Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Sthalasayana Perumal Temple

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple

flickr: Sthalasayana Perumal Temple

Short Overview:

The Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is located near the Mamallapuram. The Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Sthalasayana Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as Nilamangai Thayar. The temple has a special shrine for Bhootathalvar who was born in Mamallapuram.  Sthalasayana Perumal is believed to have appeared to sage Vyakara Patha. Three daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam festival.

Long Overview:

Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is at Mahabalipuram. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha. The early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th – 9th centuries, this is one of the shore temples in Mahabalipuram located near the bus terminus. The Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Sri Vishnu as Sthalasayana Perumal and Divine Mother Shakti as Nilamangai Thayar. 

The temple has a special shrine for Bhootathalvar who was born in Mamallapuram. The place has the reputation of being the birthplace of Saint Boodhathazhwar enriching the Vaishnava Nalayira Divya Prapandham literature with his hymns.  This is one of the celebrated 108 Divyadesas of Lord Perumal.  Procession deity appears with a lotus bud in his hand as if offering it at the feet of the Lord. The remaining one is the present Lord Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal temple. This is also under the attack of sea waves.  Observing a possible future calamity, Vijaya Nagar king Parangusa built a temple within the city of Mamallapuram in the 14th century and installed Perumal, it is the belief of the devotees that worshipping Sthala Sayana Perumal means worshipping Perumal in His Vaikundam itself directly. 

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Vijayanagara Fort

Vijayanagara Fort 

Short Overview:

The ancient Vijayanagar fort on the eastern side of the Chengalpattu town of Kanchipuram district of Mahabalipuram city lies on the National Highway between Tiruchirappalli and Chennai. It is about 30kms away from Mahabalipuram. The tourists can find the remains and ruins of an ancient Vijayanagar fort. To experience the era, a tourist does get attracted in great amount. 

Long Overview:

According to history Chingleput was earlier the capital of the rulers of Vijayanagar Empire. They selected the town as their capital after they lost the Battle of Talikota  in 1565 at the hands of the Deccan sultanates. Later in 1639 a portion of the coastal land was offered by a local governor to the British East India Company. The popular historic monument Vijayanagar fort adorned by a lake was built during the 16th century by the Vijayanagar kings in Chingleput. Now on the historical land of Chengalpattu there are only the remains and wreck of the earlier massive structure is found.  This site is open for tourist to experience the feel of the period. The silk and cotton weaving industry, tanneries, indigo dyeing, a cigar factory also flourished here in the vicinity. Salt was also manufactured along the coast. 

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Kolavai Lake

Kolavai Lake

Short Overview:

Kolavai Lake is one of the tourist spots, which lies on the eastern side of Chengalpattu town in Kanchipuram. It is also known as Chengalpattu Lake and is about 2 km from the town, adjoining the Chennai- Tiruchi railway line. There is an adventure water sports center and a boating center near the lake. Facilities are available for joy rides and boating, due to water shortage in summer, Chennai water tankers are forced to collect water from the lake.

Long Overview:

Kolavai Lake is one of the tourist spots, which lies on the eastern side of Chengalpattu town in Kanchipuram. It is also known as Chengalpattu Lake and is about 2 km from the town, adjoining the Chennai-Tiruchi railway line. There is an adventure water sports center and a boating center near the lake Facilities are available for joy rides and boating. Kolavai Lake is the second largest lake in the Kanchipuram after the Madhuranthagam Lake. Once a very huge lake, now it has been reduced to nearly half the size due to the creation of the Mahindra World city on its banks and other encroachments. Kolavai lake is well known for its perenniality. There are no records of going dry in summers. It even supplies water to industries in Chennai when the lakes in Chennai go dry. The lake is now being polluted due to the rapid urbanization of Chengalpattu. The early morning sunrise and the moon howering above the lake over its waters in the night are scenic to the eyes.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Sculpture Museum

Sculpture Museum

Short Overview:

Mahabalipuram is one of the important places where a tourist can experience the various sculptures depicting the Hindu mythological characters, gods and goddesses. The ancient rock carvings and the intricate details of the sculpture can be seen in this place. The temples, old monuments and their designs are the main attractions that invite tourists from different parts of the country to this place. The stone, wooden sculptures and the ancient paintings are the main attractions of the museum.

