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MADURAI AS A TOURIST HUB OF THE SOUTH
TAMILNADU-A STUDY
CHAPTER-I
Introduction
Madurai, which is more than 2500 years old, was once the
mighty capital of the ancient pandya kingdom. This city has been
famous as the seat of Tamil literature in southern India and conferences
of scholars-sangams-were held here from remote ages. In one of those
gatherings of scholars, Lord Sundareswarar himself is said to have
played the part of a poet.1
Madurai is the oldest inhabited city in the Indian peninsula.
It is the second largest city and a municipal corporation. Situated on the
banks of the river vaigai in Madurai district in the Indian state of
Tamilnadu.The city is also referred to as the Temple city.
Madurai was called as “Athens of the East”. Madurai is a
place of great historical importance.
____________________________________
1,Ravi.S,A Road Guide to Maduraichennai,2005,p.3
1
A centre of leaving and pilgrimage for
centuries,Madurai is one of the most lively cities in south India It was
originally known “kadambavanam” or the “forest of kadamab”(nauclea
kadamba)2.Madurai which is usually called nanmadakkoodal’ in Tamil
literature is an ancient city more than 4000 years old.koodal Means
assembly and as all the 3 Tamil academies were established in
madurai,it got the name koodl.literary evidences prove that the first
Madurai was devoured by the sea and what we now see is the second
Madurai founded by the pandya king kulasekara in 6th century. The
culture of Tamilnadu is woven with the history of Madurai in all
aspects history, religion, art, legent, polity, learning and so on. It as the
city of elites and learned men, so it is aptly called the “Athens of the
East”.3
_______________________________
2. VV.K.Subburaj, Tourist guide to south Indai, Chennai, p.106
3. Ratandep singh, Tourist India, New Delhi1996, pp.209-210
2
Madurai is famous for pilgrimage centre. It’s main
attraction is the famous shree Meenakshi Temple in the heart of the old
town,a riotously baroque example of Dravidian architecture with
gopurams covered from top to bottom with a breathless profusion of
multi colored images of god’s goddesses, animals and mythical
figures. Nothing quite like it exists outside Disneyland, The temple
seethes with activity from down till dusk and its many shrines attract
pilgrims from all over India and tourists from all over the world. On
any one day it’s been estimated that there will be 10,000 visitors here.4
Madurai’s history falls into roughly four periods
beginning over 2000 years ago when it was the capital of the pandya
kings and known to the 4th century BC Greeks via Megasthenes,their
ambassador at the court o0f chandragupta Maurya .In the 10th century
AD it was taken by the chola emperors and remained with them until
the pandyas briefly regained their independence in the 12th century,
only to lose it again in the 14th to the Moslem invaders under malik
kafur,a general in the service of the Delhi sultanate.
_________________________________
4.Rupa.G,south India, New Delhi,1992,p.25
3
malik kafur set up his own dynasty here which ruled for a while
before being overthrown by the Hindu vijiyanagar kings of
Hampi.After the fall of vijiyanagar in 1565,Madurai was taken over by
the nayaks who ruled from1559 until 1781 A.D.It was during the reigh
of Tirumalai nayaks (1623-55) that the bulk of the Meenakshi temple
was built .5
Madurai passed into British hands in the shape of the East
India Company who took over the revenues of the area after the wars of
the carnatic in 1781.In 1840, the company razed the fort which had
previously surrounded the city and filled in the most. Four broad streets
the veil streets-were constructed on top of his fill and define the limits
of the old city to this day.
This city is one huger, on-stop bazaar crammed full of shops,
street markets, temples, pilgrims, choultries, hotels, restaurants and
small industries .It’s one of the south’s liveliest cities, yet small enough
not to be overwhelming and it’s very popular with travelers.6
_____________________________
5. V.K.T.Balan, Welcome to Tamilnadu, Chennai, 2001, p.120
6. S.Ravi, Op.cit, p.12
4
ORIENTATION
The old town of Madurai is contained within the
almost square enclosure marked out by the veli streets(south veli st,East
veli st,etc) on the south bank of the River vaigai.with in this area are
found almost all the main points of interest, the transport services,mid-
range and budget hotels,restaurants,tourist office and Gpo.Most of the
hotels and restaurants used by travelers are west of the Meenakshi
temple between North Masi street and south Masi street but
particularly along Town hall Road and west Masi street. The bus
station, railway station and GPO are all on west Veli Street as is the
Tourist office which close to the Hotel Tamilnadu near the junction
with south veli street.
Outside this area, on the north bank of the River vaigai in the
cantonment are the ITDC Tourist lodge.YWCA circuit House, the
Gandhi Museum and Madurai’s best hotel, the pandyan.The
Mariamman Theppakulam tank and temple stand on the south bank of
the vaigai several Km east of the old city.
5
Madurai is a fasinating,city a place of pilgrimage, joy and
in many ways the embodiment of Tamil nadu’s temple culture.7
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Satellite image of Madurai urban area.
Madurai is the second largest city in Tamilnadu. Madurai city
has an area of 52km, with in an urban area now extending over as
much as 130 km and it is located at 9.93,78.12. It has an average
elevation of 101 meters above mean sea level. The climate is dry and
hot, with rains during October-December. Temperatures during
summer reach a maximum of 40 and a minimum of 26.3 degrees
Celsius. Winter temperatures range between 29.6 and 18 degrees
Celsius. The average annual rainfall is about 85cm.
Today, vast stretches of lush paddy field, dusty roads and
crowded bazaars make it seem almost like an overgrown village that is
just blossoming into a town. It is also a burgeoning industrial centre
with its famous textile mills, engineering industries and vast university
campus.
________________________________7.Ratandeep,Tourist India Hospitality services,New Delhi,p.25
6
It covers an area of 22sq kms and contains a population of 10, 93,702.
Lying at an altitude of 100.58 meters, it receives an average rainfall of
85cms.8
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of the 2001 India census, the city of Madurai had a
population of 928,869 with in the municipal corporation limit and the
urban area 1,194,665.Males constitute 51% of the population and
females 49% Madurai has an average literacy rate of 79% higher than
the national average of 59.5% male literacy is 84% and female literacy
is 74%.In Madurai, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
There are 968 females per 1000 males.9
_______________________________
8.Manoj.k ,Enchanting tamilnadu,Chennai,2001,p.6
9. Manoj.k,Op.cit,p.
7
CHAPTER-II
HISTORY OF MADURAI
HISTORY OF MADURAI
The history of the place is described in detail in the
Halasya Mahatmya in Sanskrit and in the Tiruvilayadalpurana in
Tamil. Reference to madurai is made in the Indian epic Ramayana and
kautilya’s Arthasastra.Great chroniclers such as Megasthenes (302BC)
pliny (77AD) and Ptolemy (140A.D) have made references to this city
in 1293 AD,followed by Ibn Batuta in 1333 AD.10
This place is also famous for the representation of Lord siva
dancing as Nataraja with the right foot planted on the ground while in
all other representations he stands on his left foot.The hall where
nataraja is said to have danced here,is known as velliambalam or the
silver hall.11
______________________________
10.A.L,Basham,The Wonders that was India,New Delhi,1998,p.428
11. T.G.S.Balaram Iyer,The History of Meenakshi Temple,Madurai,p.3
8
Legends state that madurai was originally a forest known as
kadambavanam,where the kadamba trees grew luxuriously.The
discovery of the sacred place is attributed to a merchant by name
Dhananjaya of Manavoor, a few miles to the east of the preent town of
madurai.The Merchant was returning from the west coast, it became
night.The day was somavara or Monday and the merchant observed
Indira.The lord of the Devas,workshipping the swayambu(self-created)
linga.He reported the fact to the king,kulasekara pandian,who at once
cleared the forest and built the temple and the beautiful city around
it ,as laid down in the silpa sastras or the science of architecture .The
town is planned in the shape of coiled serpent and it is said that the
design of the town was suggested to the king by Lord sundreswarar
himself.
