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Introduction 
The highpoint of visits to temple cities is
Madurai. It is famous for its Meenakshi Temple. Also famed for its many carved and painted halls, this magificent temple of goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundaram (Shiva) has the tallest Gopuram (temple gateway) in the world.
It has been the center for learning and the heart for South Indian culture and tradition for the last 2,500 years.
It had also been the political capital of the Pandyan and the Nayakan dynasties. The illustrious past of the city can still be witnessed in the architectural splendor of the temples and the palaces.
History
According to legend, Madurai derives its name from the madhuram (nectar) that fell from Shiva's locks on this place.
The ancient city had links with Greece and Rome and traded primarily in spices. It was also the site of the Tamil Literary Society popularly known as the
Sangam. Madurai was taken over by the Chola emperors in the 10th century AD. The Pandyas regained control in the 12th century
AD. The reign under the Tirumalai Nayak was the most prosperous period of Madurai.
In 1840, the company razed the fort that had previously surrounded the city and filled it with moat. They constructed four broad streets-the Veli streets-on the top of this fill defining the limits of the old city.
Festival
The different festivals which are celebrated in
Madurai are :- Avanimoola
Festival :- This festival held in late August or early
September and is the Coronation festival of Lord Sundareswarar. The
coronation of the deity and the procession of the images all form an
integral part of this elaborate festival.
Chithirai festival :- It is clebrated in
April / May. The Chittirai festival celebrates the marriage of
Meenakshi and Sundareshwara (Shiva). An elaborate wedding ceremony
is organised in the Meenakshi temple, and later the deities are
wheeled around the city in massive chariots, decorated elaborately.
Panguni Festival :- Panguni
Festival is a 14-day annual event is held in the Tirupparankundram
temple during April/May. The celebrations mark the coronation of
Lord Subramanya and his marriage to Devyani, the daughter of Indra.
The deities from the Meenakshi temple actually travel in a
procession to attend the wedding and return in the evening.
Best Season
The months from October to March is
the ideal period to visit Madurai. The daytime temperature is around
20°C during this period making the days pleasant for all
excursions.
Travel Links of Tamilnadu 
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