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Second International Symposium on Papaya 9-12, December, 2008

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Useful links: www.ishs.org www.tnau.ac.in www.srailway.com www. yatra.com www.indiatourism.com www.tamilnadutourism.org

Madurai Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest city of Tamil Nadu. This is located on Vaigai river and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14^th century. The life of Madurai revolves around Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. This magnificiently carved temple is the main attraction of Madurai and its huge Gopuram towers over the city. Meenakshi temple has a thousand pillared 'Mandapam'. Precisely there are 985 pillars and each of them is delicatedly and exquistely carved. Among these are musical pillars, which produce music when tapped. Suprisingly, these musical pillars are carved out of single granite rock.
Prime attractions of Madurai Madurai Meenakshi temple An excellent example of Dravidan Architecture, the Meenakshi temple attracts devotees from all over India and tourist from all over the world. One can climb to the Southern Gopuram of the temple to get a great view of the city.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal This palace is an excellent example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture. It was bulit in 1523 AD and originally was four times larger than what it is today. Today, the main attraction of palace is light and sound show, which is based on the life of "Thirumalai Nayak" and "Silapathikaram".
Koodal Azhagar temple One of the most ancient temples in Madurai. Koodal azhagar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In this temple, he is seen in various postures sitting, standing, reclining one over the other. There are intricate wood carvings here including one of Lord Ramas's coronation. Azhagar Koil This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located 18 km north east of Madurai on a picturesque hilltop. The gold image of azhagar travels for the Celestial marriage during the Chithirai festival. Pazhamudhir solai On the same hills of Azhahar Koil, this is again one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya. The other places to visit Madurai are Gandhi Museum, Tiruparam Kundram etc.