Meenakshi Amman Temple the form of a small kid in response to the unusual of god number of events including the Ther From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia great penance of Malayadwaja Pandya, the . This famous Hindu marquee and Thiruvizhah(Chariot festival) and Theppa (Redirected from temple) ruler of .[6] After growing up she a dancing form of that normally has Thiruvizhah (Float festival) are celebrated. Jump to: navigation, search starts ruleing the city and the Lord appears his left foot raised, has his right foot raised Apart from this, major Hindu festivals like Meenakshi Amman koil on earth and proposes to marry her. in this temple. According to the legend, Navrathri, Shivrathri are celebrated in a According to , the this is on the request of the Rajasekara grand manner. Like most temples marriage was supposed to be the biggest Pandya king who asked the Lord to in Tamilnadu, the fridays during the Tamil Name: Meenakshi Amman koil event on earth, with the whole earth change His position, as he felt that always months of Aadi (July 15 - Aug 17) and Creator: Pandya Kings gathering near Madurai. Lord the keeping a single foot raised will pose Thai (Jan 15 to Feb 15) are popularly Date built: recent construction around 17th divine brother of Meenakshi was traveling enormous stress on that, based on his celebrated with thousands of devotees century AD to preside over the marriage from his holy personal experiments in dancing.[10] This thronging to the temple. A detailed Primary deity: Sundareshwara(Shiva) and abode at Vaikuntam. Due to a divine play, massive Nataraja sculpture is enclosed in a description of the festivals at this temple Meenakshi() He was tricked by god and delayed huge silver altar and hence called Velli can be found here. : South Indian, Kovil on the way and the in the meanwhile Ambalam (Silver abode). Outside the Location: Madurai marriage is presided over by a local god Shrine, lies huge scultptures carved of The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Koodal Azhaghar. This angers Lord single stone and there is a shrine for a [edit] References Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the Vishnu very much and he swears never to giant Ganesh temple, called the Mukuruny ^ heritage - Meenakshi temple, most famous Hindu temples dedicated to enter the city and settles in the outskirts at Vinayakar. This idol is believed to have Madurai. Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati located in the beautiful hill of Alagar Koil. He was been found during an excavation process ^ The top 77 nominees. the holy city of Madurai, , later convinced by other gods and he to dig the temple lake.[9] The Meenkashi ^ Meenakshi temple a world wonder?. India. It is commonly referred to as the proceeded to bless the divine couple - shrine is on the left of the Shiva shrine and ^ promotes temple as a living Meenakshi temple. Shiva and Parvati. is of scultpturally less valuable than the ‘wonder’. Shiva shrine. ^ Popular demand: Meenakshi temple in The main deity Sundareswarar means the Both the marriage and the Vishnu's the race for 7 wonders. Beautiful Lord and His divine wife passification are still celebrated as the ^ a b c MAKING OF THE Meenakshi means One who rules the biggest festival in Madurai, name Azhakar [edit] The lake Potramarai MAGNIFICENT TEMPLE DEDICATED world through her eyesight[citation Thiruvizha (the festival for the beautiful Potramarai Kulam, the sacred pond TO MEENAKSHI SUNDERESWARAR. needed] and Koil means temple in Tamil. lord).[7] A detailed article on the divine measuring 165 ft * 120 ft,[6] inside the ^ "Madurai - Chitrai festival. The temple forms the heart and lifeline for marriage can be found here. temple is a very holy site for the devotees ^ a b Official temple site. the 2500 year old city of Madurai[1] that and people go around the lake before ^ a b Madurai.com - The meenakshi is believed to be the home for the classical The divine couple are believed to have entering the main shrine. The etymology temple. of |Tamil. ruled the region for a long time and it is for the word means, the Pond with the ^ Velliambalam. According to the Hindu legends, Lord not clear what happened to the place after Golden Lily and as the Lily that grows in ^ Temple theertham. Shiva with his divine group of followers they left. Another legend says that the it has a golden color. According to the ^ Sanga Thamizh. appeared here in this city of Madurai, to Shiva's deity in the form of Linga was legend, Lord Shiva promised to a stork marry the daughter of the Pandya ruler, discovered by the god of heaven, Indra that no fish or other marine life would Meenakshi, who is believed to be a form who built the original temple. This grow here and thus no marine animals are According to legend, the sacred of Hindu goddess Parvati. This temple is tradition is still followed in the temple found in the lake.[11] In the Tamil Suyambulingam discovered by the king of one of the most sacred abodes of Parvathi, with the deity is accompanied by a model legends, the lake is supposed to be a judge Gods `Indiran' at Kadambavanam, was others being Kamakshi of Kanchipuram, of Indra's vehicle, during festive for judging a worth of a new . later enshrined by him in Madurai. The of and processions. Thus, authors place their works here and fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Vishalakshi of . the poorly written works are supposed to `Indira' in this temple is said to be proof sunk and the scholastic ones are supposed for this. The temple has a stunning architecture and Meenakshi deity at the temple to float.[12][6] was a frontrunner in the election for the [edit] Modern History Many historical evidences of the temple modern seven wonders of the world for its The history of the original structure is not have been found dating back from early architectural importance.[2][3][4][5] The properly known, while the [edit] Thousand Pillar Hall A.D complex houses 12 magnificent speaks about temple for the last couple of The Aiyaram Kaal Mandapam or thousand or towers that are elaborately scultptured millennia. Thirugnanasambandar, the pillar hall is of very high sculptural Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has and painted. The temple is a significant famous Hindu saint of Shaiva importance that contains 985 (instead of mentioned the temple in his songs which symbol for Tamil people, and has been has mentioned this temple as early as the 1000) magnificiently carved pillars and go back to early 7th century. The lord has mentioned since antiquity in Tamil seventh century and describes the Lord as maintained by the Archaelogical Survey of been described as `Aalavai Iraivan' in his literature, though the present structure is Aalavai Iraivan.