On the day the city was to be named lord siva is said to have
appeared.Drops of nectar from his hair fell on the town.hence the place
was named madurai mathuram meaning “Sweetness” in Tamil.12
____________________________
12.Prabha chopra,A panorama of Indian culture,New Delhi,1995,p.232
9
Madurai’s history can be divided into roughly four periods, beginning
over 2000 years ago when it was the seat of the sangam literature as
well as being the capital of the pandyan kings.Apart from a brief
perioch when it fell to the cholas, Madurai remained with the pandyas
until the decline of their empire. The 2000 year old region of the
nayaks marked the second golden era when art, architecture, and
learning scaled new heights once again.
Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India,with a history
dating all the way back to the sangam period of pre Christian era.the
glory of madurai returned in a diminished form in the earlier part of this
millennium,it later on came under the rule of the vijayanagar kingdom
after its ransack by the ravaging armies of Delhi(Malikkafur).
During the 16th and 18th centuries,madurai was ruled by
the Nayak Emperors the foremost of whom was Tirumalainayakar.The
sangam period poet Nakkeerar is associated with same of the
tiruvilayadal episodes of sundarewarar that the enacted as a part of
temple festival traditions even today.13
______________________________
13. Kannagi Kalaivayendhan, Art of Tamilnadu temple,Madurai 1995,p.202
10
The sangam age or the Golden age of tamil literature produced
master pieces way back in the pre Christian era and in early Ist
millennium.madurai was the seat of the tamil sangam or Academy of
learning.The entire city of madurai is built around the meenakshi
sundareswara temple.The temple par excellance concentric rectangular
streets surround the temple,symbolizing the structure of the cosmos.
The cholas ruled Madurai from 920 A.D till the beginning of the 13 th
century.In 1223 A.D pandays regained their kindom and once again
became prosperous.Pandian kings patronized Tamil lanuage in a
greatway.During their period,Many master pieces were creaed
silapathikaram the great epic in tamil was written based on the story of
kannagi whi burnt Madurai as a result of the injustice caused to her
husband kovalm.In April 1311 Malikafur,the general of Alauddin
Khilji.14
____________________________
14.S.Ravi,Op.cit,p.7
11
As early as the 3 rd century B.C Megasthanes visited
madurai.later many people from Rome and Greece visited madurai and
established trade with the pandya kings.Madurai flourished till 10th
century A.D. when it was captured by chola the archivals of the
pandya.who was then the ruler of Delhi reached madurai and raided
and robbed the city for precious stones.jewels and other rare
treasures.This led to the subseauent raides by other muslim surface.In
1323 the pandya kingdom including madurai became a province of the
delhi empire, under the Tughlaks.
The 1371, the vijayanager dynasty of Hampi captured
madurai and it became part of the vijayanagar empire.kings of this
dynasty were in habit of leaving of the captured land to governors
called nayaks.this was done for the efficient management of their
empire.The nayaks paid fixed amount annually to the vijayanagar
empire.After the death of Krishna Deva Raya (king of vijayanagar
empire) in 530A.D the nayaks to be came independence and ruled the
territories under their control.Among nayaks Tirumalai nayak (1623-
1659) was very popular even now he is popular among people,since it
12
was he who contributed to the creation of many magnificent structures
in and around Madurai.The Raja Gopuram of the Meenakshi Ammam
Temple.The pudhu mandapam and the Thirumalai Nayakar’s palace are
living monuments to his artistic forever.15
Madurai started slipping in to the british East Company.In
1981 british appointed their representatives to look after
madurai,George procter was the First collector of madurai.Now After
India’s independence madurai is one of the major district’s of
Tamilnadu state.Later on madurai district was bifurcated in to two
districts namely madurai and Dindugal Districts.In madurai
District,there are 15 state assembly constituencies and two parliament
consistuencies
Madurai is famous for temples.the Aappudaiyaarkovil tevara
stalam and the koodalnagar Divya desam are the most important
temples one should rarely miss go.In the vicinity of madurai is
Tirupparam kundram one of the 6 padai veedu shrines of murugan
(glorified in Madurai sangam nakkeerar’s thirumurugatru padai).
_____________________________
15.A.Rajayyan,History of Madurai,1996,p.25
13
Also the vicin city of madurai is Alagar kovil one of the
prominent Divya Desam shrines of the srivaishnavite faith.16
The greater part of sree Meenakshi temple was built
between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries.It was built first of
wood and then replaced by brick and mortar.At about 700 A.D.stones
were introduced in the temple.kulasekara pandian built several
mandapams such as the Swami koil,Artha mandapam,mani mandapam
and Maha mandapam.He also constructed a great part of the city
around the fort.He also constructed temples of protective deities on the
four sides of the city-the Ayyanar koil in the east.vinayagar koil in the
south,perumal koil in the west and the kali kovil in the North.
The history of this city dates back to the 6 th century B.C.It was
the capital of the Pandyan Empire till the fourteenth century A.D.
__________________________
16.A.Rajayyan,Op.cit,p.26
14
Madurai is an international tourist centre.many Foreign tourist
visit the city.more Entertainment facilities,shopping facilities are
available in madurai.17
III.LEGEND OF MADURAI
According to the legends,Lord siva came down to earth
and ,married Meenakshi,the divine daughter of Malaydhwaja pandian
who ruled madurai.During his stay in the material world.He performed
sixty four wonders,which are known as Thiruvilayadal or sacred
games.These legends are a strange mixture of actual history and
folklore.Hidden in the mists of hoary past,these stories give a stirring
account of a faith as the earth itself,if not older.18
More recent miracles have a more solid base in
1812,Rous peter was the collector of Madurai.He treated the people .so
kindly that he was called peter pandian by them.One night,there was
heavy rain with lightening and thunder.Suddenly a small girl entered
peter’s bedroomwoke him up and asked him to go out.As soon as he
came out,lightiningdestroyed the room.
