| Madurai Districts |
| About: |
| Madurai is one of the important cities in South India. The seventh largest city in Tamil Nadu, it is situated in the banks of river Vaigai. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage and glorious tradition, Madurai is grouped among the antique cities of the India. The history of Madurai dates back to 6th century B.C. During that period, the city was the much-acclaimed capital of the Pandya kings. Then, it functioned as an important commercial center of South India. It held sway over many small towns in the South.Madurai District is situated in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu state bordering Dindigul and Thiruchirapalli districts in the north, Sivagangai on the East, Theni on the west and Virudhunagar district on the south.Madurai is firmly anchored in Tamil literature and tradition. It is home to many poets and artisans and houses an abundance of literary wealth of both classical and modern Tamil. It was the seat of the Tamil Academy in the past. The city has been a centre for learning and pilgrimage for centuries. The three Tamil Sangams evolved and flourished here. The city’s ancient Tamil kings were great warriors, poets and connoisseurs of art. Tamil literature flourished because of their generosity and literary fervor.In the past five years, Madurai has witnessed tremendous growth in infrastructure and residential property market. Madurai is also famous for textile market. The ‘Sungudi’ sarees, a particular type of gorgeous sarees, are Madurai’s best. Jasmine flowers of Madurai district are known all over the country. They carry a special fragrance unique to Madurai. Tons of flowers are exported to other countries for producing perfumes.The district’s geographical position is in such a way that it is surrounded by several mountains. The Madurai city has 3 hills as its city boundary. Yanaimalai, Nagamalai, Pasumalai named after Elephant, Snake and Cow respectively. It is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Jasmine flowers are transported to other cities of India from Madurai. People in Madurai have high respect for the culture and tradition of the city. Ballads, folk dances and dramas are very popular. This city is the birth place of many famous personalities. It is well connected by road, rail and air to all major cities of Tamil Nadu and rest of India. In brief, it is a beautiful and culturally-significant place to visit and enjoy.The major food crops grown in the state include rice, jowar, ragi, bajra, maize and pulses. Cotton, sugarcane, coconut, tea and coffee are also grown and considered as cash crops. Some farmer produce horticultural products like bananas and mangoes. |
| Paddy is grown in large excess because rice is the main staple food of the state. There are three crops based on duration. The first one is the ‘Kuruvali’ (the short term crop) with duration of three and a half to four months from June to July to Oct – Nov. The second crop is called the ‘Thaladi’ that grown in 5 to 6 months Oct – Nov to Feb – March. Third is ‘Samba’ and has a duration of almost 6 months from Aug to January. The major source of irrigation is the rivers, tanks and wells. |
| Location info: |
| Madurai Districts,Tamil Nadu,India |
| Climate/Weather of Madurai Districts: |
| Summer- Max: 37.5″C Min: 26.3″ CWinter- Max: 29.6″C Min: 20.9″ |
| History of Madurai Districts: |
| It is narrated in legend that Madurai was originally a forest known as Kadambavanam. One day, a farmer named Dhananjaya who was passing through the forest, saw Indra (The king of the gods), worshipping a swayambhu (self created Lingam ) under kadamba tree. Dhananjaya, the farmer immediately reported this to King Kulasekara Pandya. Kulasekara Pandya cleared the forest and built a temple around the Lingam. A city was soon planned with the temple as its centre. On the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva is said to have appeared and drops of nectar from his hair fell on the town. So, the place was named Madurai – mathuram meaning “sweetness” in Tamil. Madurai has a rich historical background in the sense that Lord Shiva himself performed sixty-four wonders called “Thiruvilaiyadals”. As early as the 3rd century BC, Megasthanes visited Madurai. Later many people from Rome and Greece visited Madurai and established trade with the Pandya kings. Madurai flourished till 10th century AD when it was captured by Cholas the arch rivals of the Pandyas. The Cholas ruled Madurai from 920 AD till the beginning of the 13th century. In 1223 AD Pandyas regained their kingdom and once again become prosperous. Pandian Kings patronised Tamil language in a great way. During their period, many master-pieces were created. “Silapathikaram”, the