[8] The temple was India. The thousand pillar hall is supposed songs. believed to have been built only in the believed to have been sacked by the to have been built by Arya Natha early 17th century. infamous Muslim invader Malik Kafur in Mudaliyar, the Prime Minister of the first The temple was almost completely the 1310[8] and all the ancient elements Nayaka of Madurai (1559-1600 A.D.), the destroyed in the year 1310 following the Contents [hide] were destroyed. The initiative to rebuild founder of 'Poligar System'. An equestrian invasion of the Islamic coqueror 1 History the structure was taken by Arya Natha statue of the Mudaliyar flanks one side of Malikkapur. As kings who were followers 1.1 Mythology Mudaliyar , the Prime Minister of the first the steps leading to the 'mandapam'. Each of Islam were noted for their intolerance 1.2 Modern History Nayak of Madurai (1559-1600 A.D.), the pillar is sculptured and is a monument of towards other , the invaders 2 The temple structure founder of 'Poligar System'. Then came the Dravidan sculpture. There is a Temple destroyed most of the ancient sculputures 2.1 Shrines the most valuable contributions of Art Museum in this 1000 pillars hall of the temple. 2.2 The lake Potramarai Thirumalai Nayak around the year 1623 to where you can see icons, photographs, 2.3 Thousand Pillar Hall 1659. He took considerable interest in drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years The temple was restored to its pristine 3 Festivals erecting the Vasantha Mandapa of the old history. Just outside this mandapam glory in the late 14th century when the 4 References temple complex. ,towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Hindu Kings came back to power in 5 External links Each pillar when stuck, produces a Madurai. This can also be termed as a new different musical note. The kalyana beginning of a new era in the history of [edit] The temple structure mandapa, to the south of the pillared hall, the temple, when it was almost rebuilt. The temple is a massive structure is where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati [edit] History measuring 254 by 237 meters. The temple is celebrated every year during the Chitirai The King Thirumalai Naicker played an is surrounded by 12 towers the tallest of Festival in mid- April. important role in the construction of the [edit] Mythology which, the famous Southern tower, rises to new form of the temple. over 170 ft high.[9] The divine marriage where brother Vishnu [edit] Festivals hands his sister Parvati to Shiva (from left, The most important festival associated The enormous temple complex is Vishnu, Meenkashi, Shiva)According to Meenakshi Temple at dusk with the temple is the Meenakshi dedicated to Shiva, known here as Hindu legend, the Lord Shiva came down [edit] Shrines Thirukalyanam (The divine marriage of Sundareshvara and his consort Parvati or to earth in the form of Sundareswarar to The Shiva shrine lies at the centre of the Meenkashi) that is celebrated in April Meenakshi. The original temple was built marry the goddess Meenakshi, who is a complex, suggesting that the every year. During that one month period, by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire form of Parvati, Shiva's divine consort. dominance of the goddess developed later. in which most Tamilnadu temples credit for making the temple as splendid as Parvathi had earlier descended to earth in The Shiva shrine also consists of an celebrate their annual festivals, there are a it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th disappear as soon as she met her consort. Dravidan sculpture. There is a Temple Art Mother Annapurneshwari that could century and left a majestic imprint of their The girl grew into a brave and beautiful Museum in this 1000 pillars hall where satisfy his hunger and Ganga his thirst, rule in the Meenakshi - Sundareswarar princess. she won many battles, but you can see icons, photographs, drawings, when they were summoned for the Temple. eventually lost her heart to Lord Shiva, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. purpose by Lord Shiva. Sundareshwarar when she met him on the battle-field in There are so many other smaller and asked the dwarf to place his palms on the The temple complex is within a high- Kailas. As soon as she saw him, her third bigger mandapams in the temple. ground and directed a flow of water which walled enclosure, at the core of which are breast disappeared and she recognized her is said to be the picturesque Vaigai river the two sanctums for meenakshi and divine consort, for the princess was none Just outside this mandapam ,towards the on the banks of which grew the charming Sundareshwara, surrounded by a number other than Shiva's wife, Parvathi. After west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar city of Madurai. of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls. ruling over the Pandya kingdom for a when stuck, produces a different musical Especially impressive are the 12 gopuras. while, they settled in the Madurai temple note. The kalyana mandapa, to the south This wonderful theme has been taken by Their soaring towers rise from solid as Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. of the pillared hall, is where the marriage the South Indian artits to create superb granite bases, and are covered with stucco of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every sculpture and . They have found figures of dieties, mythical animals and year during the Chitirai Festival in mid- the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi a monsters painted in vivid colours. Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam April. traditional source of inspiration. Sixty four This big hall is adjacent to Ashta Shakthi such legends relating to this marriage have Temple Towers Mandapam, consisting of 110 pillars been dedicated to the Goddess. The There are 12 temple towers(Gopurams). carrying the figures of a peculiar animal Vasantha Mandapam celebrated poem Tiruvilayadal Puranam The outer towers are the landmarks of with a lion's body , and an elephant's head This mandapam was built by Thirumalai describes that Sundara Pandya and his Madurai. They are: called Yalli. Nayakkar. Vasanthosavam - the Spring queen ruled the kingdom as mortal kings. festival-is celebrated in this mandapam in In course of time, they got a son who was East Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 161'3". Potramaraikulam (golden lotus tank) Vaikasi (April/May). Its pillars contain named Ugra Pandya, later on to be called This Gopura has 1011 sudhai figures. This temple tank is an ancient tank where elaborate of Shiva, Meenakshi, as Lord Muruga. After crowning their son devotees take bath in the holy water. The scenes from their wedding as well as the to take over the kingdom, they revealed South Tower (Nine Storeys). Height area around this tank was the meeting figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and their their real identities as Lord Sundareshwara 170'6". This Tower has 1511 sudhai place of the TamilSangam - the ancient consorts. This is also called Pudhu and Goddess Meenakshi. figures. academy of poets. The history of the Mandapam. sangam goes back to the days when gods Being in the heart of Tamilnadu, Madurai West Tower (Nine Storeys). Height dallied with men. This academy judged According to a mythological story, the has fostered through centuries, an 163'3". This Tower has 1124 sudhai the worth of any work of literature Pandyan king Malayadhwaja and his essentially Dravidian and Tamil . It figures. presented before it by throwing it into the queen Kanchanamala performed the 'Putra was in Madurai that three successful Tamil tank. Only those that did not sink were Kameshti Yaga' for a child. At the academies, known as Sangams flourished North Tower (Nine Storeys). Height considered worthy of attention. The tank is suggestion of Shiva, his eternal consort under the benevolent royal support. 