Written on 2:06 PM by CommuniKation
South Indian towns like Tiruchirapalli, Kodaikanal, Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, Chennai etc. From Periyar also you can hire a car for a day's sight-see. The town was established in 600 B.C, on the banks of the river Vaigai, by King Kulashekhara of Pandya dynasty. It finds mentioned in the works of Greek ambassador Megasthenes. After being under the rule of Panyas, Cholas, Muslim rulers of Delhi and Vijaynagara kings the town finally passed into the hands of the Nayka rulers. In 17th centuary, the Nayaka ruler Tirumalai built the present temple, a testimony to Dravidian architecture with intricate relief work of Gods and Godesses, scenes from legends and animal figuriness. It is a km's walk from the railway-station.
In two seperate temples within the temple-complex lies the deities Devi Minakshi and Sundareswara Shiva. The crown of the temple is covered with gold. As you enter, the Asthashaki mandap, bearing the amazing tales of Shiva-Parvati, greets you.
The wedding scene of Shiva-Parvati is beautifully etched on the kambathadi mandap, built in 19th centuary. Do not miss the Mandaps standing on thousands of pillars and the exquisite lampstand. Tirumalai Nayaka Mahal is 1 and 1/2 km from the temple 5 km away from the town in the north, lie the Gandhi meseum as well.
The water from Vaigai River is brought to the lake Mari Amman Teppakulam by a tunnel. In the months of January-February, the Shiva-Parvati idols are brought here for a boat-trip.
Tirupankundram Temple, housing the deity of Subrahmanya or Lord Kartikeya, lies 8 km away from the town. According to legends, Lord Karti keya's marraige with Debjani took place here.
The market place surrounding Minakshi Temple is abuzz with shops selling the famous south-Indian silks.
