WEAVER'S WORLD / MADURAI / PLACES TO VISIT -3

WEAVER'S WORLD / MADURAI / PLACES TO VISIT -3

Noopura Ganaga is a river where all the season water is flowing. It is a miracle. It is in the Alagar koil hills. Near to that one of the six Murugan temples is there. Above the Alagar Koil or temple, one can have the darshan of Lord Murugan in Palamudhirsolai. It is also one among six Padaiveedu or panchayat towns in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu of Lord Murugan. From there one can climb steps to reach Noopura Gangai Theertham. It is a holy water source where we can take bath, or pour water on the head. Till date it is a miracle, that one cannot find the place from where the holy water comes. But all over the year water is available here. The Raykkai Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Rakkayi who is the daughter of Aangirasa Rishi and is the custodian of all the water bodies in the vicinity of Azhagar Malai or Hills. A small but perennial river called the Noopura Gangai flows from the sanctum sanctorum of this temple – from the feet of the Goddess and waters are used for performing the holy bath of the Deities in this temple. There is a motor able road up to the base of the temple and then one has to climb about 50 odd steps to reach the temple premises. The devout tourists visiting Pazhamudir Solai Murugan Temple should also visit this temple to get the blessings of the Goddess. The Temple Authorities have provided a outlet for the holy waters where the devotees can bathe before entering the sanctum sanctorum. A devotee praying sincerely to this Goddess is supposed to be blessed and her powers ward of the curses and bad omen. The priests offer kumkum, flowers and lemon from the feet of the Goddess as prasadam to the devotees.

Samanar Hill is 12 Kms from Madurai town, which is unfortunately very less known to the people of Madurai. If you are in need of a nice evening climb it could just give you that. It is heard that Jain saints used to reside at the hill and you can see some ancient sculptures there. From the foot of the hill till the half the distance to the top of the peak carved stone steps are present. After that you are on your own with less safety provisions and dangerous rocky slopes. It is always ideal to have someone who is familiar in front of you. From the top you could see whole Madurai Town and viewing the sunset from the rocky hill top is an awesome experience.

ISKCON Madurai, Sri Sri Radha Mathurapati Temple

Smaller than the ISKCON temples of bigger cities in India, one can visit this just to get the ISKCON ‘feel’. Well built, clean and helps you to have peace and satisfaction. This is not a tourist attraction and cannot be compared with the huge temples in and around Madurai. Visit this temple if you have faith in Lord Krishna then you will appreciate the beauty and peace.

Iconic monument with peace and silent in a busy area of madurai, This church is known for its masses and prayers. This old Cathedral stands very impressively amongst the Madurai streets and traffic. A look inside will show the Tourists its massive european design and architecture. The church is well maintained, and Tourists can spend a quiet moment admiring the place.

Vaigam Dam was constructed in 1959 in Theni District near Andipatty. The height of dam is 111 feet and water can be stored up to 71 feet. Vaigai dam is the main source of water for Theni, Madurai, Dindigul,Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts. There are two beautiful parks in north and south sides of dam which is a nice attraction for kids maintained by the water Resources Department. A small bridge connects the two sides of the park in front of the dam. It is best destination for half day tour with family and kids.

Goripalayam Dargah was built in 13th century and is the largest mosque in Madurai. The dargah encompasses graves of two Muslim saints and rulers of Madurai. The saints, Hazrat Sulthan Alauddin Badusha (Radiyallah) and Hazrat Sulthan Shamsuddin Badusha (Radiyallah), belonged to Oman. Located on the northern bank of the River Vaigai, it was believed to be built by Thirumalai Nayak. The remarkable feature about the dargah is that it has two tombs along with a dome. The size of the dome is 70 ft in diameter and 20 ft in height. The dome is made of a single piece of stone. The entrance of the dargah holds an inscription in Tamil language. This inscription is considered as an evidence of the existence of dargah since the 13th century.

Kutladampatti Falls is an artificial waterfall located in the village of Kutladampatti near Vadipatti in Madurai district about 30 km (19 mi) northwest of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The waterfallfall is in a reserve forest managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. The water falls from a height of about 27 metres (89 ft).

There are some other places also to visit close by.