Madurai pronunciation (help·info) 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 Tamil Nadu. The city is also known as Madura or the “Temple City” (It has a few hundred temples of many Hindu Gods). The city of Madurai, with a population of 922,913 according to the 2001 census, is the administrative capital of Madurai district.
Madurai was the capital city of the Pandya kings of South India. Madurai’s cultural heritage goes back 2500 years, and the city has been an important commercial center since as early as 550 C.E.
In legend, the original town of Madurai was destroyed by a tsunami in ancient Lemuria (continent). The new city was home to the last Tamil Sangam in the early part of last Century. The great national poet Subramanya Bharathi worked as a Tamil language pandit / teacher in Sethupathy High School during the early 20th century. There is a village town in the neighbouring district of Dindigul called Vada Madurai, and another in the neighbouring district of Sivagangai called Mana Madurai
- Meenakshi-Sundareswar Temple
- Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
- Azhagar Temple
- Gandhi Museum
- Thiruparankundram
- St. Mary's Cathedral
Meenakshi-Sundareswar Temple
Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, which stands today as one of the India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks, was originally built by the early Pandya King Kulasekara. The ancient city of Madurai supposedly was laid out in a lotus-like formation, with the temple at the center and streets and main thoroughfares layered one after the other concentrically, outward from the center. One legend says that on the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people while divine nectar showered on the city from his matted locks. The city hence came to be known as Madhurapuri meaning The City of Divine Nectar. The legend is likely a late tale attempting to Sanskritise the otherwise-Dravidian derivative of Madurai. This the place where Lord Natarajar performed the dance raising his right leg . (Kal maariya Aadiya natarajar). Lord shiva was very happy with the temple constuction and performed a different dance. This is the temple which survived after Kannagi burnt the complete city.
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
This palace complex was constructed in the Indo-Saracen style by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1636. It is a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.
The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. It was divided into two parts, Swarga-vilasa and Ranga-vilasa. In each of these there are royal residences, theater, shrines, apartments, 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 Swarga Vilasam is an arcaded octagon wholly constructed of bricks and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder. The stucco work on its domes and arches 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 in diameter.
Furniture and utensils used by the kings is on exhibit inside the palace. The palace is equipped to perform light and sound shows depicting the story of Silappathikaram, in both Tamil and English languages.
The palace has been featured in many films, such as Bombay, Iruvar, Guru and Jodi
.
Azhagar Temple
Azhagar Kovil, located about 25 km from the city, is a vishnu shrine. The location is surrounded by hills. The principal idol of the shrine is that of Lord Kallazhagar. The Tamil new year festival called Chittirai Thiruvizha has been celebrated for centuries in this temple. In the entrance of the Azhagar kovil one can view the Badhri Narayanan temple, built similar to Badrinath near Mount Kailash in northern India: the principal idol in this shrine represents Vishnu in a meditative posture, flanked by Nara-Narayan.
The Lord Kallalagar is said to visit the temple on the eve of the Chittirai festival, one of the famous festivals in Tamil Nadu. He starts the journey from the Alagar Koil, crossing the Badri Narayanan Shrine.[1] During this time, he visits Vandiyur, near the Vaigai River, on the eastern outskirts of Madurai. It is believed that he realizes he is too late for his sister’s wedding, so refuses to cross the river, and returns disappointed to Alagar Koil.
On the top of the hills, is a shrine of Lord Muruga, popularly known as Pazhamudircholai. This is the last of Murugan’s arupadai veedu and he is seen along with his consorts, Deivanai and Valli
.
Gandhi Museum
The museum displays information about Mahatma Gandhi, and most importantly it showcases the original blood-stained garment of Gandhi when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. The other piece of the garment is kept at the Gandhi Museum in Delhi.
.
Thiruparankundram
Thiruparakundram temple has become a symbol of the religious harmony as of the people of Madurai. The traditional legend is that Lord Murugan married Deivanai at Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, which also is the first among the Six Holy Abodes of Murugan (Arupadai Veedu, literally “Six Battle Camps”).
A famous Islamic Durgah (shrine) also is located at the top of the hill, where the grave of an Islamic saint Hazrat Sultan Sikandhar Badushah shaheed Radiyallah Ta’al anhu, who came from Jeddah during the mid 9th century, is found. Irrespective of religion, people from all parts of Tamil Nadu and from Kerala visit this durgah — people who visit Ervadi Durgah in Ramnad district, particularly, are supposed to visit this durgah. Many poems were written in praise of Hazrat Sultan Sikandhar Badhusha, by Syed Abdussalam Ibrahim Saalim Hazrat, the third in the list of Madurai Hazrats. It is believed that people who come here with a wish see it answered in a very short time, and so he is also called Mustajab ad Du’aa Sikandhar Badhushah.