____________________________17.S.Ravi,op.cit,p.3 18.T.G.S.Balaram Iyer,Describtion of Meenakshi Temple,Madurai,p.10
15
The girl disappeared.peter believed that sree Meenakshi had
saved him.he presented a pair of golden stirrups,embedded with
precious stones,for use on the idel of Meenakshi when taken in
precession.19
GARLAND OF MADURAI
The most remarkable description of an ancient Indian city is
contained in the early Tamil poem The Garland of Madurai said to have
been written in honour of a 2nd century pandyan king Nedujeliyan.but
probably a century or two later.After a long panegyric on the king,the
poet describes the various regions of his kingdom and concludes with
an account of his capital city,madurai.This is too long to quote,but we
most at least summar this part of the lovely poem,which has a realism
rare in the literature of the North. with images of the goddess
lakshmi ,and which is grimy with ghee, poured in oblation upoint to
bring safety and properity to the city it guards. It is a day of festival,
and the city is gay with flags some presented by the king to
commemorate brave deeds, flying over the shops, which sell the
gladdening today.
16
___________________________19.T.G.S.Balaram Iyer,Op.cit,p.11 The streets are broad rivers of people, folk of every race,
buying and selling in the market-place or singing to the music of
wandering minerals.20
IV .THE PEOPLE OF MADURAI
The people
The local Tamils are a majority but you may find a a fir
sprinkling of people from other states as well. Tradition bound, you
will find the people deeply religious, clinging with hide-bound tenacity
to their habits as well as superstitions. Thus a highly educated person,
fully dressed in suit and tie for work, will still stop to look for
auspicious signs before leaving his door step in the morning.21
The culture
Madurai can be called the south capital of tamil culture,where
the traditional arts grow and flourish.the tamil culture of hospitality is
known the world over.hospitality so warm and caring that comes
naturally.
_____________________________
20.A..Basham, A cultural history of India, Delhi,1998,p.208
17
21. S.Ravi, op.cit, p.10
Even the himblest house-holder will welcome you with same simple
eatables and drinks to offer22
The Customs
The customs of the city are closely interlinked with the
religions and hence present a picture of colourful contrasts and mixed
medley throughout.generally early and rising and incorporating
religious rites into their day today living is not unusual.The door steps
are decorated with kolam or patterns made from rice powder or white
stone powder for decorative as well as religious purposes.Friday
evenings are allotted for visits to the temples.it is customary to
celebrate the various religious festivals with the accompaniment of
pomp and show.23
________________________________
22.Geoff Gowther,A Travel Survial Kit,New Delhi,1999,p.20
18
23.V.meena,The Madurai,2005,p.2
The Life Style
It is measured and slow-paced. The cost of living being
among the lowest in the country,one can fulfill one’s needs within a
pittan.In Madurai,people have plenty of times-so unhurried is the pace
that if you lose your way ,you can be sure some one will be kind
enough to take time off to show you the way.24
The Language
Tamil is spoken pre dominantly in and around Madurai.The
dialect of “Madurai Tamil” differs from others such as “kongu tamil”
“Nellai Tamil” “Ramnad Tamil”and “Chennai Tamil”.Along with tamil
other languages spoken are English,telugu,Malayalam,kannada and of
these sourashtra.However the words of these languages have tamil
word mixed in with them.
The Religions
Hinduism is the main religion.A fair representation of other
religions such as Christianity and Islam can also be found here.25
___________________________
24.S.Ravi,Op.cit,p.15
19
25.V.V.K.Subburaj,Op.cit,p.100
Places of Madurai
The Meenakshi Amman Temple. The original temple was
built by pandyas but the entire credit for making the as splendid as it is
to day goes to then Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16 th to
the 18th centuries and left a majestic imprint of their rule in Meenakshi
Sundareswarar Temple its tweleve gopurams (towers) are replace with
sullpted figures of Gods and Goddess. The four tallest Gouprams stand
one each side.26 The southern Gopurams is the tallest in the temple and
the only that may be claimed from a top of this50m (160ft) high
Gopurams one gets a complete view of the other gopurams as well as
the two Viands (roof above the shrine) besides the four towering
gopurams on the counter walls of the twin temples, there are four
smaller Gopurams on the two shrine compounds. The half Finished
Rajagopuram on the eater side has a base measuring almost 60 m (174
5sqft)
______________________________
20
26.Ratandeep Singh,Tourist IndiaNew Delhi,1996,p.209
If it had been completed it would have been the most
spectacular temple tower in India badly however it remains unfinished.
one way enter the temple through any of its five entrances in front of
the Meenakshi Sannadhi (shine is ) generally used as Meenakshi
Sannadhi(shine) is generally used asMeenakshi is the reigning deity of
the Twin Temple .This is the only entrance which is not surrounded by
a towering Gouprams.27
For the visitor who steps in through the entrance Ashta
Shakthi Mandapam (Mandapam hall) is the first place of temple. It was
built by Tirunmalai Nayakers Wives rudrapati Ammal and Tholmamai
In this hall lord was once distributed to the devotes who came from far
off places. The sculptures on the Pillars here relate some of Lord Siva’s
thiruvilayadal.28
The story the stone tell is this Malayadwaja Pandian a King
of Madurai was childless for a long time.
______________________________
27. T.G.S.Balaram Iyer,South TemplesMadurai,1990,p.5
21
28. Ratandeep Singh, op.cit, p.210
He performed a number of Yoga’s (sacrifices made before a
scared fire) because he wanted an heir to this throne. Once such
occasion a three year old girl comes out of the fire and Malayadwajs
adopted her. But the girl had three breast and worried Malayadwaja
however a divine voice assumed that the third breast would
disappear as soon as the met her consort. 29
The Giri view unto a brave and beautiful princess she won
many battles field in Kailas AS soon as she saw him her third breast
disappeared and she recognized her divite consort for the princess
was none other than Siva’s were Parvathi After ruling over the
Pandyan Kingdom for a while they settled in the Madurai Temples as
Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.
The Meenakshi –Sundareswar Thirukkalayanam (wedding)
is celebrated every year in the most of Chitrai when a veritable human
sea foods the temple on all ten days of the festival.
_______________________________
22
29.S.Ravi,Op.cit,p.15
Walking westwards from the Astha Shakthi Mandapam
Enter the Meenakshi Naicher Mandapam. Each pillar in this Hall has
the Scullpted figure of Yallion like animal with an Elephant’s
Proboscis. 30
As small Mandapam joins the Ashta Shakthi Mandapam
and the Meenakshi Naicher Mandapam There is a Verandaha on each
side of this Mandapam on the Southern Verandaha there is a statue of
goddess Paravathi eight feet height a Five Looded Serphant her had
from the Suns rain. Some consider the statue to be that of hunterss on
the northern verandah there is a statue of hunter. This statue is also
eight feet high. The hunter has majestic look. The Legends say that lord
sundar and sree Meenakshi appended in the from of a Hunter and
Hunters and blessed a Villain who repented for his crimes of his
believed that these have statue receive the suffering of those who
repented their sins.
