Madurai - The Glory of Pandyas

It is called as Thoonga Nagaram that means a City that never Sleeps. It is 450 Kms from the State Capital and Tiruchirapalli is 135 kms from Madurai. Sangam literature makes a mention of Madurai in Silapathigaram. It is also called as KADAMBA VANAM. Its one of very oldest city and most interesting historical spot In India. Madurai its a place of Art,culture,music etc According to legends: 1] Lord Indra [head of the Devas] once worshipped Lord Siva under the Kadamba tree and abundance of those trees took the name Kadambavanam. 2] Lord Siva appeared in the dream of King Kulasekara Pandyan and drops of immensely sweet madhu [nectar] rolls down from the matted hair of Lord Siva on the earth. Hence this was also called as Madhurapuri. In due course of time people started calling it as Madurai. Sangam consists of respected and highly esteemed Poets, Prodigies, Critics supported by the Kings. The sangam, Confluence of Tamil Scholars and Critics were convened thrice in this city. Historically it is also called as the Athens of the East. Megasthanes visited Madurai as early as 3rd BC. Later Romans and Greeks started visiting this erstwhile Pandya Kingdom and there were serious trade connections between them that flourished till the 10th century. The kingdom passed hands between the Pandyas ,Cholas and finally the Pandyas. It was Allauding Kilji in 1311 invaded this kingdom and laMeenakshi Koilter Thuglaks took control of it. Vijayanagar Kingdom captured it and left it in Nayaks control. Thirumalai Nayak was the most popular king, who expanded the Meenakshi Amman temple complex. Finally the kingdom went into the British Rule before the Independence. The Meenakshi Amman temple is the city’s most important landmark. It is one of the five sabhas [divine dance stages] called as Velli Ambalam [silver Hall]. Apart from the face of Pilgrim and Education center, Madurai is a modern Commercial and industrial city. It is also famous for its trade mark Chungudi cotton sarees, color dyeing ,motifs ,Handicrafts, Brassware. Wooden Toys of Madurai is the favourite of the Young and Old as well.

Hi @khil from Kerala, am a traveler and story teller- exploring India, I love to travel and experience new culture and history,food and idea. so I love to share my travel experience too......! Its a good habit to share your experience and new idea with other especially travel story. I found this platform Oct 2018, from there I started to blog on addoranslife website. Its good platform for traveler, Its a good travelers guide book as well as provide them good stay. Live -Travel- Share