160'6". This Tower has lesser figures of surrounded by a pillared corridor. Steps Parvathi consented to become the child of Silappadhikaram, one of the early known sudhai than other outer towers. lead down to the tank, enabling the pious king. She rose effulgent from the literary compositions of the world, was worshippers to take bathe in it. sacrificial fire as a little girl, with breasts; composed at Madurai by Elango Adigal, a the third of which would disappear when celebrated ascetic and brother of Cheran Gopura Oonjal Mandapam Shiva set his eyes on her. The girl was Senguttavan, a Cheran king, where Pyramidal gates(gopuras) rise to a height The Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and named Thadathangai and she was brought sought justice for her husband of more than 50m. These towering Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are up as a 'princess' under divine instructions. from the Pandyan king. Madurai is famed gateways indicate the entrance to the on the western side of the tank. Every as one of the five traditional halls of temple complex at the four cardinal points, Friday, the golden idols of Meenakshi and Princess Thadathangai succeeded her Shiva where in his aspect as Nataraja, he while lesser gopuras lead to the sanctums Sundareswarar are seated on the swing in father to the throne and led armies on is standing on the right foot, while in all of the main dieties. the Oonjal Mandapam and hymns are sung successful campaigns of conquest. In her other four halls, he is standing on his left as the deities gaily swing to and fro. The last campaign in , she foot. The famous hall ,is known as the Stucco Work parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam have challenged Shiva himself at Kailas, but 'Rajatha Sabha' {Silver Hall) or Vasantha The figures of dieties on the tower are been trained to repeat Meenakshi's name. when She saw the great Lord, She fell in Mandapam, as contrasted with repaired, repainted and ritually But more interesting are the 28 pillars of love with him. The bridegroom followed 'Ponnambalam', the 'Hall of Gold' in reconsecrated every 12 years. the mandapam which exhibit some her home, married her, took the name Chidambaram. excellent Sculptures of figures from Hindu Sundara Pandya and together they ruled Ashta Shakthi Mandapam mythology. Madurai. The most well known of Madurai is the A visitor who enters the temple through Meenakshi Sundareshwarar twin temple, the eastern gateway, first enters this Swami Sundareswarar Shrine The legend says that the Lord performed the pivot around which the city has Mandapam(Hall). It was built by Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) the consort of several miracles during his wedding. evolved. The Meenakshi temple complex Thirumalai Nayakar's wives Rudrapathi Goddess Meenakshi is to the north of There was nothing on the side of the is literally a city one of the largest of its Ammal and Tholimamai. In this hall food Kilikoontu Mandapam . On your way you bridegroom's party to match the regal kind in India, undoubtedly one of the was once distributed to the devotees who can worship a gigantic idol of Sri Ganesh splendour of the preparations made for his oldest. Various kings have renovated it, came from far off places. Next to this hall called Mukkurini Pillaiyar. When the king marriage; the story goes that on the adding convoluted corridors. It is believed is the Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa, a Thirumalai Nayakar excavated a temple wedding day, much to the astonishment of that most of the temple as it stands today, spacious columned hall used for shops and tank 3 km from Meenakshi temple he all, god Sundareshwara, the bridegroom owes its existence largely to the endeavour stores. This hall has a votive lamp-holder unearthed this idol of Vinayaka and came only with a dwarf "Gundodhara'. of the Nayaks, who, descending from with 1,008 lamps, which are lit on festive erected the same here. Meenakshi, with a view to show her Vijayanagar rulers, guided its destiny in occasions and present a spectacular sight. husband that she was very rich and the 17th century. Shiva in his incarnation The sculptures on the pillars here relate In the outer pragaram (corridor outside the powerful than him, haughtily remarked as Sundareshwarar and his fish-eyed some of Lord Shiva's Thiruvilayadals main shrine) there is stump of the that the grand wedding arrangements spouse, Meenakshi, are enshrined in this (miracles) and also the story of kadamba tree, which is said to be a part of would go waste since the bridegroom had twin temple. There are four massive Meenakshi's birth and her life as the the same tree under which Indra not brought with him a large retinue gateways enclosing these two temples. princess of Madurai. worshipped Shiva linga. Also in the outer befitting the occasion. God Facing the shrine of Sundareshwarar is the corridor there are the Kadambathadi Sundareshwarar said that it would be lavishly embellished 'Pudu Mandapam', The story descripted on the stones is as Mandapam and big hall called 'Velli sufficient if they would be able to feed the also known as 'Vasantha.Mandapam'. On follows: Ambalam'. Here, an idol of Nataraja dwarf brought with him. To the each of the pillars, is represented Shiva in (Shiva as the Lord of Dance) is seen. amazement of all, everything that Madurai his various manifestations. The attractive Malayadwaja Pandya, a king of Madurai , This idol of Nataraja is covered with silver could produce in shape of things to eat and life-size statues of the ten Nayaka rulers was childless for a long time. He leaves. Hence this hall is named as Velli drink was not enough to satisfy appetite of together with their consorts are installed performed a number of yagnas (sacrifices Ambalam (Silver Hall).. Gundodhara, as the legend relates. here. To the south of the main shrine made before a sacred fire) because he Gundodhara quickly consumed both dedicated to Shiva, is the temple of wanted an