_________________________________
30.K.karuppaiya,Historical view of Madurai,2001,p.62
23
Temples Towers:
There are twelve temple towers (Gopurams) The outer
towers are the landmarks of Madurai. East tower (nine storegs) height
161. This Gopura has 1011 Sudhai Figures. South tower (nine storges)
height 1706. this tower has 1511 Sudhai figures west tower (nine
storyes ) height 163 .3. This towerhas 1124 sudhai figures lesser figures
of sudhai than other towers.
Gopura:
Pyramidal gates (Gouprams) rise to a height of more than
500m .These towering gateways endicate the entrance to the temple
combine at the Four cardinal Points white lesser gopuraslead to the
sanctums of the main deities.31
Stuceo work:
The figures of deities on the tower are repaired repainted and
ritually deconsecrated every 12 years
_______________________________
31.kannagi kalaivayendhan,Art of TamilnaduMadurai,1995,p.206
24
Ashtr sakthi Mandapam:
A visitor who entered the temple through the eastern gate
way - First enters this Mandapam (hall) it was built by Thirumalai
Nayakar’s wives Rudrapthi Ammal and Tholimamal in this hall food
was once distributed to the devotes who came from for off places Next
to this hall is the Meenakshi Nayakar Mandppam a specious cloumed
hall used for shops and stores. This hall has a value Lamp Holder with
loss lamps which are lit on festive occasion and present a spectular
sighat.
The story depicted on the Stories is as follows:- Malayadwaja
Pandya a king of Madurai was Childless for 206 a long time. The
performed a number of yagnas (sacrifices made before a scaned fire)
because he wanted an heir tothis throne on three year old ginee came
out of the fire and Malayadwaja adopted her but the girl had three
brests and this worried Malayadwaja however adivine assumed him
that the third breast.32
_____________________________
32.Kannagi kalaivayendhan,Op.cit,p.207
25
The girl grew into a brave and beautiful princess she win
many battles by even fually lost her heart to Lord Shiva When shemet
him on thre battle Field in Kalias. As soon as she saw him her third
breast disappeared and shrecoznized had divine consort for the
princess was none other than shivas wifeParvathi Afterrulling over
thePandya kingdom for a while settled in the Maudrai temple as
Meenakshi andsundaram
Meenakshi Nayakar Mandapam
The big hall adjustment to Ashta Sakthi Mandapam consisting
of 110 Pillans Varying the figures of a Peculicar animal with a Lions
body and an elephant’s headcalled Yalli.
Potramaraikulam (golden temple)
This temple tanks has an ancient tank where dovetess have
bath in the holy water. The area around this tank was the meeting
place of the sangam the ancient academy of poems. The history of the
sangam goes back to the days the academy judged the worth of
anyunous of literature presented before it by throwing it in the tank
only there that did not link were considered worthy of attention.33
26
33. Kannagi kalaivayendhan,Op.cit,p.23
This academy judged the worth of anywone of literature
presented before it by throwing it into the tank. only those that did not
sink were considered worthy of attention this tank is surrounded by a
pillaned comder bleps lead dove to the tank enabling workeffens to
batteenif
Oonjal mandam:-
The Oonjal (swing) mandapam and killikoetthu (parrot
lafe) mandapam are on the western side of the tank. Every
Friday the golden ldols of meenakshi and sundansuar, and seated
on the swing in the oonjal Mandapam. The parrots in the kilikothu
mandapam have been trained to repeat meenakshi name. But
more entertaining are the 28pillars at the Mandapam which
erchebit some excellent surprises at figures from hindu
mythology.34
________________________________
27
34.G.Rupa,South India,Chennai,1995,p.72
Livy Tank:-
The south western corner of the Golden willy Tank
presents a grand view to once coming in the from the temple.
The area around this tank was the meeting place of the Tamui
sangam the ancient academy of Behs. The history of the sangam
goes back to the days when gods deeied with men.
This academy fudged the worth of any work of
literature presented before it by throwing it in to the tank. Only
those that did not sink considered worth of attention. This tank is
surrounded by a pillared comder sleps lead down to the tank,
enabling worthffers to haften it.35
KilliKottu Mandapam
The parrots in the Killikottu Mandaoam have been
trained to repeat Meenakshi’s nam out More intreseting are the 28
Pillans of the Mandpam exhibit some excellent figures from and
hindu mythology from here are can enter Meenakshi Santum sanctorum
through a gate way by a three storeged fover.
___________________________
28
35.T.G.S.Balaram Iyer,The Meenakshi Amman Temple,Madurai,p.5 Having worshipped Meenaksi cross ever the
Sundereswara temple though a five storged tover entrance opposite to
this gateway is a huge ideal of vitayaka the sanctum sanctorum of
sundereswarar is closed to non hindus never the loss there is cef etonelt
the non hindu visitor the sanctum sanctorum also in the outer comidor
are the kambathadi mandapam an ideal of Natraj. 36
Kambathadi Mandapam
The Kambathadi Mandapam is perpads most beautiful Piere
of architecture of Sree Meenakshi temple The granine pillams bear
Various The granite Pillans bear various seener including the
mmarriage seene of Meenakshi sundameswar. Other are lord siva
destroying the demes of Inpuram killing. The lord of death to save
Markandaya ,Burning of Kaman the god of love cove etc.
Accordingly on the letft side the conehpearl and after vaishnavite
marks and the brilliant carryings of the feature on the right side are the
snake.
__________________________________
29
36.T.G.S.Balaram Iyer,Op.cit,p.6
Gajasamdavamuruthy Temple.
Gaasamdaramurthy saving and elephant distress is shown on
the another pillan a prt from theses the ten avathar of lord Vishnu.37
Tirumalai Nayakar Mahal
Tirumalai Nayakar Mahal at Madurai This Palace complex
was constructed in the indo Saracen style style by tirumalai Nayakar
in 1636. it is a national Mounment and is how under the care of the
Tamil nadu Archaeelogist Departement. It has fallen into run and the
Pleasure grdens and surrounding Defensive wall have disappeared but
it was partially restored by lord Napier, the Governor of
Madras in 1866 -72 and further restoration work is in progress at
present only the entrance gate and the main today but they’re well
worth a visit.
________________________________
37.Andrew Sangar,A foot loose of south India,New Delhi,1990,p.95
30
The original palace compels was four times bigger that the
present structure, it was divided into two parts, swarga vilasa and
Ranga vilasai in each of these there are royal residences,theater,
shrineapartements, armory, Palanquin place, royal bandstand,
quarters,pond and garden.The ceilings are decorated with large
paintings showing shaivite and vaishnavite themes.
The portico Known as swarge vilasam is an arcade octagon
wholly constructed of bricks and mortar without the support of a
single rafteror grider. The stucco work on its domes and arenas is
remarkable. The gigantic pillars and structures represent architectural
mastery. The courtyard and the dancing hall are central attractions for
visitors. There are 248 Pillars each 58 feet tall and 5 feet tall and
English Languages.38
___________________________________
31
38.K.R.Pod,Tourist guide of Tamilnadu,New Delhi,p.85
The palace has been featured in many Indian films such as
Bombay Iruvar, Guru and jodi .The palace is open daily between 9 am
to 13:00 pm and 2 to 5 pm and entrance costs Rs 10 foreigners Rs 50
entertainment telling the history of the city with sound and colure
lights on the temple carvings Phone No 0452 -2332945.39
Sound and Light show
There are sound and light shows on the life of Tirumalai Nayakar
to whom the palace is dedicated and on the Tamil Epic
Silappathikaram.
Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakulam Taluk
Vandiyur Theppakulam a tank almost 300 m long and wide
with an island in its middle having a ganeshan Temple. Four white
tarrets border the garden of the island. In January , February the annual
float Festival here marks the birth anniversary at Thirumalai Nayakar
who built this Tank man temple deities with silks and jewels, including
and sunderswarar are taken out an floats decorated with oil lamps and
flowers .
______________________________
32
39.k.R.Pod,Op.cit,p.86
This tank, several km east of the lot city covers an are a
almostequal to that of the Meenakshi Temple and is the site of
teppam festival (float Festival) in January and February when images
of Meenakshi and lord Sundershwara Temple are mounted on floats
and taken in Procession to the extant here they are pulled back and
forth across the water to the island temple in the centre of the tank
The festival attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India. The
tank was built in 1646 by Tirumalai nayakar and is connected to the
River Vaigai by under ground Channels. 40
Koodal Azhagar Temple
Lord vishna in Madurai is called Koodal Azhagar and this
temple though tall Gouprams are absent the vimana called Ashtanga
stands in the center with diminishing tiers which is the sanetum
foregusn the connoisseur of Arts estimate that it surpasses anything
of its Kind to be found in south India.” There are three sanetuns
where the deities ae seen in sitting, Standing and recurement postures
one above other.
40,Rango Rao,vision India,Andhra Pradesh,1998,p.125
33
41.Steven.J.Rosen,vaisanavi,New Delhi,1989,p.15
The Tamakam
It is beautiful relic of Thirumatai Nayak resembling his palace,
the Mahal. The lotus hall here has a dome with ceiling, Shaped like
an inverted lotus it was the nayaks summer place.
Goriplayam mosque
There is a large mosque in goripalayam containing two
tombs of two Delhi sultans of the madurai sultanate. The amazing
thing about it is that the dome which is 70ft in diameter and 20ft in
height is made of a single back of stone. It is said that it was bult by
thriumalainayak for his muslim subjects.42
Gandhi Museum:
The beautiful building in which the Gandhi Museum is how
located has an historicall back ground. The building was known as
Tamukkam Bungalow, among the local People. The term Tamakkumu
or Tamagamu is a telugu word meaning asumme house or a
building having high roof supported by pillars without walls.
__________________________________
42.K.karuppaiya,Op.cit,p.75
34
The drawingroom of the Tamukkam Bungalow which is
constructed on the top of a square mound of earth about meters high
with an mansonry dome of about 7 meters diameters was a great
building. It is a accept as a building probably constructed by The
Nayak Rani Mangammal .
As evidence by a letter written to her in 1700 A.D scene after
the assassination lot the father of ther Nashen “Mahatma Gandhi in the
year 1948 an appeal was issued to the public to varie funds to except
suitable memorial to Gandhi.
The rich and poor vivid with each other in contributing their
mute and this made Gandhi memorial trust New Delhi came in to
being the Gandhi memorial Trusts has allocated with the life of
Gandhi. The Gandhi memorial museum at madurai has been built and
organised by Gandhi.
35
There are sample places in southindia which are important in
relation of Gandhi since all of them madurai city I go this district
place of this own it was in madurai in the year 1921 Gandhiji adopted
for the first time the line as his mode of dress which made him
known throughout the worked as the half naked fakir.43
The building that houses of the Gandhi memorial Museum
Madurai is the palace of Rani mangammal of nayak dynasty about
1670 AD this latter was made under the occupation of the Nawab of
carnatic the east India company and a few others. Finally the palace
had remained for many years as the official reesidance of the
District collector of Maudurai it was in the year 1955 that the palce
with about 13 areas of land was gifted by the Tamilnadu state
Government to the Gandh Smarak Nidhi for the purpose having
Gandhi memorial Museum The original this Museum goes about to
the Period soon after the association of Mahatma Gandhi on the
fateful evening of jan 30,1948 when the slow process of searching
for collecting and preserving.
____________________________
36
43.V.V.k.Subburaj,Op.cit,p.175 The personal receives Mansonpt;s books journals and
documents photograph and audio visual material and that could go
on to a museum on the ups Phisophy and work of gandhiji .Began in
an unostentat way in Mumbai 44.
Government Museum
Situated with in the Gandhi Museum comples itself if the
government Museum
It was established during the Fith world Tamil conference which
was held in January 1981
Open : From 10am to 1 pm and 2 to 6 pm
Holidays: Second Fridays and all Sundays
Sri sathyaguru sangeetha samajam
This is a modern (1952) temple of art and culture. It’s lakshmi
sundaranm hall is a landmark in madurai, both for its architecture as
well as it’s recitals of classic music, dance, drama and other
performance.45
_____________________________
44.Geoff Gowther,A Travel Survialkit,New Delhi,1992,p.512
37
45.V.V.K.Subburaj,Op.cit,p.177
Siddash ramam
Siddash ramam is a spiritual and cultural. It is located at 4,
mariamman teppakullam west, madurai -9. It conducts sankrit
classes and propagates the teachings of the crita and of the sages of
ancient India, it contacts mass meetings all over madurai. It takes
intreset to promote ancient and modern philosophy
This ashramam was started in 1975 the temple is different from the
others by it’s unique feature. The height of the tower is 50 ft. and it is
a replica of the ganga devi temple built by Birla near ganga river at
Haridwar.
Madurai Kamaraj university.
It is 20 kms from periyar bustand. This university has a
dynamic role in imparting higher education and promoting research
studies. This university was established in 1966 first in alagar koil road.
Then from 1973, it has been functioning in university nagar of
nagamalai hill.46
______________________________
38
46.S.Ravi,Op.cit,p.19
Agricultural college
Agricultural college and research Institute, madurai, startd in
1965-66 is located on madurai – Tiruchirappali highway, 12km from
madurai city. A constituent college of Tamilnadu agricultural
university, coimbatore, it is the second biggest teaching campus with
more than 100 members of staff and 650 students. The campus 154.14
hectors in area is famous for it’s sylvan wealth the only glades being
the playgrounds.
The modern city
Today’s the city of madurai is and industrial, commercial,
and educational center besides retaining it’s spiritual heritage. 47
_________________________________
47.S.Ravi,Op.cit,p.20
39
VI Places around Madurai
Thiruparankundram;
One of the abodels ob lord subramanya is located
8kms south of madurai. The six abodes are known as arupadaiveedu.