.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Madurai is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madurai. One of the oldest Roman Catholic church situated at 2 km South East of Madurai Railway station and only 200 meters from the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal.
.
- Meenakshi-Sundareswar Temple
- Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
- Azhagar Temple
- Gandhi Museum
- Thiruparankundram
- St. Mary's Cathedral
MEENAKSHI-SUNDARESWAR TEMPLE
Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, which stands today as one of the India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks, was originally built by the early Pandya King Kulasekara. The ancient city of Madurai supposedly was laid out in a lotus-like formation, with the temple at the center and streets and main thoroughfares layered one after the other concentrically, outward from the center. One legend says that on the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva blessed the land and its people while divine nectar showered on the city from his matted locks. The city hence came to be known as Madhurapuri meaning The City of Divine Nectar. The legend is likely a late tale attempting to Sanskritise the otherwise-Dravidian derivative of Madurai. This the place where Lord Natarajar performed the dance raising his right leg . (Kal maariya Aadiya natarajar). Lord shiva was very happy with the temple constuction and performed a different dance. This is the temple which survived after Kannagi burnt the complete city.
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
This palace complex was constructed in the Indo-Saracen style by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1636. It is a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.
The original palace complex was four times bigger than the present structure. It was divided into two parts, Swarga-vilasa and Ranga-vilasa. In each of these there are royal residences, theater, shrines, apartments, 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 Swarga Vilasam is an arcaded octagon wholly constructed of bricks and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder. The stucco work on its domes and arches 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 in diameter.
Furniture and utensils used by the kings is on exhibit inside the palace. The palace is equipped to perform light and sound shows depicting the story of Silappathikaram, in both Tamil and English languages.
The palace has been featured in many films, such as Bombay, Iruvar, Guru and Jodi
.
Azhagar Temple
Azhagar Kovil, located about 25 km from the city, is a vishnu shrine. The location is surrounded by hills. The principal idol of the shrine is that of Lord Kallazhagar. The Tamil new year festival called Chittirai Thiruvizha has been celebrated for centuries in this temple. In the entrance of the Azhagar kovil one can view the Badhri Narayanan temple, built similar to Badrinath near Mount Kailash in northern India: the principal idol in this shrine represents Vishnu in a meditative posture, flanked by Nara-Narayan.
The Lord Kallalagar is said to visit the temple on the eve of the Chittirai festival, one of the famous festivals in Tamil Nadu. He starts the journey from the Alagar Koil, crossing the Badri Narayanan Shrine.[1] During this time, he visits Vandiyur, near the Vaigai River, on the eastern outskirts of Madurai. It is believed that he realizes he is too late for his sister’s wedding, so refuses to cross the river, and returns disappointed to Alagar Koil.
On the top of the hills, is a shrine of Lord Muruga, popularly known as Pazhamudircholai. This is the last of Murugan’s arupadai veedu and he is seen along with his consorts, Deivanai and Valli
.
Gandhi Museum
The museum displays information about Mahatma Gandhi, and most importantly it showcases the original blood-stained garment of Gandhi when he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. The other piece of the garment is kept at the Gandhi Museum in Delhi.
.
Thiruparankundram
Thiruparakundram temple has become a symbol of the religious harmony as of the people of Madurai. The traditional legend is that Lord Murugan married Deivanai at Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, which also is the first among the Six Holy Abodes of Murugan (Arupadai Veedu, literally “Six Battle Camps”).
A famous Islamic Durgah (shrine) also is located at the top of the hill, where the grave of an Islamic saint Hazrat Sultan Sikandhar Badushah shaheed Radiyallah Ta’al anhu, who came from Jeddah during the mid 9th century, is found. Irrespective of religion, people from all parts of Tamil Nadu and from Kerala visit this durgah — people who visit Ervadi Durgah in Ramnad district, particularly, are supposed to visit this durgah. Many poems were written in praise of Hazrat Sultan Sikandhar Badhusha, by Syed Abdussalam Ibrahim Saalim Hazrat, the third in the list of Madurai Hazrats. It is believed that people who come here with a wish see it answered in a very short time, and so he is also called Mustajab ad Du’aa Sikandhar Badhushah.
