Madurai - a city with history

---

Madurai is one of the oldest cities in South Asia. The Greeks traded here in the 6th century BC and the city was the literary and cultural centre of Tamil Nadu in the 4th century AD. Today it is a bustling and busy city of over 1 million people. The city's main attraction is the Sri Meenakshi Temple - yet another massive Hindu temple complex which dates back to the 1st Century AD, although most of the buildings are of 16/17th century construction. The temple is dominated by four massive entrance towers with one each side of the large granite rectangular boundary wall.

This is our last Hindu temple visit on our trip and in a way its a grand finale. This temple like all the other active temples is full of life. There are prayers in various shapes and forms, the giving of gifts and offerings to the pot- bellied priests, the eating of rice meals with fingers, the sleeping and relaxing on the cool granite floors and the clicking of tourist cameras. All life is there and to the people of India the Hindu religion is at the root of their society and the guiding light and hope for many.

---

Photos

The approach to the temple
The western entrance tower dominates the approaching street scene

Sri Meenakshi Temple
One of the massive entrance towers

Colourful stall in the temple
Part of one of the many activities

Temple Priest
Destined to become a temple priest from a very early age as it is part of his family tradition

Girls from teachers training college
Whilst on our visit to the Tirumalai Nayaka Palace we came across a group of students in their colourful saris

Madurai Flower Market
Flowers galore for sale

Comments

[Alex]

Those temples look amazing and glad to see Lynne in good health! Love to you both Alex xxxxx

[George]

Glad to see mum restored to her former radiance. Madurai looks very colorful and vibrant. Hope you have a nice restful time in kerala.xx.

[Sally and John]

such colour !!
Hello intrepid travellers....quite blown away by the myriad of colours which seem to be around you everywhere. The flowers especially.....they make me wonder where/how they are grown in such a densely populated area. Lynne, good to know that you are enjoying good health again. Thnx for the wonderful scenes you've shared with us.

[margaret]

Looks so colourful!!
I have sat , on this bitterly cold day, about to snow and been transported into the colour and warmth and hustle and bustle of your travels.... what a trip you are having, Loved seeing again all the Rajestan stuffs; the yellow marigold heaps in the flower markets, all the river scenes and ghats... Glad Lynne is recovered, continue to have a wonderful time. Every good wish.Margaret

[Jayne Adams]

Finally managed to catch up with some more of your blog! It all looks amazing - so much to take in. Your photos, as usual, tell their own story and help us at home get a taste of what you are experiencing. Enjoy your last, more restful, week. Lots of love - J x

[zakir hussain]

enquiry
i am from hyderabad flowerr market and i want to know themarket position daily