MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE
The
temple is dedicated to both of Meenakshi of the limpid fish-shaped eyes, the
lovely consort of Lord Siva; and to Lord Siva himself (Sundareswarar). It is
one of the holiest places of worship in South India, drawing thousands of devotees
everyday.
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KOODAL ALAGAR TEMPLE
This ancient shrine has Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures,
one above the other. It has elegantly carved ornamental windows described as
"miracles of the stone masons art". There are also intricate wood
carvings including a panel of lord Rama's Pattabishekam (coronation)
VANDIYUR KANMOY TOURIST COMPLEX
Located 6kms from the Periyar Bus stand, Vandiyur Kanmoy (tank) is an ideal
picnic spot. T.T.D.C. operates a children's Train and boating service. There
is also a restaurant in the tourist complex.
THIRUMALAI NAYAK MAHAL
The
Thirumalai Nayak's palace is open to the public from 9.00a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and
2.00p.m. to 5.00 p.m. The most imposing remnant is a huge Audience hall opening
into a countryard with elaborately ornamented arches. A sound and light show
depicting the story of Thirumalai Nayak and Silappathikaram (a Tamil Epic) can
be seen here daily. Timings: English: 6.45 p.m. Tamil: 8.15 p.m.
VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN TEPPAKULAM
This enormous temple tank is fed by water brought from the Vaigai through an
ingenious system of underground channels. The tank has a Mandapam at the centre
enshrining Lord Vigneshwara. In January -February the Teppakulam is the venue
of a float festival which attracts thousands of tourists.
GANDHI MUSEUM
This institution housed in a 300-year old palace is dedicated to Gandhiji and
promotes study and appreciation of the Mahatma's teachings. There is a picture
gallery, personal memorabilia of the Mahatma, a library and an exhibition of
South India handicrafts and village industries. The Government Museum is also
in this complex. Timing 10.00a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
THIRUPPARANKUNDRAM
Located 8 kms south of Madurai junction, the temple here is one of the six abodes
of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.