heir to his throne. On one cooked and uncooked things and started Goddess Meenakshi. The structure with its occasion, a three-year-old girl came out of The Thousand Pillar Mandapam asking for more. When there was nothing two concentric enclosures is about half the the fire and Malayadwaja adopted her. But It is the 'wonder of the palace'. Actually else left to eat, the dwarf began cry for size of the main shrine. The porch leading the girl had three breasts and this worried the number of pillars count to 985 water to quench his thirst. All the water in to the temple is called "Ashta Shakti Malayadwaja. However, a divine voice beautifully decorated columns. Each pillar the wells reservoirs of the city had gone in Mandapam' on account of the eight Shakti assured him that the third breast would is sculptured and is a monument of the the same way as the food. It was only Goddesses figured therein. The monolith figure of (goddess of years to complete the master sculptor mighty buildings and monuments than by There are in all eleven towers to this love) is a marvellous sculpture. The Sumantimurthi. During this time, the victories in war. temple, the largest and most beautiful slightly elongated Pandyan beauty wears Nilakanta Dikshitar, the famous poet was Many festivals are celebrated in the being the one on the southern doorway. large earings. Her arms, neck, waist, Nayaka's Minister and adviser. Meenakshi temple which is known as the Rising to a height of about 70 metres, this bosom and feet are encrusted with swirls 'Temple of feasts'. The numerous festivals impressive 'gopuram' is by far the most over thighs, calf muscles and ankles. She The construction of these 'mandapams' celebrated at the shrine almost around the ornate and florid of the Dravidian towers. has long hair done in a loose knot. She sits resulted in some interesting incidents year, represent the ideas and thoughts of It has nine stories and crowded with astride a swan. The foot of the flag shaft is which are worth mentioning. According to the cultured and progressive people of that grinning gargoyles and gryphons that guilded with gold and faces the shrine tradition, it is stated that when the chief region in the field of philosophy, , perch on the ornate curved edges. The directly. sculptor was carving out of a pillar a and art surface of the 'gopurams' on the southern figure of the principal queen of the door way is covered with plastic figures of The thousand pillar mandapam is Nayaka, a small stone piece chipped away deities and semi- divine characters, freely supposed to have been built by Arya from the thigh portion of the figure Madurai sculptured and drawn from Hindu Natha Mudaliyar , the Prime Minister of making an ugly depression. When the From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia mythology representing the appearance of the first Nayaka of Madurai (1559-1600 matter was reported to Minister Dikshitar, Jump to: navigation, search a pulsating mass of masonry. With A.D.) and the founder of 'Poligar System'. he is said to have asked the sculptor to This article or section does not adequately frequent renovations and additions being An equestrian statue of the Mudaliyar ignore the damage and proceed further. cite its references or sources. done down the centuries, there are more flanks one side of the steps leading to the After the idol was finished, Nayaka came Please help improve this article by adding than 1,600 sculptured figures. 'mandapam'. Except the inner shrines, to know the story and suspected the citations to reliable sources. (help, get An interesting incident is revealed by the probably no part of the temple is older Minister, as his queen really had a similar involved!) local people which happened during the than the 16th century. The general plan of mole on her thigh. Deciding to punish This article has been tagged since time of renovation work in 1923 A.D. the sanctuary is typical of the gigantic Dikshitar by blinding his eyes he sent September 2006. While depicting the coronation of South Indian temples with vast word to him to come to the palace. But the Coordinates: 9.91° N 78.10° E Meenakshi, the artist out of his own quadrangular enclosures and lofty Minister scented the intention of the king Madurai imagination included the figure of 'gopurams' overlooking the central shrine. and he himself blinded the eyes by Mahatma Gandhi among the figures of Round about the temple, outside the applying burning camphor to his eyes. Madurai audience. Some British officers who higher walls, is a neat garden fenced with Nayaka rushed to Dikshitar and expressed State noticed it seem to have taken objection to iron railings. his remorse and sorrow. Nilakanta - District(s) Tamil Nadu it. It is understood that the figure of Dikshitar is said to have composed a - Gandhi was altered to depict a sage with a Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the poem of 107 stanzas called Coordinates 9.91° N 78.10° E long beard. many paintings and sculptures in this 'Anandasagara Sthavanam' in praise of the Area During the year 1960A.D., some of these shrine. The ceilings are decorated with Goddess and by her grace he got back his - Elevation 109 .0111222 km² figures were completely rebuilt and large paintings showing Shaivite and vision to the joy of every one. - 100.58 m painted with gorgeous colours at great cost Vaishnavite themes. There is a beautiful Time zone IST (UTC+5:30) by Nattukottai Chettis. The northern "of the marriage of Another incident is equally interesting. Population (2001) 'gopuram' long known as "Mettai " is no Sundareswarar with Meenakshi". Tirumala Nayaka took considerable - Density 904,665 [1] there longer since a courageous Chetty Another beautiful painting is that of interest during the erection of the - app. 51,000/km² endowed it with the plaster top; still it Harihara. Vasantha Mandapa. According to the Mayor Thenmozhi Gopinathan[1] carried terracotta figures. story, it is said that Sundaramurthi Achari, Codes No one enters or leaves the temple by the In the outer corridor are the most popular the master Architect was so deeply - Postal eastern tower which has become a taboo musical pillars, five in number, each engrossed in creating a relief sculpture of - Telephone since a temple employee flung himself composed of twenty two slender rods an elephant eating sugarcane. The Nayaka - Vehicle down from its top in the reign of carved out of a single rock of granite, who was standing nearby rolled some - 6250xx Chokkanatha nayaka as a protest against which produce the 'Saptha Swaras' when betel leaves and arecanuts and handed - +91-452 an unjust levy. Visitors generally enter by gently tapped with a wooden rod. There is them over to the sculptor. Without - TN58,TN59 the Ashta Mandapam. a spacious 'pushkarini' in front of the knowing who gave the betel leaves, the Madurai pronunciation (help·info) Meenakshi shrine called the