Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India, which is located on the banks of the Vaigai River. Madurai is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu after Chennai and Coimbatore. The city has a number of historical monuments and considered to be the pilgrim center. Madurai is referred by various names namely koodal nagaram, meaning the city of junctions, Malligai maanagar implies city of Jasmine flower, Koil maanagar implies temple city and also as Thoonga nagaram which means the city that never sleeps. Madurai is famous for Meenakshi temple and for chitrai festival. Meenakshi temple is located in the heart of Madurai city and goddess Meenakshi is the prinicipal deity of the temple.Meenakshi temple occupies around 45 acres and has 12 gopurams out of which four major gopurams are placed facing the four directions.
