Madurai Favorites

  Gopura Detail
by Canadienne
 
  • Gopura Detail
      Gopura Detail
    by Canadienne
  • Gopura Detail
      Gopura Detail
    by Canadienne
  • Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa
      Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa
    by Canadienne
  • Potramarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Tank)
      Potramarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Tank)
    by Canadienne
  • Elephant in Sri Meenakshi Temple
      Elephant in Sri Meenakshi Temple
    by Canadienne
 

Most Recent Favorites in Madurai

Legs covered for visiting temple
Willettsworld profile photo
Willettsworld 8151 reviews

Favorite thing: Before I was allowed to enter inside the Sri Meenakshi Sundareshvara Temple, I was told that I had to cover my legs as I was wearing shorts. My guidebook didn't mention this and so I was stuck with a dilemma - should I walk all the way back to my hotel and change or should I look around for something to cover my legs with (a piece of material, for example)? I decided on the latter and found a fabric/tailor shop across the road from the temples main east entrance and managed to buy a cheap piece of fabric material, a metre wide and long, so that I could wrap around my legs. This felt and looked a bit weird to me, but guys here where this sort of thing called, I think, a veshti, so I didn't look out of place! Anyway, be aware about this and maybe wear a pair of trousers instead.

Written Sep 26, 2009

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Daily tours
yumiyun profile photo

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

yumiyun 274 reviews

Favorite thing: In Madurai, you can find buch of tour operator offering daily tour of Madurai, as well as excursion to Kannyakumari, Rameswaram and Kodaikanal.

All of those places can be visited from Madurai in one day. If you don't want to get around on your own, it's great way to see places.

Written Apr 17, 2003

Related to:
 Road Trip

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Inside the Temple Part 3
Canadienne profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Canadienne 828 reviews
Ayirrakal Mandapa

Favorite thing: As elaborate as the detailing of the exterior of the Sri Meenakshi Temple is, don't forget to keep your eyes open for decoration where you least expect it. The Ayirrakal Mandapa, or Thousand-Pillared Hall, has 985 columns sculpted with lions and other animals. There is also a beautifully painted ceiling to boot.

Updated Apr 9, 2003

Related to:
 Religious Travel
 Architecture

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Inside the Temple Part 2
Canadienne profile photo

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Canadienne 828 reviews
Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa

Favorite thing: Bathing tanks, shrines, elephants. . .and the temple still has room for a corridor of stalls selling religious trinkets, puja offerings and other sundry items ~ it's called the Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa.

Written Apr 9, 2003

Related to:
 Religious Travel
 Architecture

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Inside the Temple
Canadienne profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Canadienne 828 reviews
Elephant in Sri Meenakshi Temple

Favorite thing: The temple is a fascinating place to hang out and watch worshippers ~ the puja rituals are interesting and some of the temple seems to serve as a social hub, with people chatting and catching up.

There are some other interesting corners to explore ~ including multiple elephants (one which "blesses" you after you offer your rupee note). I'm not sure exactly what the elephant in the photo did to earn his keep. . .

Updated Apr 9, 2003

Related to:
 Architecture
 Religious Travel

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Sri Meenakshi Temple
Canadienne profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Canadienne 828 reviews
Gopura Detail

Favorite thing: The Meenakshi complex has 12 gopuras (gateways) with plaster carvings. The figures are fixed, painted and re-blessed every 12 years.

There are some pretty fierce images on the gopuras ~ acting as guardians ~ check out the character in the bottom left corner of the photograph. Yes, those are intestines he's pulling out. . .

Written Apr 9, 2003

Related to:
 Architecture
 Religious Travel

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Sri Meenakshi Temple
Canadienne profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Canadienne 828 reviews
Gopura Detail

Favorite thing: You enter the massive Sri Meenakshi complex through tall gopuras (gateways) that are decorated with brightly painted plaster sculptures. Inside the complex, you can find a marriage hall, bathing tank, the main inner sanctum and numerous smaller shrines.

Written Apr 9, 2003

Related to:
 Religious Travel
 Architecture

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Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwara Temple
Canadienne profile photo

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Canadienne 828 reviews
Potramarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Tank)

Favorite thing: The temple was originally constructed in the 7th through 10th centuries. . .newer sections date from the 14th to 17th. This is an amazing place to spend time people watching. . .there is a constant buzz of activity. We were able to stay long enough to see Sundareshwara (Shiva) taken to Meenakshi's shrine. . .the procession takes place every evening ~ fascinating!

Written Apr 9, 2003

Related to:
 Architecture
 Religious Travel

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