great epic in Tamil was written based on the story of Kannagi who burnt Madurai as a result of the injustice caused to her husband Kovalan. In April 1311, Malik Kafur, the general of Alauddin Khilji 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 subsequent raids by other Muslim Sultans. In 1323, the Pandya kingdom including Madurai became a province of the Delhi empire, under the Tughlaks.The 1371, the Vijayanagar dynasty of Hampi captured Madurai and Madurai became part of the Vijayanagar empire. Kings of this dynasty were in habit of leaving 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 1530 AD, the Nayaks became independent and ruled the territories under their control. Among Nayaks, Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) was very popular, even now he is popular among people, since, it was he who contributed to the creation of many magnificent structures in and around Madurai. The Raja Gopuram of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, The Pudu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar’s Palace are living monuments to his artistic fervor.Madurai started slipping into the hands of the British’s East India Company. In 1781, 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 districts of Tamilnadu State. In 1984, the Vast Madurai district was bifurcated into two districts namely Madurai and Dindugul Districts. Subsequently in 1997, Madurai district was bifurcated into two districts namely Madurai and Theni Districts. In Madurai District, there are 10 State Assembly constituencies and two parliament constituencies.Madurai is surrounded by several mountains. The Madurai city has 3 hills as its city boundary. Yanaimalai, Nagamalai, Pasumalai named after Elephant, Snake and Cow respectively. It is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Jasmine flowers are transported to other cities of India from Madurai. |
| Educational Institutions of Madurai Districts: |
| Arts & Science:Sourashtra College, Madurai Sourashtra College for Women, Madurai The American College (Autonomous), Madurai C.P.A. College, Theni E.M.G. Yadava Women’s College, Madurai Govt. Arts College, Melur, Madurai H.K.R.H. College, Theni M.S.S. Wakf Board College, Madurai Madurai Institute of Social Sciences, Madurai Madurai Kamaraj University College, Aundipatti, Theni Madurai Kamaraj University Evening College, Madurai Madurai Kamaraj University Evening College, Periyakulam Madurai Kamaraj University Evening College, Theni Mannar Tirumalai Naicker College, Madurai N.M.S.S. Vellachami Nadar College, Madurai Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar College, Madurai Saraswathy Narayanan College, Madurai Senthamil College, Madurai Sri Meenakshi Govt. College for Women (Autonomous), Madurai Yadava College, Madurai Ambiga College of Arts and Science, Madurai Annai Fathima College of Arts and Science, Tirumangalam Arul Anandar College (Autonomous), Madurai C.S.I. Darling Selvabai Thavaraj David College of Arts and Science for Women, Madurai Devasagayam Annathaiyammal Arts and Science Women College, Madurai Fatima College (Autonomous), Madurai Jayaraj Annapackiam College for Women (Autonomous), Periyakulam Jeyaraj Chelladurai College of Arts and Science, Theni Lady Doak College (Autonomous), Madurai M.A.V.M.M. Ayira Vysiar College, Madurai M.K. University College, Madurai, Madurai Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai Mangayarkarasi Arts and Science College for Women, Madurai N.M.S. Sermathai Vasan College for Women, Madurai Nadar Saraswathy College of Arts and Science, Theni P.K.N. Arts and Science College, Madurai S.P. College of Science and Arts, Madurai Sri Adi Chunchanagiri Women’s College, Theni Sri Nagalakshmi Ammal Arts and Science College, Madurai St. George’s Jayaraj Chelladurai College for Women, Madurai Subbalakshmi Lakshmipathi College of Science, Madurai Theni College of Arts and Science, Theni Thiagarajar College (Autonomous), Madurai Vivekanandha College (Autonomous), Madurai |
| Langauge |
| Tamil, Telegu, Sourashtra, English, Hindi |
| Culture: |
| Tamil Nadu finds a prime position on the cultural map of the country. The state’s contribution to literature, music, arts of Indian classical culture is praiseworthy. Dance, music, art and crafts and celebration of various festivals form important parts of Tamil culture. The various fairs and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Tamil people have their own living style which is reflected in their food, costumes, language and folk art and culture. Let’s find more about the cultural heritages of the state. |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Madurai has its own airport, located 12 km from the city center. There are daily flights to Chennai and twice a day flights to Mumbai. |