Long Overview:

The sculpture museum of Mahabalipuram is famous for its elaborate collection of sculptures and images of god and goddesses of Hindu mythology. The Sculpture museum of Mahabalipuram is located in the East Raja Street and is well accessible by all modes of transport. There are more than 3,000 sculptures can be found in this museum. All the sculptures bear the historic significance and the tales of the bygone days. In the display of the museum there are sculptures made of wood, metal, brass and cement. 

There are creations of ancient artists to the contemporary ones. The detailed architecture and the images of god and goddess depict the bounty of the Gupta Empire. Not only Hindu mythology, but the Buddhists sculptures and images too, exist in the temple town. The monolithic statues, the Rathas (chariots), sculptured relief and their miniature. Sculpture Museum is a must visit for the tourists. The stone, wooden sculptures and the ancient paintings are the main attractions of the museum.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Tiger's Cave Temple

Tiger's Cave Temple

Short Overview:

Tiger’s Cave is a rock-cut cave temple Located at a distance of 5 Km from Mahabalipuram in a coastal village on the Kovalam Road. It is a dedicated to goddess Durga and is crowned with several heads of the mythical creature, Yali, which looks like a lion or a tiger. While one side of the cave is crowded with heads, the other is carved into a single ferocious head of a Yali. A puddle of water below reflects the many heads as several eyes of the animal gape at you.  Tiger's Cave is located 4 kms north of the main monument complex. It was built as an open-air theatre, where cultural programs could have been held during the Pallava period. Though it is very near the sea, the place is serene and calm.

Long Overview:

Tiger's Caves are near the coastal village of Salurankuppam that is only 5 kilometers to the north of Mahabalipuram. This amazing mandapa contains a shrine that is dedicated to the goddess Durga. There are large and impressive figures located in front of the caves. As with most carvings in India, the carvings and figures tell a story. This story has to do with an event that happened to the goddess Durga. The Tiger's Caves are popular attraction which allows you to take in the sights at the caves as well as enjoy the beauty of the landscape. Tiger's Cave may conjure up awesome images of tigers living in caves. It gets its name from a cave set apart among the rocks with a crown of carved tiger heads around the temple.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology

Short Overview:

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world and one of the oldest non government environmental organizations in Asia. The primary aim is to promote the conservation of reptiles and amphibians on the Indian subcontinent, but our inference is multidisciplinary and extends worldwide. For outdoor nature enthusiasts, the spacious Croc Bank grounds are covered by luxuriant coastal dune forest. It provides a haven for native wildlife, including large breeding colonies of water birds and a secure nesting beach for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.

Long Overview:

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world. It is spread over eight and a half acres of land and is home to over 2500 reptiles. We give you an opportunity to have an interactive experience with the various denizens at the zoo. The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (or Croc Bank) was the brainchild of the legendary Romulus Whitaker and a handful of like-minded conservation visionaries who began work on the facility in 1976, in a desperate effort to save India’s dwindling crocodile populations. Today, after more than 30 formidable years of cutting edge science and grassroots education, the Croc Bank remains a world leader in the field of Frontline conservation and the preservation of natural landscapes. 


The Croc Bank currently consists of a large reptile park near Chennai, Southern India, and several field projects located throughout the subcontinent reaching as far afield as the Nicobar Islands. The zoo sees close to half a million visitors per year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions along the famous East Coast Road.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Cholamandal Artists Village

Cholamandal Artists Village

Short Overview:

Cholamandal Artist Village, situated on the Mahabalipuram Road, 18 kms away from Chennai. Cholamandal Artists Village established in 1966, one of its kind. It is known to be India’s biggest self-supporting art colony and 1 of the productive artistic village in Asia. The founder of this village was Mr. K. C. S. Paniker, Cholamandal is one of its kind as it is very different from the former exclusive artist colonies in context, concepts and character. They sometimes hold dance performances in a small open-air theater, and there are some simple cottages for hire if any tourist wants to stick around for a workshop or residency.

Long Overview:

The Cholamandal Artists’ Village is an idyllic place located on 10 acres of land, about 9 km from Adyar, Chennai along the New Mahabalipuram road. Being India’s largest self-supporting artists’ village and one of the most successful in Asia, this beautiful village is truly a magnum opus of contemporary art. It is equipped with all that is needed for an arts village, especially the open-air theatre Bharathi that is used for holding discussions and conferences. It has earned a reputation world over and is now, one of the major tourist attractions in the Coastal city. 

