We had more fun outside the view balcony with the locals who almost worshiped us, the foreign. They were very friendly but could be treatening at times. We would walk around and the crowd would spy, whisper, follow, laugh and gather behind us. They asked for having their pictures taking with us. The kids would show up from nowhere and yell goodbye. I don't really know if that happens because we were tourists or because we were not dressed as the locals.
We them went to the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal. There is no other building in Madurai, which better illustrates the architectural style of the Nayaks. The palace of Tirumalai Nayak is about 1 km away from the temple. This Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times as large as it is today. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa which house the royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and gardens. The most remarkable part of this palace is the dome of Swarga Vilasam, which lies beyond a huge courtyard and is a magnificent example of the engineering skill of its builders, rising as it does to a height of 20m without support of any kind. The building was very beautiful. The high ceilings took me to a state of mind away from my reality. I really enjoy it!!!!
We then went to the Meenakshi Temple. The Meenakshi temple, as we know it today, covers a vast area and is an eclectic mix of architectural styles, improved upon by different dynasties such as the Vijayanagara and Nayaka rulers. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to Tirumalai Nayak who brought back glory to this magnificent structure. Located at the heart of the city, the Meenakshi-Sundareshwar temple has long been the focus of both Indian and international tourist attraction as well as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage. People of the city wake up to the chant of hymns at the temple, which is the very centre of their cultural and religious life. The pilgrims were extremely friendly and asked us to take pictures with them. The shirtless guys were uncontable. The beautiful temple hold an open air center with lotus flower in it. The building ceilings were very colorful and artistic. I do wished to have those ceilings design one day...
Beautiful architeture and religiosity aside, I wish I could stop seeing guys peeing everywhere anytime every minute in the streets. And I though NYC was stinky in the Summer!!! Also hunking is constant. I hope it will be baned some day , soon... Maybe if guys stopped peeing in the sidewalks, people would actually walk on it...
The weather is veryyy warm. We see coconut trees every view. Coconut are sold in the temples to be offered to the Gods. Sugar cane and fruits are everywhere too. The sugar cane idea took me to my childhoold memories where my father would plant it in our backyard and peel it for us very often...
Well, I am really enjoying this Eastern part of the world. I am looking forward to more today...
More to come.
Pictures , pictures, pictures...
the Meenakshi Temple
"I am painfully conscious of my imperfections, and therein lies all the strength I possess, because it is a rare thing for a man to know his own limitations." M. K. Ganhi- TRUTH IS GOD book
