower consists of 3 tiers depicting Lord Vishnu in 3
postures, sitting, standing and reclining. The shadow of the Vimanam never falls
on the ground.
On entering the temple, one can see the life-size
sculptures carved in the stone Mandapam built by Tirumalai Naicken. These are
similar to those found in Madurai temple. The deity is known as "Kalazhagar" as
he is the household deity of the Kallas, a low caste people.
Other Attractions
About a kilometre away from the temple is the Tirumalai Nayak
Palace, which was built in 1636, by the ruler, after whom it has been named.
Much of the palace has now fallen into ruins, and only the entrance gate, main
hall and dance hall remain. Gandhi Museum provides some of the little - known
facts about Mahatma Gandhi. It has the blood - stained dhoti worn by Mahatma
Gandhi, at the time of his assassination. Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank, few
kilometres east of the old city, is the site for Teppam Festival (Float
Festival) in the months of January and February.
Festivals
The famous festivals held at Madurai, include
Teppam festival, the annual Float Festival, wherein the images of Shree
Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara are mounted on floats, and taken to Mariamman
Teppakkulam Tank, where for several days they are pulled back and forth across
the water in the middle of the tank, on an illuminated raft embellished with
flowers, before being taken back to the main temple.
Chithirai festival
held during March-April, celebrates the marriage of Shree Meenakshi to Lord
Sundereswara. On the occasion, an elaborately decorated chariot bearing the
images of the divine couple, is taken around the city. The resounding notes of
the nadaswaram and the drums, creates a vibrant ambience. Avanimoola festival is
held in late August-early September, when temple cars are drawn around the
streets of Madurai.
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