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STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES OF INDIA
TAMIL NADU
Places near Madurai

Koodal Azhagar Temple

This ancient Vaishnavite temple is situated to the west of Madurai. Lord Vishnu is seen in three postures - The main idol is seen seated. In the Ashtaanga Vimanam the Lord is seen reclining (Palli konda Perumal) & in the standing posture (Surya Narayanan) in the next level - each depicted one above the other. This temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures.


Thirupparankunram
In this place located 8 kms south of Madurai is the 6th century rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Muruga, one among the six abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Muruga. Murugar married Deyvayanai, the daughter of Indra here after killing the asura king Surapadman. There are separate shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganapathy, Durgai, Vishnu and other deities.

There is a tomb of a Muslim saint Sikander atop the hill.


Azhagar Koil This temple is located 18 kms from Madurai at the foot of a hill. The Lord here is Sundarajar. Azhagar is taken out in procession during the Chithirai festival to the river Vaigai to participate in the marraige cermeony of Meenakshi Sundareswarar.


Pazhamudhirsolai
This temple is located on a hill adjacent to Azhagar Koil. This temple is one among the six abodes of Lord Murugar. A natural spring called Nuburagangai is located here.


Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkadi)
This sanctuary is located 140 kms from Madurai. The Periyar dam was built towards the end of the 19th century. The lake is at an elevation of 2700 ft. Wild animals like the elephant, gaur, sambhar, tigers can be seen roaming freely. coming to the lake.


Kodaikanal
This hill resort is about 120 kms from Madurai, set at an altitude of 2,133 mts.
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Vaigai dam (69 kms), Suruli Waterfalls (130 kms), Kumbakkarai waterfalls (85 kms) are other interesting places to visit.

Places of interest in Madurai