Out of the six, two are near madurai the other padaiveedu is
pazhamudirsolai.it is the cave temple. It is known from the sangam
times and one of the sangam poets nakkiran has sung a long poem
about this temple called thirumurugatrupadai .48 As in the case of
other temple new structures have been added later on there are a
series of mandapam so ne above the other in elevation in this temole
thereis a shrine dedicated to N akkirar the front mandapam contains
the marriage of deivayani and the sculptures of thirumalai nayak and
Mangammal. In the decent from the mandapam are caves with images
of Anna porna, Varaha Avataram, Narasimha Avatarm, Mahalakshmi
etc.
_______________________________
40
48. T.G.S.Balaram Iyer,Tiruparakundram Thala varalaru,Madurai,p.1
The sivathandavam is a masterpirece sculpture of the group and
uma I witnessing it recoiling on the bull. The Kudamugha drum is also
seen being beaten by celestial attendant. Hand while dancing a rarity
hot to be found alsewhere seprted by a wall is another group of
sculpture with nandhi standing in bull hand.49
Kallazhagar Koil
21 kms from Madurai is Important Vishnu temple at the foot
of wooded hill. “Azhagu” in Tamil beauty and true to its meaning thing
here is a thing of beauty a joy forever. The main deity is paraswami and
the integrant id Kallazhagar. It is a beautiful made of pure gold. The
other temple having la gold idol made of pure gold. The ablution water
for this idol is lbrought from Noobura gangai a perennial waterfall 3
kms up on the hill the water of which contains cooper and iron
minerals.
____________________________________
41
49.T.G.S.Balaram Iyer,Op.cit,p.2
The vimanam of this temple is called somaskanda vimanam
(tower over the sanetum) and a unique one of it kind the Kalyana
mandapam contains sculptures that rival the one at madurai the
images of Krishna rathi the images of Krishna Rathi, Manmatha
garuda vahana,Trivikrama,Lakshmi and varaha avator are really
masterpieces in stone. The british contemplated to shift the temple in
toto like the onw they wanted to shift at vellore to one of the museum
in eng –land but how the attempwas failed.
Pazhamudri solai
It is about 4Kms above on the hill Beautifully situated
amidst sylvan Surroundings the temple has to be climed through
thickly shaded woods through which the rays of sun rarely peep in.
on the way there are several perennial spring and beyond the muruga
temple is the Noobura Gangai it is one of the 6 abodes of muruga
lord Muruga stands with his “vel” (spear) in his hand. The rains of a
fort built by thirumalainayakar can also seen here. 50
_________________________________
50.V.V.K.Subburaj,Op.cit,p.182
42
Thiruvengadam
About 15 kms north west of Madurai on the left bank of the
river vaigai is the place where saivite supremacy over the jains was
established by performing punal vadam i.e. each Contestant will put
into the stream sacred plam leaves on which are written hymns and if
the palm leaves do not sink or get carried by the running stream but
sail up stream the one who set lit sail is the winner. The palm leaves
of the jains were carried; away by the stream and the palm leaves of
ganasambandar sailed upstream thus proving saivite supremacy over
the jains.
Thiruvadhavur
This place is about 9kms from melur near madurai one of the
saivaite saint Manickavassaga was born here. He was the minister to
pandya king. He built a temple for siva with the money he was
entrusted to buy horses for the king.
43
A miracle was performed by siva in which foxes were
transformed into horses and after they were taken by the king and
sent to the stables they again turned into foxes .51The site of the house
his birth pointed out to visitors.
Mandappuram Badarakali Amirami Temple
This famous temple visited of ten by V.I.P cine stars and
I.A.S officers is at Madappuram about 20 kms from Madurai hear
thiruppu Vanam. It stands on the banks of the river vaigai on the
northern side to banks of the river vaigai on the northern side to alagar
kovil. It is amids;t a cool coconut grove. The first idols that greet the
visitor here are that of lord ayyanar and his horse. The horse with this
Protrudicing teeth and bluging eyes and lord Ayyanar with fierce looks
really make one tremble. The horse is of a height of 30ft. which
wears a garden of lemons. The devotes pray to the goodness,
_________________________________
44
51.K.karuppaiya,op.cit,p.75 The preseding deity of this temple for creative comfort’s
promotions in job and for the ruin of their enemies one curious
practice in this temple is to cut a coin and offer it to the ideity to get
relief from being bullied by the mighty. A gunny bagfull of cut
coins can be seen here. The preseding deity Badharakali Amman is
armed to the teeth and seen standing at the breast of a horse with
fierce looks admist a group of demons really awe inspiring. 52
Karuppana swammy Temple
Karuppana Swamy Temple the god of Kallars and the Finely
carved eighteen step’s are held in great reverenvce lby the devotes it is
claimed that not body will dare tell a lie at this spot the hill by the side
of the temple is about 300 meters. High and is famous for its holy
springs called silamboru and noopura ganga.According to local
tradition this spring is said to have originated from the anklets at Maha
Vishnu during it’s in carnation as Tiruvikrama the 3kms path or the
hillock do the temple of the summit where bathing facilities are
available affers some beautiful natural sceneary to the visitors .
________________________________
45
52.V.V.K.Subburaj,Op.cit,p.184
Kalyana Mandapam
The kalyana mandapam at the temple as beautiful
sculptures on it’s pillars which are fine speciment’s of nayakes art. In
addition to the life –size sculptures of the kings who ruled over this
place there are many delicately carved idols relatings to the epics.
They are magnificent in concept and yet jewel like in the deticates of
the chisel. Some of them surpass the work manship found in similarly
pillars at the famous Meenakshi temple of Maduari.54
Vaigai Dam
The dam across the rive Vaigai is 69kms from Madurai. In
order to argument water supply a dam has been constructed across per
iar pf Kerala state and thewater from there is diverted through tunnels
to flow into the river vaigai. The height of the dam is to 6ft and its
breadth is 11,657ft Its capacity is 58,000 cubicft. It Irrigates about 2/2
lakh hectares of land. There is a beautiful Garden laid out here it is a
popular picnic spot.55
_______________________________
54.Priya Balu,Religious Tourism,Madurai,200,p.45
46
55.Manoj.Das,India-A Tourist’s paradise,New Delhi,1992,p.125
Cumbum valley
The cumbum valley located in the newly formed theni
district could easily be reached from Madurai. The cumbum valley
offers beautiful scenic spots like Kandamanur Kadamali Kundu
Mayiladuparai and various streams like Varaha Nadhi Mullaiyar etc.
and various hills and estates. It is really the catchment area of river
Vaigai and a beautifulplace with frequent drizzles. There are various
barrages across the streams and picture sque sceneries greet us
everywhere.56 The chief attractions are the surul falls and Thekkady on
the verge of Kerala.
Surli falls
It is 128kms from Madurai on the way to thekkadi. It is a
sacred spot visite by pilgrims on specific days of late it is becoming a
picnic spot though of lesser height than the courtrallam falls the water
gushes with great force out of caves.
______________________________
56.Balaram Iyer,India tourist travel guide,Madurai,1995,p.120
47
It is a fine place for bathing and arrangements are made for the
safetly of the Bathers There is a rope rail from damto moonaru for
about 50kms distance for the quick transport of tea leaves from the
estates.57
Periyar wildlife sanctuary (Thekkady)
It is not on the verge of Kerala about 155kms from Madurai.
