Bangalore to Madurai - Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple - Dec 2011

Day 3 - Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Museum, and Mariamman Teppakulam


On day 3, we drove to the Thirupparamkunram Murugan temple, which is about eight kilometers from Madurai. This is another example of marvelous Pandya architecture. The main deity is Lord Muruga. The main sanctum also houses the deities Lord Vinayaka, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. The deities are carved into the hillock, and are gigantic. Unique because, usually, the Murugan temples don't tend to house Lord Vishnu. The temple also has Lord Saneeshwara (alone), and as you enter, you will see something very unique - Goddess Kali's (Durga) idol on a pillar. If you wonder what covers the idol... People make a wish, and then put small balls of butter on the idol. These butter balls are supposed to be offered at the feet of the goddess; however, most people get carried away, and literally throw the butter balls on the goddess!

Word of caution: Beware of persistent beggars and self-appointed guides.

Goddess covered with butter balls

Our next stop was at the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. The palace is open from 9:00 A. M (IST) to 5:00 P. M. Many movies have been filmed at this palace. The gigantic pillar and arches are the essence of this palace. Each pillar or window will have a couple sitting and romancing. What is disturbing that people have written their names, names of their dear ones, mobile phone numbers, and what not on the pillars and walls. Beware of pigeon poop; the place is filled with pigeons.


The courtyard, Nakasala, and museum are beautiful. There is also a light and sound show arranged during the evenings.

We returned to our hotel for lunch, and rested till evening. Our evening round started with a visit to the Gandhi Museum. Later, we went to Mariamman Teppakulam; the sunset over the water was stunning. The next day was supposed to be lazy - visit to friend's house for lunch. 

Blood-stained cloth of Gandhiji

Sunset - Mariamman Teppakulam

In the next sequel, I shall write about Kodaikanal!


Previous blogs:
- Namakkal Temples
- Madana Gopal Swamy Temple
- Meenakshi Temple

Regards,
Asha

Bangalore to Madurai - Meenakshi Temple - Dec 2011

Day 2 - Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple

The temple is open from 05:00 A.M to 12:30 P.M, and later from 04:00 P.M to 09.30 P.M. Your hotel can arrange for a tour guide to explain the temple architecture, the dynasty that ruled, and about other topics.

We planned a visit to the Meenakshi temple the next day. Because Ayyappa Swamy devotees would crowd the temple in the early morning, we decide to go to the temple after 09:00 A.M. Please remember that if you are visiting the temple for the first time, either enter the temple from the East gate or the North gate. Also remember that the auto rickshaw guys may charge a high price for the commute. The guideline is to pay about Rs. 10 per kilometer. We ended up paying Rs. 50 for a kilometer and half!

The Meenakshi Sundareswara temple is a huge complex. My parents and brother had visited this temple years ago, and my mother fondly narrates her experience. I would be visiting this temple for the first time. My jaws dropped when I saw the gopuram (tower), and my jaw continued to drop when I saw the idols and pillars inside the temple. The temple has four big gopurams in each direction; the southern tower is the tallest of all. Each gopuram is colorful and stunning with the sculptures. Ensure that you remember the gate in which you entered; otherwise, you may tend to exit from another gate or end up going in circles.

North Tower

One of the smaller towers

Model of the entire temple complex

Please note that you cannot carry scissors, weapons, cigarettes, and other harmful items inside the temple. You will not be allowed if you are wearing shorts or have dressed inappropriately. Taking photos of the deity is not allowed. Kindly respect the Indian Hindu tradition, and adhere to it. Foreigners are not allowed inside the sanctum (near the God or Goddess).

We entered through the North gate, and were welcomed by the God Naga. The entrance to the Temple Museum is at this side of the temple. Several people had tied cradles, praying to be bestowed with children. Questioning a few religious beliefs can trigger unwanted arguments. However, we must use our common sense and practical implications of our actions. The temple authorities remove the excess cradles and dispose them.

God Nagas

We bought the special darshana tickets (Rs. 100 each); otherwise, one can opt for free darshana (dharma darshana). For camera, the temple authorities charge Rs. 50. Please note that taking photos of deities inside the sanctum is not allowed. The temple halls have colorful paintings on the ceiling and gorgeous idols on the pillars. The name of each idol is displayed in Tamil and in English. I guess that I fell in love with the flawless features of these idols. I tried to capture them all in my camera, initially; but later, I let the images seep into myself. Was a beautiful feeling!