This village has a stable art gallery, studio facilities, a brick kiln, an amphitheatre, a guesthouse, a huge library, and a metal workshop. You can also see the graphic press that was arranged by a Dutch potter. The amphitheatre over here is very famous and many alluring dance performances and poetry reading competitions are adjudged in the Cholamandal Artists Village, Chennai.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Krishna Mandapam

Krishna Mandapam

Short Overview:

The largest cave-cut Hindu temple in Mahabalipuram is Krishna Mandapam. This is the biggest among the Mandapams and is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a famous legend who has been the figure of many mythological stories.  The sculptures inside this Mandapam beautifully picturise the myth of Lord Krishna during his brave and energetic adulthood. He lifted the huge mount govardhara in elder to provide shelter for his people and their animals from the rain. Lord Indra, god of rain poured rain continuously due to his wrath. The shepherd community, namely Gokulas was shopped and thanked lord Indra once a year for his showers of blessings.

Long Overview:

The largest cave-cut Hindu temple in Mahabalipuram is Krishna Mandapam.  It is also one of the oldest structures in Mahabalipuram. This structure is cut in diorite, above the temple there are located enormous boulders. Close next to it is located one of the most amazing ancient artworks of world - Arjuna's Penance, entrance of the temple has six columns, five columns are adorned with horned lions. Further inside there are more columns, temple is closely linked to the local legend about Lord Indra - god of rain and Lord Krishna, Krishna Mandapam Mahabalipuram is the biggest amongst the other Mahabalipuram Mandapams and it is devoted to Lord Krishna. Sculptures in the Krishna Mandapam Mahabalipuram express courageous and energetic adulthood of Lord Krishna. In order to give shelter and protect people and animal from the rain Lord Krishna lifted giant mount Govardhra. Lord Indra, god of rain poured rain a lot on the people because of his anger. Stunning pastoral life of animals and people are portrayed beautifully inside the Krishna Mandama Mahabalipuram.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Thirukadalmallai

Thirukadalmallai

Short Overview:

The temple Thirukadalmallai had been dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pallava King built the temple to safeguard the sculptures from corrosion and destruction due to the ocean waves. Records state that, after building the temple, the remaining temple grounds remained preserved from harm by the sea. In the diary of Govinda dasa, with its foundation threaded in mythological lores and tales of devotional zeal, Thirukadalmallai is mesmerizingly beautiful. Surrounded by a canopy of evergreen shrubs and trees. There are a number of tiny villages settled near the temple where you can pick up unique handicrafts and antiques.

Long Overview:

Thirukadalmallai Temple is built by the Pallava King at Mahabalipuram to protect the sculptures from the waves of the ocean. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, known as Valavendai Gnanapiran. It is also popular for its Adivaraha shrine near the seashore. After the completion of the temple, the remaining structure was preserved so that it does not get corroded by sea. The temple is also called Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and is considered as one of 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. 

This temple is visited by a number of tourists during the festival of Maasi Makham. This temple is a Divya Desam, a Vishnu temple that features in the work of the Tamil Azhvars. It has a tapering roof that stands tall against the sky.  From the temple grounds, you can hear the sea lapping against the shore if the sound of nearby traffic is quiet enough, known to its devotees as Sthalasayana Perumal Temple. Yet another Pallavan architectural marvel. Thiruadalmallai has two separate shrines, one dedicated to Lord Sthalasayana Perumal and Nilamangai Thayaar and the other to Lord Narasimha.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram Beach

Mahabalipuram Beach

Short Overview:

The Mahabalipuram beach is a marvelous destination to visit. It is probably one of the finest un-touched beaches in India, situated on the coastline of Tamil Nadu. Truly a mesmerizing beach, the golden sandy Mamallapuram Beach is a picturesque place bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills. It's one of the longest Beach in India and you will find magnificent monuments besides this beach. Identified as the most pristine beaches of Tamil Nadu, the beach attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. 

Long Overview:

The old port town of Mahabalipuram is also known as Mamallapuram on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, has a coastline spanning a distance of over 20 km with beautiful beaches. Located 58km from Chennai on the  Mahabalipuram road, the golden sandy beach is a picturesque place bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills. Identified as the most pristine beaches of Tamil Nadu, the beach attracts numerous of tourists throughout the year. The beach is an ideal place for sunbathing and lazing around. The sea is rough and swimming is not recommended. 

