Pazhmudir Cholai: (25 kms.) This is also one of the six shrines of Lord Subramanya. According to tradition, it is said that Lord Subramanya offered black berries at this place to his devotee, the famous Avvaiyar, the great Tamil Saint. Continue reading
Alagar Kovil: (21 kms.) Here is the shrine of Vishnu dedicated to Azhagar, also known as Soudararaja Perumal, because of his immense beauty. It is said that Vishnu came down to this place to give away Meenakshi in marriage to Sundareshwarar. The beauty of the temple lies in the exquisite… Continue reading
Tiruparankunram: (8 kms.) This place is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya – Padai Veedugal. It was here that Lord Subramanya married Devayani, the daughter of Indra. On the hill is the rock-cut cave temple. Out of live rock, whole structures are hollowed out complete with pillars ambulatories,… Continue reading
Tirumala Nayakan Palace: Another place of interest in Madurai from the architectural point of view, is the Tirumala Nayakan Palace, an imposing monument built in the 17th century. It is famous for the stucco work in domes and arches. This Indo- Saracenic building has massive white pillars. The main attraction… Continue reading
Vandiyur: On the outskirts of the city is the Mariamman temple dedicated to the village goddess. The huge tank at this place is called Teppakidam which has a small Vinayakar temple in the centre developed as an island. The annual float festival of Meenakshi Sundareshwarar is held in this tank. Continue reading
Koodal Azhagar Temple: An ancient temple of Vishnu with beautiful sculpture. One of the celebrated temples of Tamilnadu having been extolled in the hymns of the Alwars. Tirumangai Alwar addressed this deity as Koodal Kovil Konda Alagiyava. The idol of Vishnu can be seen in three poses, sitting, standing and… Continue reading
The Temple Art Museum: The most interesting feature of the temple is the hall of Thousand Pillars built in the 16th century, popularly known as Ayira Kal Mandapam. The hall has actually 985 pillars each being a piece of sculptor’s art. They feature ornate bold sculptures that come alive. In… Continue reading
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