.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Madurai is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madurai. One of the oldest Roman Catholic church situated at 2 km South East of Madurai Railway station and only 200 meters from the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal.
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Transport
Station in the Southern Railway.[10] The railway station code for Madurai junction is MDU. It is connected to major indian cities like Chennai,Coimbatore,Trichy,Bangalore (by Mysore express),Trivandrum,Mumbai (by mumbai CST express),Pune (by lokmanya tt express),Delhi (by sampark kranti express),and Kolkata(by cape howrah express)
Madurai has several major bus stands: Central Bus terminus at Maattuthavani (North), Palanganatham (South), Arapalayam (West), Periyar (Central) and Anna Bus stand (East). The major bus stand for the city is at Maattuthavani called as Madurai Integrated Bus Terminus(MIBT), from where many buses to locations all over the south India operate round the clock.
Madurai is connected by the following major National Highways
- NH 7 : (North-south Corridor Expressway) Bangalore – Salem – Dindigul – Madurai – Tirunelveli – Kanyakumari/li>
- NH 45B : Tiruchy – Madurai – Tuticorin
- NH 49 : Madurai – Rameswaram
- NH 49 Extn : Madurai – Theni – Bodi – Cochin
- Bridges have been constructed across the Vaigai river to connect Madurai at various points. Flyovers have been constructed within the city to overcome traffic congestion. The Golden Quadrilateral and the four lane highway to Chennai make Madurai well-connected by road.
- Madurai Airport is approximately 9 kilometers from the Madurai Railway station, and currently it offers flights to Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Paramount Airways and Indian Airlines are the airlines available. International flights from Madurai to Colombo, Singapore and Gulf countries are planned to begin service this year. The nearest international airport is in Trichy , which is 130km from Madurai.
Entertainment
Athisayam water theme park
Eco park:
Rajaji children park
Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as the “Princess of Hill stations” and is a popular tourist destination. Much of the local economy is Hospitality industry based on national and international tourism. Kodaikanal was established in 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains.
Kodaikanal has several scenic natural attractions which are enjoyed by it’s visitors and make it a popular romantic destination for newlyweds. These are described in order of distance from the bus-stand.
- Kodaikanal lake
- Coaker's Walk
- Bear Shola Falls
- Solar Observatory
- Pillar Rocks
- Silver Cascade
- Dolphins Nose
Kodaikanal lake
Kodaikanal Lake, .5 km (0.3 mi) from the bus stand, is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45 ha (60 acres) lake built in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal’s most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club with its main entrance near the 5-Star Carlton Hotel. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The 5 kilometers (3 mi) path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favorite walk for the locals and tourists alike.
Kodaikanal is Bryant Park, Just east of the lake and .5 km (0.3 mi) from the bus stand, is a wonderfully maintained 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) botanical garden. The park was planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, Mr. H.D. Bryant, and named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the park is a rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season. A large section is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There is an 1857 Eucalyptus tree and a Bodhi tree which adds religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows every summer. Entrance fee to the park is nominal and it is open all year.
Coaker’s Walk
TCoaker’s Walk, .5 km (0.3 mi) from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872, is a 1 kilometers (0.62 mi) paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk winding around Mount Nebo, starts just before Van Allen hospital, runs parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road joins the main road above Saint Peter’s Church, providing a panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin’s Nose in south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. A fascinating rare phenomenon called Brocken spectre, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo, can be witnessed. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk
.
Bear Shola Falls
Bear Shola Falls, is a tall waterfall 3 kilometers (2 mi) from the bus-stand in a Reserve forest. The final approach to this quiet area is a rugged hill path.i
.
Solar Observatory
The Shenbaganur Museum of Natural History, 6 kilometers (4 mi) from the bus-stand, founded in 1895, is open to the public for viewing their outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects and a living collection of over 300 exotic orchid species. The museum exhibits artifacts of the ancient Paliyan tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory 6 kilometers (4 mi) from the bus-stand}} on Observatory Road, at [[M to ft|2343}}. is the highest location near Kodai. Former Director John Evershed, discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots, now known as the Evershed effect. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view a grand panorama including: Sothupparai dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river. This Indian Institute of Astrophysics facility has a comprehensive Astronomy Science Museum, public tours of the facility, public access to the astronomy library, public night time telescopic sky viewing, It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the rest of the year.
.