Mahabalipuram beach also has some ancient historical monuments in its close proximity and this is the main reason of attraction of this beach. There is one of the oldest shore temples in South India built by the Pallava King Rajasimha in the early 8th century and the world's largest bas-relief, he 'Penance of Arjuna, the five rathas and the tiger's cave along the beach. The deep-sea angling is also famous here. There is a wide choice of resorts along the beach. Fisherman's Cove, a private beach resort offers water sports apart from its magnificent beach area. Some resorts are also having beach front restaurants.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Krishna's Butter Ball

Krishna's Butter Ball

Short Overview:

The “butterball” is a giant balancing rock, 5 meters in diameter, perched on a smooth slope, seemingly defying all laws of physics. This huge rock boulder is quite popular with locals and tourist attraction as it makes for an interesting backdrop for some whacky photographs. Brave-hearts may sit under the cool shade of the rock and can have their photographs taken. One of the most common sights is for visitors placing hands under the stone posing for pictures, which looks as though they are holding it. It is believed that several Pallava kings have attempted to move the stone, but the legend is that neither the kings, nor their elephants could shift the boulder even by an inch. 

Long Overview:

The “butterball” is a giant balancing rock, 5 meters in diameter, perched on a smooth slope, seemingly defying all laws of physics. Located at a short distance from Krishna’s butterball is the Ganesha Mandapam. In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna had an insatiable appetite for butter, and as a child, would often sneak a handful from his mother’s butter jar. Situated on a hill slope near the Ganesh Ratha this massive natural rock boulder is attributed to a bolus of butter the young Krishna would steal. This boulder is perilously resting at an angle of 45 degrees. The rock boulder is surrounded by lush greenery that immediately has a calming effect on one’s senses.  The best time to visit Krishna’s Butterball in Mahabalipuram is between November and February when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy the serenity of this place. It’s a common sight to see visitors placing hands under the stone posing for pictures, which looks as though they are holding it up. The rock provides welcome shade if you dare to sit underneath it, and local kids have discovered that the slippery nearby hillside also makes a great natural slide.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Mahishasuramardhini Cave

Mahishasuramardhini Cave

Short Overview:

Mahabalipuram contains 14 cave temples and several of these unique structures contain significant works of ancient art. One of them is Mahishasura Mardini Cave, which contains several beautiful reliefs well, demonstrating the artistic abilities of sculptors in Pallavas times.  It is located at the base of diorite hillock, with another ancient structure called the Olakneswara Temple on top of this hill. It has two very beautifully carved frescoes of Durga, the mother goddess at both ends of the long hall of the cave. She is shown seated on lion her mount, or vehicle with all her weapons.

Long Overview:

The Mahishasuramardini cave temple consists of a long columned verandah with three sanctums. It takes its name from the large sculpture panel on its walls celebrating the feat of the goddess Durga (a form of the Mother Goddess Shakti) who slew the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura. With its natural beauty and sense of movement, the bas-relief panel is a masterpiece of Indian art. It is located at the base of diorite hillock, with another ancient structure called the Olakneswara Temple on top of this hill.

Front part of the cave temple is adorned with four columns and two pilasters, floor and ceiling are not completed. Columns have different design, existing two central columns are different. Most likely this is explained by the attempt of Vaisnavites to remove them. One was really removed and was recently replaced by a low quality replica. The mandapa is one of the most important caves in Mahabalipuram. It is dedicated to the goddess Mahishasuramardini, who is considered an incarnation of the goddess Durga. The mandapa is carved into the granite rock face of a hill. The verandah cut at the cave entrance, long and calumniated, has a composition of three chambers. The artist successfully captures both the intense energy of the battle between the forces of excellent and evil and the contrasting serenity of the god in repose.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Shore Temple

Shore Temple

Short Overview:

Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is one of the earliest structural temples in Southern India designated to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal was constructed in the 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha (c. 690-728). The Shore temples are a temple complex consisting of two Shiva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. The temple facing east is entered by a small gopura. On plan, it consists of a small sanctum & a front mandapa & is a two-tiered Vimana. The sanctum is housing a linga. The Somaskanda panel consisting of Siva & Parvati with baby Skanda is on the back wall of the sanctum. The temple facing west is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is large in plan comprising sanctum, mahamandapa, front mandapa, balipitha and dvajastamba. 