| Nearest Airport:Regular trains connect Madurai to Coimbatore, Chennai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari and other towns of South India. The Madurai Railway Station is within the city center. |
| Road Transport: Madurai has a well maintained network of roads connected with all major towns of Tamil Nadu and its neighboring states. |
| Tourist Attraction of Madurai Districts: |
| Meenakshi Temple: Meenakshi Temple is the holy temple of hindus located in the city of Madurai in southern India. It is a vast temple of Lord Shiva and Goddess parvati. It is . Meenakshi Temple is the holy temple of hindus located in the city of Madurai in southern India. It is a vast temple of Lord Shiva and Goddess parvati. It is the best temple in which both God and Goddess are worshipped together. It is the life line of the country, especially southern India as Lord shiva is the highly worshiped god of the country. It has its foundation way back in the 2500 AD.According to the mythology, Lord shiva visited Madurai to marry Parvati and it has been the sacred abode of Goddess Parvarti since her birth. The wonderful architecture of the place is amongst the seven wonders of the world and the construction is highly minute with great art piece incorporated the walls and pillars of the temple.Thirumalai Nayak Mahal: Thirumalai Nayak Mahal was constructed way back in the 17th century. Several buildings and temples had been constructed by him in the region and they have been splendid piece of .Thirumalai Nayak Mahal was constructed way back in the 17th century. Several buildings and temples had been constructed by him in the region and they have been splendid piece of construction. It was constructed by kings of muslim dynasty which covered several regions of coimbatore, Madurai districts and other few places in southern Tamil Nadu. It is a great piece of art and all of the sculptures are encarved in the Madurai style.Several old temples too have been renovated in this new style and the whole city seems to have the construction of the similar make, which is a good feature of the place.Gandhi Museum: Gandhi museum is a great master piece in Southern India and it has great historical background and mythology in its background. There are several Gandhi museums across the nation and Gandhi museum is a great master piece in Southern India and it has great historical background and mythology in its background. There are several Gandhi museums across the nation and the Gandhi museum of the southen India is basically a Tamukkam bungalow which means summer house in Tamil, which is the local language of the place.The museum is square in share and created at the height of 5 metres from the ground level and it has a wonderful dome in the centre which is about 7 metres diagonally. It was constructed by Nayak Queen Rani in the earlier 1700 AD. Great cost was incurred in establishing the museum and it was all invested by the government of India, in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. Mariamman Teppakulam: This is a temple made in the memory of Lord Vigneshwara. It is situated about 5 kms from the meenakshi temple. It has a huge tank in the compound of .This is a temple made in the memory of Lord Vigneshwara. It is situated about 5 kms from the meenakshi temple. It has a huge tank in the compound of the temple and is the biggest tank in the region of Tamil Nadu. The tank is filled with water all year long and the idol of the temple too was obtained from the bottom of the tank, while it was dug in the olden times and hence the temple was constructed at that place itself. So the tank gained its popularity since then and the temple too was constructed in its memory.Several different kinds of festivals are celebrated in the temple and all rituals are done with great pomp and pleasure and the people have a wonderful time while they are in the temple. Alagar Koil: Alagar Koil is a beautiful temple situated in the north east of Madurai. The temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu and is the sacred place for several followers of . Alagar Koil is a beautiful temple situated in the north east of Madurai. The temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu and is the sacred place for several followers of Lord Vishnu in the region. It is situated in the Alagar hills and is also known as Azhagarkovil. The statue of the lord is made of stone and is a great masterpiece created from kallalgar. Several different statues in different postures of the Lord are all kept in the temple under the same roof and is the best form of distinct temples in southern India.The people of the region consider Lord Vishnu to be a wonderful king or ruler of the earth and offer holy prayers from the bottom of the heart. The temple has wonderful halls and other facilities to perform different rituals with sacred mantras in the holy environment. Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple: Tirupparankundram Murugan temple is one of the pilgrimage places in the southern India. The temple is an excellent master piece of art and is devoted to mother earth for all .Tirupparankundram Murugan temple is one of the pilgrimage places in the southern India. The temple is an excellent master piece of art and is devoted to mother earth for all the benedictions it has bestowed on the holy earth. The region is hilly and is also known as southern Himalayas of India. It is a beautiful place where the sun and moon can be seen together at several instances of the day.It is considered to be the holy place for marriages and most of the marriages in the suburbs take place in this temple itself. The marriage of Lord Subhrahmanya was celebrated in this temple and since then several people have been bound in the marital bonds in front of the god in this temple. Vaigai Dam: Vaigai dam is a giant dam constructed on the river Vaigai and is situated near Andipatti in southern India. The dam has been the life line of the agricultural lands . Vaigai dam is a giant dam constructed on the river Vaigai and is situated near Andipatti in southern India. The dam has been the life line of the agricultural lands in the neighbourhood and because of it the areas have flourished in leaps and bounds. It provides clean and fresh drinking water to whole of the region of Madurai and Andipatti. Agricultural research institution too has been developed near the dam so as to research on a wide variety of crops including cereals and pulses.Several issues about the water supply in the dry seasons have been curbed down after the construction of the dam and it has provided life to the region of southern India. Koodal Azhagar Temple: The temple is situated in the city of Azhaghar, the beautiful city of southern India. It is the temple of lord Vishnu with great monument of lord Vishnu encarved in . The temple is situated in the city of Azhaghar, the beautiful city of southern India. It is the temple of lord Vishnu with great monument of lord Vishnu encarved in front of the temple. Koodal is the second name for the city of Madurai and Koodal temple indicates the temple of Madurai as suggested by its name. It is one of the oldest temples in southern India and is one of the 108 temples of lord Vishnu constructed all over India.The temple is very close to the main bus stop of Madurai and it becomes easy for the people to visit the temple once they are in the city of madurai in Tamil Nadu. Several different lodging and boarding facilities is provided in the place and hence it becomes convenient to the travelers, who would love to visit the place and take the sacred blessings of Lord Vishnu. Pazhamudhir Solai: Pazhamudhir Solai is a beautiful temple created in the memory of Lord Subramaniya who is worshipped by several people in southern India. It has great sculptures of lord subramaniya encarved . Pazhamudhir Solai is a beautiful temple created in the memory of Lord Subramaniya who is worshipped by several people in southern India. It has great sculptures of lord subramaniya encarved in wood and marble and is a wonderful temple with giant steps in the front of it.People worship the temple by moving across the periphery of the temple a several number of times, with the hope that their wish would come true. It is the giant temple of Lord subhramaniya in southern India and one of the most beautiful too. Its located on the hills of Azharar koil and falls in Madurai in Tamil nadu. |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Madurai Districts: |
| Hotel Vijay:122, Tirupparankunram Rd, Vasantha Nagar,Madurai, Tamil Nadu,Ph:045 22336321Taj Garden Retreat:Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0452 2371601Royal Court India:Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu,Ph:045 2435 6666The Madurai Residency:15, west Marret Street,Madurai, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0452 4380000Grt Regency:38 Madakulam Road, TPK Road, NH7, Palangana, Madurai,Tamil Nadu,Ph:0452 2371155Hotel Supreme:110, West Perumal Maistry Street, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0452 2343151Hotel Park Plaza:Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0452 3011111Hotel Germanus:28, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu – 0452 4356999 |
| Links: |
| http://www.madurai.tn.nic.in/www.tripadvisor.com/ |
Image Gallery of Madurai Districts
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