Golden Lotus sculptor mechanically took them and (மதைைர in Tamil; IPA: [mɐd̪ɯrəj]) is a The entrance to the temple by way of Tank or 'Ponthamaraikulam'. Beautifully began chewing without seeing around. city[citation needed] and a municipal Meenakshi Nayakan Mandapam and also paved stone steps on all the four sides are After a while, he realised that Nayaka corporation with a population of more the Pudhu Mandapam is packed with stalls set to reach the placid water. The great himself gave the betel leaves. Deeply than 1.1 million as per year 2001 Indian and shops which sell all sorts of things and tower , of the south reflected in the Golden affected by the mistake, he damaged his Census Records, shows an average of 9% spoil the dignity and beauty of the Lily Tank is perhaps the best known view two fingers which received the betel growth in a year then should be about 1.7 structures. At the farther end of the of the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple. leaves. Moved by his devotion to his million in 2007[citation needed] people. It mandapam is a door way surrounded by a According to mythology, Indra from master, Nayaka consoled him and gave is situated on the banks of River Vaigai in brass frame covered with scores of oil Devaloka entered this tank and it was him valuable presents. Madurai district in the Indian state of lamps lighted daily. filled with golden Lillies. It is said that the Tamil Nadu. At the time of the 2001 tank was also, used to judge the literary Nayaka's architectural masterpiece was his census it was the third largest city in the The high point of Meenakshi temple is its merit of the manuscripts of poets and own palace. Even in its present remnants state of Tamil Nadu after and celebrated " Court of Thousand Pillars ". authors. When placed on the water, the show, what a marvellous building it Coimbatore. Built around the year 1560A.D ., it is a manuscripts would float supported by a should have been when it was completed great work of structural engineering as plank if its value was considered worthy: in April 1636 A.D., when the Nayaka Madurai boasts of a cultural heritage that well as sculpture and art. Every one of its otherwise it would sink to the bottom. moved into it. The Jesuit Fathers of that goes back 2500 years and has functioned thousand pillars is subjected to an amazing This testing miraculous plank was called time who visited Nayaka in this palace, as an important commercial center even as variety of ornate carvings. the sculptured 'Sanga Palkki' (sanga plank) and can still have said that the new palace built early as 550 AD. Madurai was the capital figures of a nomadic tribe called Kuravi be seen in the temple museum. This compared well with the ancient city of the Pandya kings of South India. and his wife at the entrance itself are very tradition amply substantiates the view that monuments of Thebes in ancient Greece. Today the city of Madurai is the interesting. There is an eye-catching Madurai once a centre of learning and There is a tradition that Chokkanatha administrative capital of Madurai district. sculpture of a main carrying a woman on erudition. The Pandyan kings were great Nayaka, his grandson, dismantled portions his shoulders . From any point inside the patrons of arts and letters. One of the first of the palace and its golden decorations Contents [hide] Hall of pillars, it presents a magnificient monarchs of the dynasty, Ugra Paruvaludi and other ornamental structures and 1 History view. (128-140 A.D.) is gratefully ,remembered transferred them to Tiruchirapally. The 1.1 Pandyas for the patronage he extended to poet great palace was allowed to be neglected 1.2 Muslim Rule The hall's other statues explore the entire Tiruvalluvar. and go to ruin. In 1886 A.D., when Lord 1.3 Nayak Rule range of human emotions. Some of the Napier was the British Governor of 1.4 British Rule sculptures are immense, the stone For about ten years after shifting to Madras, he ordered to preserve this palace 2 Administration gleaming with the antic lustre. In the Madurai, Tirumala Nayaka devoted most as a historical monument. 3 Geography corner is the statue of the fierce of his time in improving defences and Some of the wars of Tirumala Nayaka are 4 Demographics Bhadrakali. Small balls of butter are fortifications. He built the portions of chronicled in a brilliant Tamil ballad 5 People and culture hurled at the deity by the devotees to Meenakshi temple that had been called 'Ramappayam Annanain' and are 6 City architecture appease her anger. destroyed. He added the Pudumandapam, sung in the rural areas. Tirumala Nayaka 7 Transport in front of the main temple. One of the has immortalised himself more through his 8 Education greatest structures of its kind, it took seven 9 Economy 10 Industrial development [edit] Nayak Rule Service. Mr. T. Udhayachandar is the amusement parks. The city has plenty of 11 Present problems Vijayanagar rulers appointed Governors current District collector. Movie Halls, numbering about 50. This is 11.1 Intellectual Exodus known as Nayaks or Nayyakars to a large number for a city of Madurai's size. 11.2 Lack of initiatives administer this newly annexed territory. A recent attraction is the Madurai Bench Recently, many Movie Halls have closed 12 The way ahead By 1545 the Nayaks became more of Madras High Court in Ulaganeri, down due to High ticket rates. Madurai 12.1 New Thrust for IT autonomous, establishing the Madurai Madurai, the only location outside of once had a rich tradition of Carnatic 13 Notes Nayak dynasty ruling up to 1740s. The Chennai to have such a setup. , boasting of several stalwarts. 14 References temple was reopened and the Nayaks, Singer par excellence, M S Subbulakshmi 15 External links most notably Thirumalai Nayak, [3](Madurai Subramaniya Iyer contributed much to the rebuilding of the [edit] Geography Subbulakshmi) was born in Madurai and temple that had almost been destroyed learnt music here until she moved to during the Muslim rule. The Nayaks made Flower seller in Madurai marketMadurai Madras. One however does not see much [edit] History lasting contributions to the city's is located at 9.93° N 78.12° E.