Long Overview:

Shore Temple is a structural monument on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, Built in the 7th century, located in Mahabalipuram, depicts the royal taste of Pallava dynasty. The temple is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the reign of Rajasimha, the temple saw its construction when Pallava art was at its apex. Ravaged by wind and sea, the temple has witnessed the historical events of India. Shore Temple is also acknowledged for being the first stone structure made by the Pallavas. Before this, the monuments used to be carved out of the rocks or stones. Unlike other monuments of the region, Shore Temple is a five-storied rock-cut structural temple more willingly than monolithic.  The exterior wall of the shrine to Lord Vishnu and the internal side of the boundary wall are elaborately carved and sculptured.  The three in one abode of the lords, one temple of lord Vishnu between the two great Shiva temples are of special interest to the pilgrims visiting Mahabalipuram.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Varaha Cave Temple

Varaha Cave Temple

Short Overview:

Varaha Cave Temple (also known as Adivaraha Cave Temple) is a rock-cut cave temple located at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is part of the hilltop village, which is 4 km to the north of the main Mahabalipurm sites of Rathas and the Shore Temple. It is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century. The temple is one of the finest testimonials to the ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis of rock-cut cave architecture, out of many such caves also called mandapas. This temple is a sanctuary belongs to UNESCO.

Long Overview:

A small jewel of the ancient South Indian architecture is Varaha Cave Temple. A rock-cut Hindu temple located in the ancient city of Mahabalipuram is a sanctuary belongs to UNESCO World Heritage site named "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram".  Mahabalipuram (ancient name – Mamallapuram) was flourishing port city of Pallava dynasty during the 7th – 9th centuries. Varaha Cave Temple is located on the hills of Mahabalipuram town, 4 km to the north of the main Mahabalipurm sites of Rathas and Shore Temple. The artists at Mamallapuram made courageous experiments using the natural landscape to create striking, unusual monuments, numerous monuments of architecture and art in Mahabalipuram show gradual movement from rock-cut architecture of structural buildings. Varaha Cave Temple in this sense is one of the most primitive buildings in Mahabalipuram on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal of the Indian Ocean.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Arjuna's Penance

Arjuna's Penance

Short Overview:

Arjuna's Penance is skillfully carved rock is the largest bas - relief sculpture in the world situated in Mahabalipuram.  Arjuna's Penance dates back to the 7th century are another aesthetic work done by the Pallavas. Standing tall at a height of 43 feet, the Mamallapuram monolith was carved on the face of two huge adjoining boulders. It gets its name from the figure of an ascetic who is believed to be Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. However, there are others who think that the figure is actually Bhagiratha who entreated Siva to let the river Ganges flow over the earth.  The length of Arjuna's Penance is around 96 feet and the monolith is also known by the name of 'The Descent of Ganga'.

Long Overview:

Arjuna's Penance is a story from the Mahabharata of how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers who performed severe austerities in order to obtain a Shiva's weapon. Arjuna's Penance is a massive open-air bas-relief monolith which dates back to the 7th century, located in Mamallapuram  popularly known as Mahabalipuram is famous for its splendid 7th and 8th century art and architecture, especially the stone carvings under the dynasty  of the Pallavas. The Arjuna's penance is an enormous relief made on two massive boulders. One of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world, the Arjuna's penance is 31m long and 9m high. The surface of the rock has detailed carvings, showing the most endearing and natural renditions of animals especially the elephants and monkeys. The Arjuna's penance, is named after the Mahabharatha hero Arjuna. Further, there is also a myth about how King Bhagiratha brought the River Ganges down to earth so that the souls of his ancestors could rest in peace.

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Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Five Rathas /Pancha Rathas

Five Rathas /Pancha Rathas 

Short Overview:

The Five Rathas are a set of magnificent monolithic rock temples. Panch is a Hindi word which means ‘Five’. These fine rock temples are located in a sandy compound. These five Rathas are the perfect examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. They are built in the shape of pagodas and they look similar to that of the Buddhist shrines and monasteries. ‘Rathas’ in English mean ‘chariot’. There chariots are constructed with towers, the Monolithic temples, known as Five Rathas, from left to right: Draupadi, Nakula-Sahadeva, Bhima and Dharmaraja Rathas. The naming of these Ratha, after Pandavas and their wife the heroes of the epic Mahabharata are simply a local tradition.

