Madurai Meenakshi Temple: The Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple dominates the old city which has evolved around it. Located at the heart of the city, the temple is a superb example of Dravidian architecture and sculpture. It has for long been the greatest attraction for the tourist as well as one of… Continue reading
MADURAI (110 kms. from Pudukottai) Next in importance to Chennai, Madurai with its 2500 years old history, popularly known as the Athens of the East is a place of great antiquity, historic importance and Tamil culture. History attributes the foundation of Madurai to the Pandyan king. Kulasekhara, who flourished in… Continue reading
Kannakkudi: 14 kms. from Karaikudi. This village has two cave temples dedicated to Subramanya and Shiva on the top of a hillock. Both the temples have many sculptured figures which are very interesting to study the features. Continue reading
Karaikudi: (36 kms.) This place has become famous for its temple dedicated to goddess Koppudai Nayaki Amman, who is known to be a manifestation of Durga. It is believed that the original idol was discovered in a nearby forest about three hundred years ago. Devotees offer toy cradles to this… Continue reading
Avudayar Kovil: (45 kms.) This prosperous village is noted for its ancient Shiva temple dedicated to Atmanathar. In the ancient days, This place was known as Tiruperuthurai. It is believed that this temple was founded by Saint Manickyavachagar, in the 8th century. The temple is unique in spiritual concept, design… Continue reading
Kunnandar Kovil: (27 kms.) This ancient cave temple has a Shiva shrine which goes back to the 8th century. The inscription records the name of the place as Kunru-Andar-kovil which means the Temple of the Lord of the Hill. This temple was built by a Muttrayar chief who was probably… Continue reading
Tirukkattalai: (12 kms.) This small village has another Shiva temple dedicated to Sundareshwara. Mentioned in the inscriptions as Karkurichi, this temple has the tower at the entrance which is square at the base and pyramidal in design. This rare architecture is embellished with finely carved figures of deities. The walls… Continue reading
Tiruvangai Vasal: (5 kms.) Not far from Thirugokarnam, a suburb of Pudukottai, is an ancient temple dedicated to Venkatanathar or Vyaghrapurishwarar. True to its name, the Linga in the shrine gives the facial expression of a tiger. There is an interesting local legend connected with this deity and the divine… Continue reading
Kodumbalur: (42 kms.) This village has three ancient shrines popularly known as Moovar Kovil, built by the Irukkuvel chieftain, Bhuti Vikramaditya. They were all for each of his two queens and one for himself. These monuments relate to the 10th century and the style and moulding of the structures resemble… Continue reading
Sittanavasal: (18 kms.) Near the village Annavasal is a cluster of rock caves, which can be termed as the Ajantha of the South. Megalithic burial sites near Sittanavasal caves testify their hoary past, while the rich sculpture and paintings adjoining the caves are similar to the famous Ajanta caves. In… Continue reading