[3] It has an activity in Carnatic music these days in Madurai, one of India's oldest cities, architecture such as the Raja Gopuram of average elevation of 136 metres (446 feet). Madurai. boasts of a history dating back to Sangam the Meenakshi Temple, and the period of the pre-Christian era. It was Thirumalai Nayak Palace. After the Madurai is famous for the Jil Jil home to the ancient Tamil Sangam (The Vijayanagar empire collapsed in 1565, the [edit] Demographics Jigarthanda, Paruthi Pal, and sugar cane Academy of Tamil Learning), and hosted Nayak dynasty continued to rule Madurai As of 2001 India census,GRIndia Madurai juice. Jigarthanda is a delicious drink the literary conclave that produced the first for about two centuries. had a population of 902,913. Males made of algae, milk and sugar. Paruthi pal Tamil epic Silappathikaaram and other constitute 51% of the population and is yet another drink made of cotton seeds, literary masterpieces. Megasthenes, the Rani Mangammal (1689-1704) was other females 49%. Madurai has an average flour of raw rice, coconut and jaggery. ancient Greek diplomat and envoy to India notable ruler who made large literacy rate of 79%, higher than the There is also a special 'fruit mixture' drink in 3rd century BC, had written in glowing contributions to the city's structures. national average of 59.5%: male literacy is that is sold here, mostly near the terms about Madurai in Indica, his much During her reign Shivaji Bhonsle, the 84%, and female literacy is 74%. In Meenakshi Amman Temple. Some of the celebrated account on India. Madurai great Maratha Ruler, invaded the south; Madurai, 10% of the population is under 6 famous restaurants in Madurai are the reached its height of glory during the rule and so did Chikka Raya of Mysore years of age. There are 968 fmales per Modern Restaurant (since 1956), Arya of the Cholas, and finally the Pandyas in and other Muslim rulers, resulting in chaos 1,000 males.[4] Bhavan and the latest Madurai Meenakshi the 13th century. and instability all around. Rani Bhavan. The Modern Restaurant is the Mangammal stood up against these Population decline:[2] scrumptious chili parotha, which is spicy invasions. Though her rule lasted no more shredded bits of parotha garnished with [edit] Pandyas than two decades, she will forever be Year Population Type Source green chilies, lemon, and cilantro. Another The Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, cherished by the people of Madurai for the 1991 940,989 census official favorite joint is Murugan Idli Shop that which stands today as one of India's prudence, determination and courage she 2001 902,913 census official serves steaming hot idlis and a variety of cultural and architectural landmarks, was exhibited during a particularly 2006 905,645 calculation chutneys to go with it. One great originally built by the Pandya King troublesome period, with very little distinction about Madurai's road side food Kulasekaran. The ancient city of Madurai support from outside. The kingdom began The population decline in the last decade joints is that they are available almost all was then developed in a Lotus like to break up after her rule as her successors may be accounted for the city's stagnant or the time, including nights. formation with the temple at the center were weak rulers, and invasions of no industrial development. Due to the and streets and main thoroughfares layered Madurai recommenced. software boom, educated youngsters of the Madurai is also well known for its fragrant one after the other in a concentric fashion. city have no option but to migrate to the Jasmine flowers. Jasmine is known as It is important to note that these streets cities like Chennai and Bangalore for Malli or Malligai in Tamil. Madurai Malli were named after months in the Tamil [edit] British Rule lucrative jobs. Successive state is an important horticultural produce. The calendar. For example, the first layer is Madurai soon started slipping into the governments took no action to develop the buds are transported every day to major named after the Tamil month of Aadi and hands of the British East India Company. city's industry, and even closed some cities in India, like Mumbai. the streets are named North, South, East, By 1801, the whole of Madurai district, companies like Madura Coats. Recent and West Aadi Streets. Next to Aadi street which then was made up of , trends assure the spread of the IT and is Chithirai street. Legend has it that on Palani, Kodaikkanal, Ramanathapuram industrial investments pouring in from the [edit] City architecture the day the city was to be named, Lord and Sivagangai was brought under the public and private sectors targeting the The City of Madurai was originally built Shiva blessed the land and its people while control of British East India Company. highly educated youth. around the Meenakshi temple.[5][6][7] divine nectar showered on the city from Madurai was the birthplace of American Rectangular streets named after the Tamil his matted locks. The city hence came to academic Vida Dutton Scudder. American Tamil is the lingua franca of Madurai and months of Aadi, Chithirai and Maasi be known as "Madhurapuri" meaning "The missionary Henry Martyn Scudder came is understood by almost everyone. Tamil surround the temple, symbolizing the Land of Divine Nectar". The city has often to Madurai in 1846. spoken in Madurai is relatively pure, and structure of the cosmos. Though there are been referred to as "Athens of the East" devoid of influences from other . numerous other temples in Madurai, thanks to the beautiful architecture of all Today, Madurai stands on the banks of the The Sourashtra language is spoken by which is why it is known as the "Temple the ancient monuments and to meticulous river Vaigai. The city is well known for its members of the transmigrant Sourashtra City", the Meenakshi temple's urban planning. spiritual hill Thiruparankundram which community which maintains a significant architectural splendor outdoes all of them. abodes lord Subramaniya. Apart from this presence in the city. Other languages such The Temple Complex in itself is the ancient city is also surrounded by three as Telugu, Urudu and Hindi are also breathtaking, given the fort-like walls Meenakshi Amman Temple in Gopuram at small prominent hills which are called the spoken by few migrants in the city. pierced with lofty Gopurams (Towers), dusk Anaimalai, Pasumalai and Nagamalai English is understood by almost all over an area of 640,000 square feet Temple gopuram in Madurai from their supposed resemblance to an educated and youngsters. (60,000 m²). The gopurams are adorned [edit] Muslim Rule elephant, a cow and a snake respectively. with figures of Hindu Gods, animals and On the death of Maaravaramban mythological creatures. Upon entering the Kulasekara Pandyan I in 1308, a [edit] People and culture temple, one gets to view the spectacular succession dispute led to conflict between [edit] Administration Image:Women Madurai.jpg "Potraamaraikkulam", meaning the his sons, Sundara Pandya and Vira Farmers in MaduraiThe people of Madurai Golden Lotus Pond, surrounded by Pandya. Vira Pandya took refuge under Vegetable vendor in MaduraiIn the post- are amicable, hospitable, and deeply corridors depicting from the the . In 1311 AD Madurai Independence era, Madurai District, respect and value their tradition. They lead "Thiruvilaiyaadal Puraanam". The was invaded by Malik Kafur, the general headquartered at Madurai City, was one of a relaxed and casual lifestyle, and are not "Ayirangaal Mandapam" (Thousand of Alauddin Khilji who ruled the Delhi the largest districts of Tamil Nadu. It was seen as very ambitious. Though Salwar Pillared Hall) is another exhibit of Sultanate. Subsequently, the sanctum also the administrative headquarters of the Kameez, a North-Indian ethnic wear for impressive craftsmanship whose pillars sanctorum of the Meenakshi Temple was neighboring . women, has made deep inroads into the feature sculptural work beyond closed and the main deity was shifted to However, in 1984, the then huge Madurai city's populace, only Tradition-lovers comparison. Madurai has many other the Ardhamandapam.