In and Around

 

Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The Madurai Meenakshi Temple is synonymous with Madurai and is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, the protectress of Madurai. Built in the 16th Century by Tirumalai Nayak, it is spread over 350 hectares.It is almost a city within a city with businesses and a bazaar flourishing here too. Enclosed by walls, each has a nine-storey gopuram which is adorned by thousands of intricately carved celestial and animal figures.

  
 

 
Tirumalai Nayak Palace
The Tirumalai Nayak Palace was one of the grandest monuments in Madurai and a stunning piece of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It was built in the early 17th century by Tirumalai Nayak with the finest of craftsmen. The massive columns and finely carved arches and ceilings envelop the viewer in a sense of awesome grandeur.Today, the main hall and dance hall continue to fascinate visitors.

Festival
 

Float Festival
 The spectacular Float Festival happens around January-February at the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. A specially constructed raft decorated lavishly with flowers and lights carries the deities around the tank. Devotees throng to catch a glimpse of this rare sight.
                                                      

  
 

  Madurai Chithirai Festival
This is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithirai ( April – May). Lord Azhagar stepping into the river Vaigai is a spectacular event. It commemorates the occasion that he rode on a golden horse to Madurai to participate in the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareshwar. This is celebrated every year with a spectacular procession of the deity on a gold horse chariot adorned with garlands.