Madurai

History of Madurai

Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India, with a history dating back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. The city later came under the Vijayanagar Kingdom and, during the 16th and 18th centuries, was ruled by the Nayak rulers, particularly Tirumalai Nayak.

The Sangam Age, considered the golden age of Tamil literature, produced many great literary works. Madurai was the seat of the Tamil Sangam or Academy of Learning. The city developed around the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, surrounded by concentric rectangular streets.

Megasthenes visited Madurai as early as the 3rd century BC. Later, visitors and traders from Rome and Greece established trade relations with the Pandya kings. Madurai flourished until the 10th century, when it was captured by the Cholas.

In 1223 AD, the Pandyas regained their kingdom and Madurai once again became prosperous. During this period, important works of Tamil literature developed, including the great epic Silappathikaram.

In 1311, Malik Kafur, the general of Alauddin Khilji, attacked and plundered Madurai. In 1323, the Pandya kingdom became part of the Delhi Sultanate under the Tughlaqs.

In 1371, the Vijayanagar dynasty captured Madurai. Later, the Nayaks became independent and ruled the region. Thirumalai Nayak, who ruled from 1623 to 1659, was particularly known for his architectural contributions.

During his reign, important monuments such as the Raja Gopuram of Meenakshi Amman Temple, Pudu Mandapam and Thirumalai Nayakar Palace were developed.

Later, Madurai came under the control of the British East India Company. In 1781, the British appointed representatives to administer Madurai. George Procter was the first Collector of Madurai.

How to Reach Madurai

By Air

There are flights to Madurai from major cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Tiruchi and Coimbatore. Madurai Airport is approximately 10 km from the city.

By Train

Madurai is an important railway junction of the Southern Railway and is directly connected with major cities across India.

By Road

Madurai has excellent road connections with different parts of South India.

Shopping in Madurai

Madurai is well known for its textiles and quality cotton products. Puthu Mandapam is an important place for purchasing printed cotton fabrics.

The main handicraft shops are located near the temple and offer a variety of traditional products and souvenirs.

Fairs and Festivals of Madurai

Theppam Festival

Theppam Festival is one of the popular festivals of Madurai. It is generally celebrated during January and February. Decorated images of deities are taken across the temple tank.

Chithirai Festival

The Chithirai Festival celebrates the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Shiva. It is generally celebrated during April and May and attracts large crowds.

Avani Moolam

Avani Moolam is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Lord Shiva and takes place around September.

Navaratri

Navaratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and is generally celebrated during September and October.

Culture of Madurai

Location

Madurai is located in Tamil Nadu in southern India, on the banks of the Vaigai River and approximately 150 km from Tiruchirappalli.

Climate

Madurai enjoys a moderate tropical climate. The average temperature is approximately between 34°C and 38°C.

Places to Visit in Madurai

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Meenakshi Amman Temple is the principal monument of Madurai and an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. It has twelve gopurams decorated with numerous sculptures.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Located approximately 1 km from Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace is an impressive example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Teppakkulam Tank

Teppakkulam Tank was constructed by Tirumalai Nayak and is connected to the Vaigai River through underground channels.

Gandhi Museum

The former palace of Maharani Mangammal was converted into the Gandhi Museum, where visitors can learn about Indian history and the freedom struggle.

Places Near Madurai

Thiruparankundram Temple

Located approximately 8 km south of Madurai, this important rock-cut temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga.

Alagar Koyil Temple

Located approximately 21 km north of Madurai, this magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Alagar, an aspect of Vishnu.

Hotels in Madurai

• Best Western Germanus Hotel Madurai
• Sangam Hotel Madurai
• Taj Garden Retreat Hotel Madurai
• Hotel Madurai Ashok Madurai
• Park Madurai Inn Hotel Madurai
• Royal Court Madurai
• Hotel Pandiyan Madurai
• Hotel Supreme Madurai
• Chentoor Hotel Madurai