[2] Madurai district was bifurcated into Madurai and prefer Thavani or Dhavani, also called as famous temples. Some of them are: remained under the control of Muslim Dindigul District for administrative Half Saree, and Saree, a traditional Indian Thirupparankundram, Pazhamuthircholai, rulers for the next fifty years. However, in convenience. Again, in 1997, it was wear. But in recent days most of them two of the six temple shrines of Lord 1371, the Vijayanagar rulers of Hampi bifurcated into Madurai and Theni have started wearing dresses like jeans and Murugan (son of Lord Shiva according to raided the city and annexed it to their District. Like all other districts of India, it skirts. Tamil beliefs); Azhagarkovil, a prominent Kingdom. is administered by a District Collector, a Vaishnavaite shrine, Aappudaiyaar temple person from the Indian Administrative Maduraiites like to entertain themselves and Koodalazhagar temple. by watching movies and visiting Present-day Madurai extends on both sides company, serving customers worldwide Many squarely blame the state of the River Vaigai. The parts of the city The city also has its share of Engineering with aerospace products and services; government for limiting industrial adjoining the temple in the southern banks Colleges, Polytechnics, Paramedical and BPO sector has already been established development to northern Tamil Nadu, of Vaigai are bustling commercial hubs Nursing Colleges. This city boasts one of in Madurai. SAMTRACK was the first Chennai and its adjacent districts in where one can find everything from basic the oldest and premier Engineering successful BPO company to get particular, and cite this as the reason necessities to electronic gadgets. As a colleges of Tamil Nadu, Thiagarajar established in Madurai way back in southern Tamil Nadu is industrially result, they are congested and offer little College of Engineering (TCE) situated in 2000. for buildings, homes underdeveloped. One Tamil political party scope for further expansion. However, Thiruparankundram. Other private and industry; automotive products; suggested even bifurcating the state on this across the river, is where one would find engineering colleges in Madurai are the turbochargers; and specialty materials has grounds. While this claim may not be the chic, modern and young face of Sethu Institute of , K.L.N also quite recently started operation in this totally invalid, the main reason Madurai is Madurai with its relatively spacious roads College Of Engineering situated in temple city. industrially underdeveloped lies in the fact and structures with plenty of room for Pottapalayam, the Yadava College of Arts that there is a definite lack of initiative and expansion and development. The Madurai & Science in Natham Road, Raja College The State and Union Governments, poor self-esteem amongst the local Collectorate, Madurai District Court, of Engineering and Technology, Vickram acknowledging the fact that there has been populace. The elite and professionals who Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, College of Engineerg and PTR College of little industrial development in Madurai ought to guide their fellow citizens into Madurai Corporation Building, Madurai Engineering, the Kamaraj College of district, have adopted a multi-pronged the new economy shrug away from their Race Course, Government Offices, and Engineering & Technology situated in approach to give a much-needed fillip to responsibilities, and worse, move to other many schools, colleges and companies are Kaligudi (8 km from Virudhunagar). industrial growth. cities looking for greener pastures and located in the northern part of the city. settle down there. But the emergence of Schools in Madurai include Dolphin The Government has set up industrial the Honeywell's Research Lab tied to the Matriculation higher secondary school, estates in different parts of the city to push Thigarajar Enginnering College has been [edit] Transport Rotary Laharry Mat.hr.sec.school, TVS industrial growth in identified key areas, instrumental in IT development of the city. Madurai is well connected by air, rail and higher seondary school, thus building entrepreneurs and creating road. The railway station is one of the S.D.H.Jainvidyalaya, SBOA, Seventh Day new jobs. The following industrial estates busiest in India, with trains from every Adventist, Mary Ann Matriculation are currently operational: [edit] The way ahead major city in India,[citation needed] and Higher Secondary School, VHN Higher Madurai has the infrastructure for a city its has computerized reservation counters. Secondary School, TVS Matriculation SIDCO Industrial Estate, K.Pudur size and it does have much room for Madurai Division has repeatedly got the Higher Secondary School, Jeevana, SIDCO Industrial Estate, Kappalur expansion. Madurai has a very newly award for best maintained station in Mahatma Montessori Matriculation Hoisery Estate, Urangaanpatti modernised airport with connectivity to Southern Railway.[8] Higher Secondary School and VMJ Electrical and Electronics Industrial Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Higher Secondary School. Sethupathi Estate, Kappalur hyderabad. The city has a robust public Madurai has five bus stands, which cater Higher Secondary School is over 100 Automobile Industrial Estate, Kappalur transportation system, and a very good to the needs of the people: Centralized Bus years old, and has alumni spread over the To reduce unemployment and to promote intra- and inter-state bus and railway terminus at Maattuthavani (North), world. Sethupathi HSS also hails the fame equitable growth of small-scale industries systems. The railway station is among the Palanganatham (South), Arapalayam of Subramania Bharathi, a famous Tamil in all areas, District Industries Centers busiest stations in TamilNadu and is the (West), Periyar (Central) and Anna Bus poet, who worked as a teacher in this (DIC) were formed through out the highest revenue generator. stand (East). The major bus stand is at school. There is also the OCPM School, country. DIC's primary objective is to Maattuthavani, from where many buses which is over 200 years old. provide aspiring and budding A sudden importance to Infrastructure has operate round the clock. entrepreneurs all necessary assistance. In been well augmented by construction of Madurai, it was formed in 1979. DIC many bridges across the vaigai river to Madurai Airport is approximately 13 [edit] Economy conducts workshops periodically to connect Madurai at various points. There kilometers from the Madurai Railway Madurai's economy was chiefly agrarian. motivate students of Engineering are flyovers that are constructed to station, and currently has connectivity to Textiles and tourism contribute Colleges, Polytechnics and Industrial overcome hour long traffic-jams. The Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and significantly to the local economy. Training Institutes and how they can put Golden Quadrilateral and the four lane hyderabad. Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Madurai is famous for "Sungadi", a fine- their entrepreneurial skills to work. DIC highway to madras makes Madurai one of Paramount Airways and Indian Airlines count, zari-bordered, fabric painted cotton also organizes programs to promote the most well connected cities in india. are the major operators. saree. However, in the past few years, entrepreneurship among women. overt dependence on monsoons, and Though the old city and the parts international competition and cheaper adjoining the Meenakshi Temple are very [edit] Education imports have dented the performance of [edit] Present problems congested, the later developed parts of the Madurai is a major center of higher agriculture and textile sectors respectively. Slow development until recently. Now on city, across the Vaigai have witnessed learning, and home to some of India's course for massive development Unlike planned development. The city's oldest institutions including the Madurai has a thriving flower industry, many other historical cities that have been prospective growth corridors are: Melur Thiagarajar College of Arts and Science in Jasmine in particular. "Madurai Malli" reduced to small towns, hamlets and ruins Road, Azhagarkovil Road, TPK Road, Madurai, American and Madura Colleges. Jasmine is well known across tamilnadu in the modern age, Madurai still remains a Dindigul Road, Natham Roads, and the The city has a Medical College, Madurai and beyond for its enchanting fragrance. "city" and a major regional hub of very recently laid out Ring Road. Medical College (MMC) set up in 1954, The cultivation of jasmine is done at the commerce. However, it is a concerning an Agricultural College and a Law foothills of Kodaikanal near Madurai, with fact that it has failed to achieve the Madurai is also home to the Aravind Eye College. The Madurai Kamaraj University its red soil which retains water. The progress it should have and its city ranking Care System which is an international eye- situated in Nagamalai Pudukottai, Madurai flowers are in good demand in other parts has sunk in the past few decades. Not only care hospital, research and training was set up in 1966 with 18 schools, which of India like Salem, Mumbai, Bangalore, has it failed to attract new domestic and institute that provides quality and in turn is made up of 72 departments. It Delhi, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, foreign investments, but it has also failed affordable eye health care to all, and an pioneered the concept of Distance Kolkata and Hyderabad. They are also to capitalize on its inherent strengths. organisation which develops high-volume, Education throughout India, and its exported to and low-cost service models for deployment in Directorate of Distance Education where they are used in perfumes. India and developing nations. Aravind has currently boasts of a student strength of [edit] Intellectual Exodus pioneered a system of vertical integration about 130,000. Several other Arts and Though there is no dearth of talent in in healthcare by conducting in-house Science colleges are present in and around [edit] Industrial development Madurai, thanks to the Engineering and training of doctors and paramedicals, the city, affiliated to the Madurai Kamaraj Madurai has long been a laggard in Science colleges in the city, it has not been developing comprehensive hospital design University. industrial development as compared to able to retain the pool of qualified standards, and manufacturing intra-ocular other parts of Tamil Nadu and India. The professionals. During the years following lenses, pharmaceuticals and sutures for Madurai is also home to Lady Doak only major industries that are in Madurai the Information Technology boom that use in cataract surgery. The Aravind eye College, which is located at Chinna are TVS, India,& [Hi-Tech Arai Limited] swept across the country, the city saw an hospital was founded by Padmashree Dr. Chokikulam. Established in 1948, this is manufacturer of automobile and exodus of professionals to other urban G. Venkataswamy. the oldest college for women in south automobile parts; TVS centers[citation needed], such as Chennai, India. The undergraduate, postgraduate Srichakra,manufacturer of tyres and tubes Bangalore and Mumbai, which offered According to a recent task force report and research college offers degrees in fro two wheelers;Fenner, manufacturer of them better job prospects. This continues released by the Confederation of Indian , Humanities, Languages, solid woven PVC conveyor belting; to this day. Industries (CII), Madurai district has the Business Management Studies and TAFE, manufacturer of tractors and farm potential to become a "manufacturing Information Technology. atima College equipments and Madura Coats, hub" and can be promoted as a knowledge which is located near Koodal Nagar is also manufacturer of textiles. Honeywell, a [edit] Lack of initiatives gateway and tourism corridor of southern a well known college for women. diversified technology and manufacturing Tamil Nadu. [edit] New Thrust for IT Of late there are many software firms eyeing to establish themselves in the city. Already there are a handful of IT companies that have established themselves incuding few BPO firms, Honeywell IT and R&D operations among them. TCS has built its Disaster Recovery centre here and has future plans to unveil a new development centre here. Syntel has plans to start operations from madurai by the 1st Quarter of 2008. Infosys COO Kris Gopalakrishnan has shown great interests in starting a Development centre here. RR Industries has proposed a Rs. 4,500 crore IT Township in Madurai.

The district administration has identified two sites on several acres of land, one near the Madurai Kamaraj University at Nagamalai Pudukottai and the other on the city outskirts, for setting up the much- awaited IT Park. A TIDEL Park has also been signed off and the work for this park is to be started shortly. The Madurai Corporation has identified 29.93 acres of land for establishing the Tidel park in the city. The Tidel park will be an Elcot undertaking. NASSCOM, CII and MADITSSIA have joined hands to conduct the "Madurai.com", a move to showcause Madurai as an ideal IT destination