Pillar Rocks
Pillar Rocks, 8 kilometers (5 mi) from the bus-stand, is a set of 3 giant rock pillars which stand 122 meters (400 ft) meters high.[33] Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, it can be crowded but is not commercialized.
The Guna caves (made popular by the Tamil movie Guna) also called Devil’s Kitchen are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the trajic deaths of 12 youths there..[citation needed] These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see part of them from afar.
.
Silver Cascade
Silver Cascade, a 180 feet (55 m) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake, is situated 8 kilometers (5 mi) from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road. At altitude 1,800 meters (5,906 ft), [35] this impressive waterfall is a popular stop for first-time visitors.
.
Dolphins Nose
Dolphin’s Nose, 8 kilometers (5 mi) from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm 6,600 feet (2,000 m) deep. It is an undisturbed area 1 kilometers (1 mi) down a steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Beautiful views of plains and steep rocky escarpments can be seen. The old village of vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here.
The Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple, 4 kilometers (2 mi) from the bus-stand, is famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. The deity here is called Sri Kurinji Easware. He is in fact Lord Murugan. This temple was built in 1936 by an European Lady, who on coming to India, converted to Hinduism and started following it. She changed her name to Leelavathi and married a Mr. Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple is under the management of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani.
.
- Kodaikanal lake
- Coaker's Walk
- Bear Shola Falls
- Solar Observatory
- Pillar Rocks
- Silver Cascade
- Dolphins Nose
Kodaikanal lake
Kodaikanal Lake, .5 km (0.3 mi) from the bus stand, is an artificial, roughly star-shaped 45 ha (60 acres) lake built in 1863. It is recognized as Kodaikanal’s most popular geographic landmark and tourist attraction. Rowboats and pedalos can be hired at the Kodaikanal Boat Club with its main entrance near the 5-Star Carlton Hotel. Horses and bicycles can be hired beside the lake for short periods. The 5 kilometers (3 mi) path that skirts the periphery of this lovely lake is a favorite walk for the locals and tourists alike.
Kodaikanal is Bryant Park, Just east of the lake and .5 km (0.3 mi) from the bus stand, is a wonderfully maintained 20.5 acres (8.3 ha) botanical garden. The park was planned and built in 1908 by a forest officer from Madurai, Mr. H.D. Bryant, and named after him. With 325 species of trees, shrubs and cactuses, the park is a rainbow of stunning flowers during the peak season. A large section is dedicated to nearly 740 varieties of roses. There is an 1857 Eucalyptus tree and a Bodhi tree which adds religious significance to the park. Ornamental plants are cultivated in a nursery for sale. The park organizes horticultural exhibits and flower shows every summer. Entrance fee to the park is nominal and it is open all year.
Coaker’s Walk
TCoaker’s Walk, .5 km (0.3 mi) from the bus-stand, constructed by Lt. Coaker in 1872, is a 1 kilometers (0.62 mi) paved pedestrian path running along the edge of steep slopes on the southern side of Kodai. The walk winding around Mount Nebo, starts just before Van Allen hospital, runs parallel to the Van Allen Hospital Road joins the main road above Saint Peter’s Church, providing a panoramic view of the plains. On a clear day one can view as far as Dolphin’s Nose in south, the valley of the Pambar River in the southeast, Periyakulam town and even the city of Madurai. A fascinating rare phenomenon called Brocken spectre, when a person can see his shadow on the clouds with a rainbow halo, can be witnessed. This occurs when the sun is behind the viewer and clouds and mist are to the front. There is an observatory with a telescope halfway along the walk
.
Bear Shola Falls
Bear Shola Falls, is a tall waterfall 3 kilometers (2 mi) from the bus-stand in a Reserve forest. The final approach to this quiet area is a rugged hill path.i
.
Solar Observatory
The Shenbaganur Museum of Natural History, 6 kilometers (4 mi) from the bus-stand, founded in 1895, is open to the public for viewing their outstanding taxidermy collection of more than 500 species of animals, birds and insects and a living collection of over 300 exotic orchid species. The museum exhibits artifacts of the ancient Paliyan tribes people whose descendants still live in these hills.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory 6 kilometers (4 mi) from the bus-stand}} on Observatory Road, at [[M to ft|2343}}. is the highest location near Kodai. Former Director John Evershed, discovered the phenomenon of radial motion in sunspots, now known as the Evershed effect. The Kodaikanal Terrestrial Telescope can view a grand panorama including: Sothupparai dam, Vaigai Dam, Periyakulam and Varaha river. This Indian Institute of Astrophysics facility has a comprehensive Astronomy Science Museum, public tours of the facility, public access to the astronomy library, public night time telescopic sky viewing, It is open daily to the public during peak season, and a few hours each Friday the rest of the year.
