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The City of
Madurai was originally built around the Meenakshi temple.
Rectangular streets named after the Tamil months of Aadi,
Chithirai and Maasi surround the temple, symbolizing the
structure of the cosmos. Though there are numerous other
temples in Madurai, which is why it is known as the "Temple
City", the Meenakshi temple's architectural splendor outdoes
all of them. The Temple Complex in itself is breathtaking,
given the fort-like walls pierced with lofty Gopurams
(Towers), over an area of 640,000 square feet (60,000 m²).
The gopurams are adorned with figures of Hindu Gods, animals
and mythological creatures. Upon entering the temple, one
gets to view the spectacular "Potraamaraikkulam", meaning
the Golden Lotus Pond, surrounded by corridors depicting
murals from the "Thiruvilaiyaadal Puraanam". The "Ayirangaal
Mandapam" (Thousand Pillared Hall) is another exhibit of
impressive craftsmanship whose pillars feature sculptural
work beyond comparison. Madurai has many other famous
temples. Some of them are: Thirupparankundram,
Pazhamuthircholai, two of the six temple shrines of Lord
Murugan (son of Lord Shiva according to Tamil beliefs);
Azhagarkovil, a prominent Vaishnavaite shrine, Aappudaiyaar
temple and Koodalazhagar temple.
Present-day Madurai extends on both sides of the River
Vaigai. The parts of the city adjoining the temple in the
southern banks of Vaigai are bustling commercial hubs where
one can find everything from basic necessities to electronic
gadgets. As a result, they are congested and offer little
scope for further expansion. However, across the river, is
where one would find the chic, modern and young face of
Madurai with its relatively spacious roads and structures
with plenty of room for expansion and development. The
Madurai Collectorate, Madurai District Court, Madurai Bench
of Madras High Court, Madurai Corporation Building, Madurai
Race Course, Government Offices, and many schools, colleges
and companies are located in the northern part of the city. |
