The interesting History of Madurai city and Madurai Meenakshi temple

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The Madurai city is one of the oldest cities in India. The history of the city dates back to older than 600 BC. Megasthenes an ambassador of Selucus I has recorded in writings about the business activities of Madurai city in 3rd century BC. Also there were records of active trade with Rome and the city was well known for rich resources of Gem stones, Pearls and Spices. It was the capital of Pandya kings for many centuries and remained a famous center for religious and business activities.

 

The streets and thoroughfare were constructed in the form of lotus keeping Meenakshi Amman temple as the center. The Pandya king Kulaseka Pandian ordered to build this temple when he found a `lingam' the symbol under which the Hindu god Siva in the midst of forest. The temple was altered and rebuilt by several kings followed after him and much of the credit goes to the king Thirumalai Nayak who is responsible for most of the elegant monuments that stand today in Madurai.

 

Find more interesting facts about Madurai India at http://www.madurai4u.com