.
Pillar Rocks
Pillar Rocks, 8 kilometers (5 mi) from the bus-stand, is a set of 3 giant rock pillars which stand 122 meters (400 ft) meters high.[33] Managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, it can be crowded but is not commercialized.
The Guna caves (made popular by the Tamil movie Guna) also called Devil’s Kitchen are deep bat-infested chambers between the three gigantic boulders that are the Pillar Rocks. The deep narrow ravines of the caves are now closed to public due to the trajic deaths of 12 youths there..[citation needed] These dangerous caves are highly protected now, and tourists can see part of them from afar.
.
Silver Cascade
Silver Cascade, a 180 feet (55 m) waterfall formed from the outflow of Kodaikanal Lake, is situated 8 kilometers (5 mi) from Kodaikanal at a wide bend in the long and winding Laws Ghat Road. At altitude 1,800 meters (5,906 ft), [35] this impressive waterfall is a popular stop for first-time visitors.
.
Dolphins Nose
Dolphin’s Nose, 8 kilometers (5 mi) from the bus stand, is flat rock projecting over a breathtaking chasm 6,600 feet (2,000 m) deep. It is an undisturbed area 1 kilometers (1 mi) down a steep rocky trail beginning soon after Pambar Bridge. Beautiful views of plains and steep rocky escarpments can be seen. The old village of vellagavi can be reached through a rugged bridle path here.
The Kurinji Andavar Murugan temple, 4 kilometers (2 mi) from the bus-stand, is famous for its Kurinji flower which blossoms in the area only once every 12 years. The deity here is called Sri Kurinji Easware. He is in fact Lord Murugan. This temple was built in 1936 by an European Lady, who on coming to India, converted to Hinduism and started following it. She changed her name to Leelavathi and married a Mr. Ramanathan. She is also known as Lady Ramanathan. This temple is under the management of Arulmighu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thiru Kovil, Palani.
.
The 2 – 3 hours drive to Kodai via the steep and winding Ghat roads from Batlagundu or Palani is a memorable experience. Travelers may stop at turnouts on the road and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Palani hills.[39] There is a 28 km shortcut from Periyakulam to Kodaikanal via Kumbakarai under construction. Bicycle rentals, taxis, vans and limited city buses are available.[40] Rickshaws are not available
It is situated in the Gulf of Mannar at the very tip of the Indian peninsula. According to legends, this is the place from where Lord Rama, built a bridge Ram Setu(also known as Adam’s Bridge) across the sea to Lanka to rescue his consort Sita, from her abductor, Ravana. This is also the place where Rama worshipped Shiva to be absolved of the sin of killing Ravana, hence the name of Shiva, which became the name of the town – Rameswara (“lord of Rama”). Both the Vaishnavites and Shaivites visit this pilgrimage centre which is known as the Varanasi of the south.
Ex-president of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam, hails from a fishing hamlet called Dhanushkodi situated on the island
East Gopuram of Rameswaram
Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. The presiding deity here is in the form of a Linga with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
West Gopuram of Rameswaram temple
The masterpiece of South Indian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises twenty two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other.
The grandest part of the temple is the 1219 m pillared corridor consisting of 3.6 m high granite pillars, richly carved and well proportioned. The perspective presented by these pillars run uninterruptedly to a length of nearly 230 m.
According to the Puranas, upon the advice of Rishis (sages), Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana, installed and worshipped the Sivalinga here to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin) (Ravana was a Brahmin the great grandson of Brahma).[citation needed] Rama fixed an auspicious time for the installation and sent Anjaneya to Mount Kailas to bring a lingam. As Anjaneya could not return in time, Sita herself made a linga of sand. When Anjaneya returned with a linga from Mount Kailas the rituals had been over.
.
Inside view of Rameswaram temple
To comfort the disappointed Anjaneya, Rama had Anjaneya’s lingam (Visvalingam) also installed by the side of Ramalinga, and ordained that rituals be performed first to the Visvalingam.
In Rameshwaram Temple, a spiritual “Mani Darshan” happens in early morning everyday. This “Mani” is made of “sphatik”[a precious stone] and in form of “Holy shivling”. according to ved this is “Mani” of “sheshnag”.
