Madurai, probably over 2500 years old, is the oldest city in Tamil Nadu. Its origin and name emerge from a misty and lovely legend.

In a forest near a lotus pond, Indra, King of Gods, Worshipped Lord Siva as a Swayambu Lingam.

At this hallowed spot, the Pandyan monarch Kulasekhara built a great temple and clearing the forest, he created a lotus- shaped city around the temple. On the day the city was to be named, Lord Siva appeared at the ceremony. As he blessed the land and its people, divine nectar (Mathuram) was showered on the city from his matted locks.

The city was henceforth known as Madhurapuri. Madhurapuri grew and prospered to become the capital of the Pandyan Kingdom.

It is referred to in the Ramayana and Kautily's Arthashastra. Megasthenes (302 BC), pliny (77AD) and Ptolemy (140 AD) wrote of "Madura, the kingdom of the Pandian". Macro polo visited Madurai in 1293 AD and lbn Batuta in 1333 AD. Madurai lies on the banks of the River Vaigai.

The antiquity of Madurai can be gauged from the fact that it was the venue of the three Tamil Sangams under the auspices of the Pandyas, the exact date of the first is still in the realm of imagination and bone of contention among the historians.

However, it can be said with absolute certainty that the period for the last two dates back to the first couples of centuries of the Christian era. It served as the capital of the great Pandya Kingdom of the South India.

Fondly called Athens of the East, Madurai is surrounded by several mountains. Three hills called Yanaimalai, Nagamalai, Pasumalai named after Elephant, Snake and Cow respectively serve as the boundary of the city. The city is also noted for Jasmine Flowers which are transported to other parts of India.

The travel destination of Madurai is a must for anyone willing to visit Tamil Nadu. Best Indian Travel offers a comprehensive Madurai Pilgrimage travel.

The city offers a wide range of attractions. But it the grand Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin Temple which is the most dominant force in the life of this city. The area of the Temple complex measuring about 65000 sq m is one of the largest of its kind in India.

The temple and the old city are on the southern bank, while modern Madurai with its textile mills, engineering industries and large university sprawls around.


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