The Sanctuary is between Tamilnadu and Kerala it is formed around
periar reservoir and dam spread over 729.29 sq.km. the animal
watchers nhave to go by a motor boat along the periar lake and watch
them on the hills surrounding the lake Many animals come for
drinking water at various places.Boats can bired from which animals
could be watched in their nature Habitat baski in the sun adult
elephant helping elephant calves to climb the slopes bathing in the
waterpreying frolicking etc. Tigers,elephants, Bisons, Deers and boars
could all be seen by lucky tourist.The must Common sight is the
elephant herd with elephants of all sizes.
________________________________
48
57.V.Meena,The Madurai,2005,p.25
The route rom Madurai to Kunmishi is self a picturesql ride
through the slopes of western ghats on entering kumishi one can
breathe the fragrance of cadamon and other spices that emanates from
the estates around Kumizhi is the border line and from there Thekkady
can be reached by a short walk amidst sylvan surroundings .
Excursions
Courtallam (160 km)
Spectacular waterfalls scenic surroundings and a pleasant
braching climate have all made Kuttallam very popular with those on
holiday Koutrallam also has a number or temples and two hydro
electric projects.59
_______________________________
58.V.Meena,Op.cit,p.26
49
59.R.Sashthiri,Travel Aid India,New Delhi,1995,p.80
Kodaikannal(120 km)
A beautiful hill station that provides an escape from the
oppressive heat of the plains in summer its peace and quite unspolit as
yet by the commercalisation that has over –run other hill resorts
makes Kodai popular with city developers who simply want to get
away from it all for a while.
Palani (122 km)
Another of the six houses of Lord Subramaya the temple of the
lord is situated at the top of the hill at a height of around zoom (550 ft)
A number of Rare herls of immerse medicinal value also grave on the
slopes of the palani hills. 60
Fairs & festivals
Chithirai Festival
A chithirai festival is heldduring April-May. On this
occasion the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to lord Sundareswarar is
celebrated.61
________________________________
60.R.Sashthiri,Op.cit,p.81
50
61.V.V.K.Subburaj,Op.cit,p.195
Legend has it that lord Vishnu as Azhagar rode on a golden
horse To Madurai to the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi
parvathi with lord Sundereswarar (lords siva).
This is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the
Tamil month of Chithirai lord Azhagar Entering River Vaigai is a
Spectacular Event. On the Occasion a decorated Cahariot carrying the
two idols of the couple is taken around the town to the tumal towers
notes of Nadaswaram ambience d4escends on Madurai. As the
Procession Passes through the streets and in the vincity the
devasthanam offerings of coconuts flowers camphor and afarbathis
are made by devotes. A spririt of devotion marked by pomp and guilty
pervades right through the day. The festival draws a mammoth croud
organized here lend festivity to the occasion.
51
Govt chithirai Exhibition
The govt Chithirai Eshibtion held From April to june every year.62
Avani Molam Festival
This takes place in August September and is the Cornation
Festival of lord Sundereswarar An intreseting event during this estival
occurs on the ninth dau when lord sunderswarr is dressed as a worker
and is taken to the banks of the river vaigai.
Float Festival this festival takes place in January -
Febraury in the Vandiyur.Marriamman Tepakulam. A
specially constructed raft decorated with flowers and lights carries the
deities around the tank. This festive a feast to the eyes.63
Vasantotsavam
This spring festival is celebrated in the pudha Mandapam in the tamil
month of vaikai (May-June) When the processional deities are placed
are on a plant form and pujas offered.
_______________________________
62. V.V.K.Subburaj, Op.cit, p.196
52
63...karuppaiya,Op.cit,p.82
Navaratri
The Meenakshi shrine is Consider. One of the three significant
Devi, temples in the country (Madurai Meenakshi,Kanchi Kamachi
and Kashi visa lakshi ) the dasara festivities are conducted in a grand
manne for 10 days.Devotes in lakhs for and hear throng the city .
Other festivals
Aaruda Darshanam and Thirupparai Thiruvembarvai festives
in the tamil Vembarvai festivals in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-
jan) Mahashi Varatri.64
Athisayam wate theme park
The park situated on the outskirts of Madurai (20 km from
the city) attracts people of all age groups and from different plces in
and around Madurai several high tech enter esperiences of visitors.
The park is scientifically designed and perfect during the summer heat.
________________________________
53
64.Ratandeep Songh,op.cit,p.215
Eco Park
The park situated near city corporation building where the
lighting and foundation arrangements are imopressive and the
illuminated optic fibe trees and luster to the beauty and Rajaji
Children’s park .City hostel several radio station like radio Mirchi
Hello F.M Suryan Fm Towers tht forms a landmark in the by pass road
It also has places to shop like spenccers daily Megamart café day
Relicance super Market etc.65
Sound and Light show
A sound and light show is Presented by the Tamilnadu Tourism
Departement of the Tirumalai Naicker Palce every evening ( the first
show is in English followed by a tamil show)
Music and Dance
The sri sathguru sangeetha samajam holds regular music and dance
programmes in its auditorium. 66
____________________________________
65.S.Ravi,Op.cit,P.45
54
66.kannagi kalaivayendhan,Op.cit,p.208
Clubs
Cosmopolitan club, Chokkikulam Road union club Tamukkanm
Thallukkam.Hotel Tamil Nadu Hotel Madurai Ashoka. Hotel
Pandian,Taj Restauram mahal Restuarnt, New Arya Bhavan Taj
Garden Retreat hote, supreme , There are also a few unclassified
reatuarants.
Auditorium
Lakshmi Sundaram hall Tallakulam Tamil Isai sangam Raja Sir
Mutiah Mandram opp District court Madurai -2.
Libraries
District central library simmakkal Madurai -1 university Library
Palkalai Nagar,Madurai
Gandhi Museum library,Thallakulam ,m Madurai Victoria Edward
hall Library west Velli street Madurai .67
___________________________________
67.V.Meena,Op.cit,p.30
55
Skating, Florists
Inside meenakshi Temple And at the entrance plenty of florists
available in Dindugul road Madurai Roller Skating Indoor Facility
available at vandiyur Tourist Complex run by Charka states club K.K
Nagar Madurai -20.68
.
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56
68.V.Meena,Op.cit,p.32
Chapter-IX
Accommodation Facilities
Accommodation constitutes a cital Fundemental part of tourism
Prooviding adequate supply of accommodation is one of the basic
Conditions of tourism development Accommodation is a
Comprehensive termwhich includes all facilities such as hotels and
tourist lodges.69
Historically the hotel industry is one of the oldest profession in the
world the demand of recommendation is met by hotels, motels, towist
lodges, tourist , bangalous, holiday camps,Campring sites, castles
house boats and so on most of these establishement provide meals
refreshments and other services. In the promotion of tourism
accomdation sector constitutes the most important segment.
