Madurai

According to legend, the sacred Suyambulingam discovered by the king of Gods indira at Kadambavanam, was later enshrined by him in Madurai.  The fact that the Lord is seen on the vehicle of Indira in this temple is said to be proof for this. 
 Many historical evidences of the temple have been found dating back from early A.D 
 

The temple was almost completely destroyed in the year 1310 following the invasion of  the Islamic   conqueror Malikkapur. As kings who were followers of Islam were noted for their intolerance towards other religions, the invaders destroyed most of the ancient sculptures of the temple.

                                          

Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has mentioned the temple in his songs which go back to early 7^thcentury.  The Lord has been described as Alavai Iraivan in his songs. The temple was restored to its pristine glory in the late 14^th century when the Hindu Kings came back to power in Madurai. This can also be termed as a new beginning of a new era in the history of the temple, when it was almost rebuilt.

The King  Thirumalai Naicker played an important role in the construction of the new form of the temple according to records. The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is now under the administration of the HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu.

Madurai is the mighty ancient Capital of the Pandya kingdom. It is called the temple city in the name of Goddess Meenakshi and God Sundareswarar.It is known as the Athens of South India on account of its greatness and beauty. This city is now well known to the world. The Greek Ambassador Megastaneese who adorned the court of Chandra Guptha  Mauria (B.C. 302) had left a note that a Pandya princess was ruling at Madurai. Evidence is not wanting to show that there was pleasing trade between Pandya Country, Rome, and Greece in the west.

Madurai means sweetness. There is a puranic story of how the name was derived. Dhananjayan, a merchant found a Sivalinga in the forest of Kadamba Trees.

He mentioned this to king Kula Sekhara Pandya. The king destroyed the forest, built a temple and established a city around it. As nector was found to drip near the Sivalinga its sweetness was taken as the basis for the derivation of the term “Madura” 

TAMILSANGAM

It was here that the Third Tamil - Sangam or the assembly of the poets existed. The world famous poet Thiruvalluvar secured the approval of the sangam for his great work “Thirukkural”. 

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Madurai City is well connected with Road, Rail and Air.

Regular bus facility available from almost all towns of Tamilnadu State and many cities of neighboring states.

There are many trains passing through Madurai. The detailed information can be   viewed at www.srailway.com