Long Overview:

This historic town is located at about 60 kms away from south of Chennai. The structures built under pallavas dynasty are called Rathas because of their peculiar architecture and shape. The word ‘Ratha’ means the ‘chariot’. These temples are named after the presiding gods and their images in the temple. The ‘Ratha’ temples are the cave temple made of rocks. The Rathas are regarded as the five Rathas of Pandavas, the eminent characters of the Mahabharata. 

The stone chariots tell us stories of the bygone days of Mahabalipuram. The rock cut temples with exclusive sculptures make the temples more attractive for the tourists and archeologists alike, Draupadi Ratha- This Ratha is named after Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas, Arjuna Ratha- Arjuna is the third son of Pandu, the king of Hastinapur carved in memory of Arjuna, Durga Ratha is dedicated to Devi Durga, Bhima Ratha- the strongest son of Pandu, he was the second Pandava. Mahavishnu is the lord to whom Bhima’s chariot is dedicated, Dharmaraja Ratha- The eldest son of Pandu was known as Dharmaraj for his truthfulness. Harihara is the lord to whom the Chariot is dedicated, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha- the twin brothers Nakul and Sahadeva and the temple is regarded as their chariot. The chariot is dedicated to the god of rain, Indra.

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Attractions Of Madurai:Rajaji Park

Rajaji Park

Short Overview:

Rajaji Park is a recreational childrens park situated at a distance of just 2km from the central bus stand, Madurai. It is owned and maintained by the corporation of Madurai, located near corporation office (Anna Maaligai). Rajaji Park is an ideal place to spend leisure time with the family. It is well maintained park of Madurai in which kids get entertained with the playing equipments installed in the park.

Long Overview:

Rajaji Park is located near the Corporation Office (Anna Maaligai) at Tallakulam in Madurai District. It is a recreation park owned and maintained by the Corporation of Madurai. It is well maintained park of Madurai in which kids get entertained with the playing equipments installed in the park. Besides the six play equipment maintained by it, 10 equipment maintained by a private firm is available at the park. School students are given a 50 per cent concession on the fee for all the play equipment. Gandhi Museum is another attraction near the park. With the number of visitors going up to 5,000 per day during holidays as against 2,000 to 3,000 on working days, the Corporation has extended the working hours of the park.


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Attractions Of Madurai:Sri Narasingam Perumal Temple

Sri Narasingam Perumal Temple

Short Overview:

This Sri Narasinga Perumal is situated is a rock-cut temple located at a distance of 12 Kms from Madurai. The main God and Goddess of this temple are Sri Narasinga Perumal and Sri Narasingavalli Thayar. Yoga Narasinga Perumal be constructed in 770 AD by Madurakavi who was the minister of the Madurai King Paraanthaka Nedunchelzyan. The sculpture of Narasinga Perumal is carved out of the Aanaimalai Hill rocks. Lord Narasimha graces the devotees in a standing posture with mothers Sridevi and Bhoodevi. Though named Lord Narasimha, He is not Narasimha in the face, but a smiling Vishnu. 

Long Overview:

This rock-cut temple for Sri Narasinga Perumal is situated at the foot of Aanaimalai hills on its Northern side, which is at a distance of about 12km from Madurai. Narasingam is famous for the Cave Temple of Yoga Narasinga Perumal constructed in 770 AD by Madurakavi who was the minister of the Madurai King Paraanthaka Nedunchelzyan. The sculpture of Narasinga Perumal is carved out of the Aanaimalai Hill rocks. 

This temple is a good example of the cave sculpturing of the Pandya Kingdom. The main God and Goddess of this temple are Sri Narasinga Perumal and Sri Narasingavalli Thayar. This temple is known for "Girivalam' meaning circumnavigating the hills. The presiding deity Sri Narasinga Perumal seen in the seated posture and doing penance is the special feature of this temple. 

Narasingam Patti is the birthplace of Poet Perungoushiganar known for his literary work 'Aatru Padai' in "Paththuppattu". According to legends, once Saint Romasanmar penanced near the holy pond Chakra theertam, wishing for a child and darshan of Sri Perumal in Narasinga incarnation. Satisfied by the penance, Lord Narasingar appeared before Romasanmar. Unable to withstand Narasingar's flame of anger, Devas brought Pragaladhan. When Goddess Lakshmi embraced Narasingar's bosom, his anger settled down and he blessed Romasanmar. Later Sri Narasinga Perumal penanced here. A temple was formed at this site for Yoga Narasingar.