________________________________________
57
69.Devanesan,principles of Tourism,Marthandam,2001,p.156
Place to stay - Bottom end
Madurai is another town whers finding a room can
sometimes be difficultpilgrim city the size and importance of
Maduarai there are lots of cheap.71Hotels and lodges offering basic
accommodation .New college Hotelan enormous place where
you’will always be able to find a roomsingles and doubles all with
attached in the hotels.the hotels has anattached vegetarian
restaurant,book shop and general store.Ask for a room on the top
floor-excellent views of Meenakshi temple.
Another hotel which is reaborably good value is the New Raja
Rest house of Dindigul high road.Its a hige place,which caters mainly
for pilgrime.many facilities were available in the hotels.
__________________________________
71.Ratandeepsingh,tourist India Hospitality services,New Delhi,1996,p.305
58
Place to stay –Middle
There are three hotels at the top of the midxle range.The hotel
prem nivas 102 west perumal maistry st has been recommended by a
lot of travelers.It’s less than five minutes’ walk from the railway
station.the new hotel Aarathy 9 perumalkoil West mada street is similar
in standard to the prem Nivas and is just a low minutes walk from the
bus station.It has a choice of air The last of the three the hotel tamil
nadu is on west veli street,opposite the bus terminal.72
Places to stay – Top End
Madurai’s three best hotels are clustered together well out of the
centre of two across the vaigai river,along Alagarkoil Road.The two
best hotels are the Hotel madurai ashok,and the pandyan Hotel,both on
Alagar koil Road,Both are centrally air-conditioned all the rooms have
their own with hot and cold water 24 hours.both have their own
restaurant offering a variety of cuisine.Also on Alagar koil road but
cheaper than these is the second state government operated is the Hotel
Tamil nadu.
_______________________________
59
72.Ratandeepsingh,Op.cit,p.306
Having two different hotels with the same name is some what
confusing.It’s a slightly smaller hotel with a choice of air-con or non
air-con rooms were available.73
Places to Eat
There are many typical south Indian vegetarian restaurants all
around the Meenakshi temple, along Town hall Road,Dindigul Roaf
and west masi Street which serve thalis ,Masala dosa and coffee.some
of the best are the restaurants at the junction of Dindigul road and
west masi Street,the new Arya Bhavan on west masi street (air-con)
and another on Dindigul road about 200 metres from the junction with
west masi street.It only has a Tamil name ,but server the biggest masala
dosa you will get in Madurai.
For non-vegetarian food try the restaurant in the Hotel Tamil
nadu,west veli street,which has a variety of dishes including western
breakfasts (to ast and jam,omelettes,fried and scrambled eggs ,etc).
___________________________________
73.Andrew sanger,Op.cit,p.125
60
The indo-ceylon Restaurant,Town Hall Road,very close to new
college house,has vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals and excellent
card,as does the Taj restaurant,Town Hall Road.the sri Ram Mess
restaurant has excellent all you can vegetarian meals also them.The
Railway station restaurant has food and is conveniently located.
If you want really good non-vegetarian food then plan on a
noght out at the pandyan hotel where the jasmine restaurant has fairly
good food “ proper” service and décor and rather high prices.74
Transport facilities
Tourism cannot be separated from travel.during ancient
times,human beings move from place to place in search of fortunes.In
the absence of transport and communication,travel; in the ancient
period were hard and slow.Due to the lack of organized roads,people
travelled by foot or on animal backs.The traveler of the part was a
merchant,a pilgrim,a scholar in search of ancient texts or ever a
wayfarer looking forward to new and exciting experiences .
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74.Andrew sangar,Op.cit,p.126
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The adwent of the railways the xtriking advznces in road
transport,namely the development of motor transpotrt ,the development
of shipping technology and aeroplane technolongy made possible the
tourists to travel with comfort and speed.
The evolution of tourism is generally depended on the
development of transport.transpot is a necessary condition of
tourism.The available transports may be divided into three
categories.they are the travel on air,land and water Madurai is well-
connected by air,rail and road.
Road Transport
There are excellent roads connecting madurai to all parts of south
India,It is 140 km from Tiruchirappalli,158 km from thanjavur 232
from kanyakumari and 480 km from Chennai.
The central bus station Mattuthavani is 6 km north
of the old city.
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Local Transport
Buses are the major transport in madurai.There is a wide
network which covers all parts of the city and suburbs.77
Rail Transport
There are direct rail connections to
Bangalore,coimbatore,kollam,Chennai,rameswaram,Thanjavur,tiruchir
appalli,tirunelveli,tirupathi,and Tuticorin. Madurai junction is the main
railway station.Some important Trains Touching Madurai Area.Vaigai
Express From Madras,Pandyan Express from Madras,nellai Express
Tirunelveli-MaduraiExpress.
Air Transport
The Airport at madurai is about 12 km from the city centre.madurai
is connected by air with Bangalore,kochi Chennai,India Airlines
connectes Madurai to madras.Madurai Airport is about 15 km from the
city centre.Taxis and autostrick shaus offer transfer facilities.
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77.K.Karuppaiya,Op.cit,p.188Madurai is connected to all major centres in the country by express
trains.78
Travel Agencies
Many Travel Agency’s situated in Madurai Town.
All India travel Agents-262334
Around the world travels-2342271
Ascon Travels -2350841
Sri Meenakshi Travels – 2587438
Shopping Facilities
Madurai is best-known for its handloom sarees of
excellent quality,brassware,wood carvings as well as pith and paper
mache models of the Meenakshi Temple and the Meenakshi
sundareswrar kalyanam scene.79
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78. Manoj.k, Visitors Guide book, Chennai, 2003, p.92
79. S.Ravi, Op.cit, p.48
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Shopping centere
Chittirai,avanimoola and Masi street,pudhu mandapam And
Thevangu chetty,choultry in and Round Meenakshi Temple,Town Hall
road.
Handlooms: Co optex,west Tower street,South chithi rai street
Handicrafts:
All India Handicrafs Emporium Town Hall Road.Poompukar
handicrafts,west veeli street,khadi crafts,Town Town hall Road and
khadinGramodhya bhavan,Town Hall Road.
Department stores
Pandiyan co-operative super market,palace road Pandiyan co-
operative Mini super Marke,Dhanappa Mudali street,and M/S spencer
department stores North veli street.80
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80.V.Meena,Op.cit,50
65
Conclusion
Madurai is an International tourist centre many Foreign tourist
peoples visit the city.madurai is the Second largest city in Tamil nadu.It
is famous for Meenakshi Amman Temple with its towering gopuram
and rare sculptures.It is one of the India’s most ancient cities for its
history goes to 6th century B.C.They are more Entertainment
facilities,shopping.the important one chittirai festival is held during
April-May.Tourist enjoyed more during the Festivals.other important
attractions include thitumalai nayakar palace,Mariamman tank,koodal
Azhagar Temple and the Gandhi museum etc.Near by excursions
include the murugan Temple at Tirupparankundarm,Lord Azhagar
Temple at Azhagar koil and lorg subramanya temple at Sulaimalai
mandapam etc.
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