Sethu Karai is a place 22 km before the island of Rameshwaram from where God Ram built a Floating Stone Bridge “Ramasethu” till Rameshwaram that further continued from Dhanushkodi in Rameshwaram till Talaimannar in Sri Lanka as mentioned in the great Hindu epic Ramayana. The ruins of the Ramasethu are submerged under the sea as shot from Gemini 1 satellite of NASA in 2004.
.
East Gopuram of Rameswaram
Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. The presiding deity here is in the form of a Linga with the name Sri Ramanatha Swamy, it also happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
West Gopuram of Rameswaram temple
The masterpiece of South Indian architecture boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Different rulers built the Ramanatha Swamy Temple over a period of time starting from the 12th century. The temple comprises twenty two wells where the taste of the water of each well is different from the other.
The grandest part of the temple is the 1219 m pillared corridor consisting of 3.6 m high granite pillars, richly carved and well proportioned. The perspective presented by these pillars run uninterruptedly to a length of nearly 230 m.
According to the Puranas, upon the advice of Rishis (sages), Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana, installed and worshipped the Sivalinga here to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin) (Ravana was a Brahmin the great grandson of Brahma).[citation needed] Rama fixed an auspicious time for the installation and sent Anjaneya to Mount Kailas to bring a lingam. As Anjaneya could not return in time, Sita herself made a linga of sand. When Anjaneya returned with a linga from Mount Kailas the rituals had been over.
.
Inside view of Rameswaram temple
To comfort the disappointed Anjaneya, Rama had Anjaneya’s lingam (Visvalingam) also installed by the side of Ramalinga, and ordained that rituals be performed first to the Visvalingam.
In Rameshwaram Temple, a spiritual “Mani Darshan” happens in early morning everyday. This “Mani” is made of “sphatik”[a precious stone] and in form of “Holy shivling”. according to ved this is “Mani” of “sheshnag”.
Sethu Karai is a place 22 km before the island of Rameshwaram from where God Ram built a Floating Stone Bridge “Ramasethu” till Rameshwaram that further continued from Dhanushkodi in Rameshwaram till Talaimannar in Sri Lanka as mentioned in the great Hindu epic Ramayana. The ruins of the Ramasethu are submerged under the sea as shot from Gemini 1 satellite of NASA in 2004.
.
Kanyakumari
A popular tourist place in India, the town and the district, Kanyakumari District, in which it is located, is a place of great natural beauty – from the blue seas of Kanyakumari town to the blue hills of the Western Ghats in the interior.
Thiruvananthapuram
The city is the state capital and houses many central and state government offices, organizations and companies. Apart from being the political nerve centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub and is home to several educational institutions including the University of Kerala, and to many science and technology institutions, the most prominent being the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Technopark and IIST.
Thekkady
Overview
Situated close to the Kerala -Tamil Nadu border town of Kumily, it is located about 257 km (160 miles) from Trivandrum, 114 km from Madurai Airport, 185 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km from Kottayam railway station. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs.
Munnar
Palani
Ooty
Ootacamund is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills. The origin of the name Ootacamund is obscure, but “mund” is the Badaga word for a Toda village, and it is probably a corruption of the Badaga name for the central region of the Nilgiri Plateau.Another likely origin of the stem of the name (“Ootaca”) comes from the local language Tamil where “Otta-Cal” literally means “Single Stone”. This is perhaps a reference to a sacred stone revered by the local Toda people. Udhagamandalam is a more recent official Tamil name for the town. Ooty stands at an approximate height of 7,440 feet (2,268 m) above sea level.
Mysore
Bangalore
Though historical references to the city predate 900 CE, a modern written history of continuous settlement exists only from 1537, when Kempe Gowda I, who many regard as the architect of modern Bangalore, built a mud fort in the city and established it as a province of the imperial Vijayanagara Empire. During the British Raj, it became a centre of colonial rule in South India. The establishment of the Bangalore Cantonment brought in large numbers of migrants from other parts of the country.
Tirupathi
Tirupati is located at the foothills of Tirumala. The city owes its existence to the sacred temple situated on the Tirumala Hills. Tirumala is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, one of the Avatars of Lord Vishnu, located atop Seshachala hills often called as “Yaedu Kondalu” (seven hills). The temple of Lord Venkateshwara was built by the Tamil king Thondaimaan, and reformed periodically by Cholas and later Telugu Kings. It is the richest and most visited temple (of any faith) in the world.