We first saw the Sundareshwara temple and later visited the Meenakshi temple. Finally, we saw the Thousand Pillars and the Temple Museum. I will let the photos do the talking.

Entrance to Sundareshwara temple

Nandi

The Thousand Pillars hall (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam) is neatly maintained. Each pillar showcases the Dravidian style of architecture. No two pillars are the same; sculptures are unique. The Lord Nataraja is worth seeing. This hall is also the Temple Museum; hosting several antique idols, doors, and other items. The ivory section is amazing.

Lord Nataraja

A glimpse of the Thousand Pillars hall

Made of ivory

The temple complex also has a tank. Surrounding the tank are walk paths; one of the walk paths display antique wall paintings. Currently, water has been pumped out of the tank, and we could see the golden lotus and sit on the steps of the tank. We sat on the steps silently to let the experience seep inside, and also to get a glimpse of the towers.

Tank

Updated on January 28, 2012: 

The temple complex has a variety of shops that may interest you.

Later, we went to Jayaram Bakery to satisfy our sweet tooth. We visited this bakery a couple of times. During one such visit, we were amazed to see school children storm in and out of the bakery, purchasing only apple cake! Oh, the joy on their faces are beautiful!

In the evening, we met our friends, and drove to Kadambavanam to watch the sunset. Liked the place and food! On the way to this place, we stopped at the Ramakrishna Ashram; serene.

In the next sequel, I shall write about our visit to the Thirupparamkunram Murugan temple and other places.

Previous blogs:
- Namakkal Temples
- Madana Gopal Swamy Temple

Regards,
Asha

Bangalore to Madurai - Meenakshi Temple - Dec 2011

Day 2 - Meenakshi Sundareswara Temple

The temple is open from 05:00 A.M to 12:30 P.M, and later from 04:00 P.M to 09.30 P.M. Your hotel can arrange for a tour guide to explain the temple architecture, the dynasty that ruled, and about other topics.

We planned a visit to the Meenakshi temple the next day. Because Ayyappa Swamy devotees would crowd the temple in the early morning, we decide to go to the temple after 09:00 A.M. Please remember that if you are visiting the temple for the first time, either enter the temple from the East gate or the North gate. Also remember that the auto rickshaw guys may charge a high price for the commute. The guideline is to pay about Rs. 10 per kilometer. We ended up paying Rs. 50 for a kilometer and half!

The Meenakshi Sundareswara temple is a huge complex. My parents and brother had visited this temple years ago, and my mother fondly narrates her experience. I would be visiting this temple for the first time. My jaws dropped when I saw the gopuram (tower), and my jaw continued to drop when I saw the idols and pillars inside the temple. The temple has four big gopurams in each direction; the southern tower is the tallest of all. Each gopuram is colorful and stunning with the sculptures. Ensure that you remember the gate in which you entered; otherwise, you may tend to exit from another gate or end up going in circles.

North Tower

One of the smaller towers

Please note that you cannot carry scissors, weapons, cigarettes, and other harmful items inside the temple. You will not be allowed if you are wearing shorts or have dressed inappropriately. Taking photos of the deity is not allowed. Kindly respect the Indian Hindu tradition, and adhere to it. Foreigners are not allowed inside the sanctum (near the God or Goddess).

We entered through the North gate, and were welcomed by the God Naga. The entrance to the Temple Museum is as this side of the temple. Several people had tied cradles on the tree, praying to be bestowed with children. Questioning a few religious beliefs can trigger unwanted arguments. However, we must use our common sense and practical implications of our actions. The temple authorities remove the excess cradles from the tree, and dispose them.

We bought tickets (Rs. 100 each) to special darshana; otherwise, one can opt for free darshana (dharma darshana). For camera, the temple authorities charge Rs. 50. Please note that taking photos of deities inside the sanctum is not allowed. The temple halls have colorful paintings on the ceiling and gorgeous idols on the pillars. The name of each idol is displayed in Tamil and in English. I guess that I fell in love with the flawless features of these idols. I tried to capture them all in my camera, initially; but later, I let the images seep into myself. Was a beautiful feeling!

We first saw the Sundareshwara temple and later visited the Meenakshi temple. Finally, we saw the Thousand Pillars and the Temple Museum. I will let the photos do the talking.

The temple complex also has a tank. Surrounding the tank are walk paths; one of the walk paths display antique wall paintings. Currently, water has been pumped out of the tank, and we could see the golden lotus and sit on the steps of the tank. We sat on the steps silently to let the experience seep inside, and also to get a glimpse of the towers.

Tank