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Attractions Of Madurai:Teppakulam Mariamman Temple

Teppakulam Mariamman Temple

Short Overview:

Teppakulam Mariamman Temple also called as Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. It is located near Meenakshi Amman Temple. The area of the tank, and the island pavilion with a garden in the center, is approximately equal to the area of Meenakshi Temple. The idol of Vinayaka was discovered when earth was dug out from this region, which is said to be dug out by Tirumala Nayaka. Following this incident, this place has been considered sacred by the people of the state. Therefore, this place has been transformed into a teppakulam or a tank.

Long Overview:

Teppakulam Mariamman Temple is one of the most popular places of interest in Madurai. It is actually a big temple tank, which is situated quite close to the Meenakshi temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vigneshwara, the Elephant-faced God. According to mythology, earth was dug out from the tank to build the Tirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. The place was supposed to be blessed and was later converted into a Teppakulam (tank). Mariamman Teppakulam is famous for the celebrations of the Float festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai (January / February). The festival commemorates the birthday of King Thirumalai Nayak. The deities of the temple come down to the tank in colorful floats, presenting a mesmerizing sight. Pilgrims across India come to Madurai to participate in the festival.

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Attractions Of Madurai:Vaigai Dam

Vaigai Dam 

Short Overview:

Vaigai dam is built across the River, Vaigai. The Dam is in the district of Theni which is located near Andipatti. Vaigai Dam is the main source of water for drinking and irrigation to Madurai and Dindigul districts. Agricultural Research Station of Tamil Nadu has been constructed close to the Dam by Govt. Of Tamil Nadu. The institute conducts research on a wide variety of crops which includes rice, cotton, black gram and cowpea. Over the years, it has become a popular picnic spot, especially for group excursions.

Long Overview:

Vaigai Dam is an ultimate picnic spot built across the Vaigai River near Andipatti village in Theni district, is around 70km from Madurai on the way to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkadi. This dam was opened on 21st January 1959. It consists of height 32m length 22 m and total capacity of the dam is 6091 million cubic ft. This gravity dam provides a drinking water facility for the whole of Madurai and Andipatti region. This popular leisure spot beautifully illuminated on weekends, offers a breathtaking sight. On one side of the dam, there is a beautiful garden with all kinds of exotic flowers and plants. Picturesque hills border the river on the other side. Vaigai Hydroelectric Power Plant is at the dam and is a source of electricity in Tamil Nadu. The dam is surrounded by lush green trees. The dam also has a perfect boating facility. One can just go and have a relaxing time in the area.

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Attractions Of Madurai: Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple

Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple

Short Overview:

The Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple is situated 19 KM from the temple town of Madurai and is dedicated to Lord subramanya (vel Murugan). The place is so full of natural beauty and sylvan surroundings. This temple, on the solaimalai hill is also known as Vrishabhadri or Idabagiri is one among the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Here Murugan is worshiped along with his companions Valli as Iccha Shakti and Devayani as Kriya Shakti and he himself is worshiped as Jnana Shakti. The idol of the Lord is in the standing posture. The temple of Pazhamudhircholai can be reached by a vehicle road leading to the hill. While this temple is not as large or bustling as the other five recognized shrines, it is just as incredible to visit.

Long Overview:

The Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple is located at 19 KM from Madurai and 4 Kms above the Azhagar temple. It is devoted to Lord Subramanya (Vel Murugan). This place is fully surrounded by naturals and beauty. This temple is one among the six abodes of Lord Murugan, located on the solaimalai hill also known by the names Vrishabhadri or Idabagiri. At the top of the hill Lord Murugan is standing majestically with a single face and four hands is kept between the statues of his consorts. Pazhamudhircholai is mentioned as the sixth of Lord Murugans. It is a dense forest where Valli is supposed to have lived. The Vel of the lord made up of stone is of special significance and is worshipped with great veneration by devotees. It is a small temple with Valli, Deivayanai, and Lord Muruga in a separate shrine. Lord Ganesha is also present in a separate shrine. There is another small temple above PazhamudhirCholai. Local tribes lead their life here. Natural spring called Noopura Ganga with a temple dedicated to Raakkayi Amman is located at the top of the hill. A pilgrim to the Pazhamuthircholai Temple takes a dip in this small, sacred spring, which is said to have originated from the anklet of Tirumal or Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the devotee who visits this shrine is blessed with wealth and health.

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