Madurai
We set off from Kodai by the early morning bus ( 6 45 AM). We had breakfast in between at Batlagundu and reached Madurai by around 10 30 AM.
We were of course late for the marriage. We met Sethu, his brothers and father. Wished Sethu the very best, had a good lunch, took a few photographs and headed off to Madurai Meenakshi temple.
The temple is an artistic beauty. We were all around the place as we had ample time. We looked at each pillar, each statue closely and had a fun time. Kalyan paid Rs 25 for taking the camera in to the 1000 Pillars mandap and to compensate, he must have taken a 1000 snaps.
We walked all over the city, snacked at Saravana Bhavan and headed off to the bus depot. We caught the 9 PM bus to Bangalore abd were here by 8 30 AM on the 24th.
There were a couple of foreigners at the temple who were guided by a local lady. I faintly heard the lady showing them “Nandi” and telling them that it was a cow. I rushed to correct her, told them that it was a bull and the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Guiding somebody is not about telling them some story and making money. I have a few of my friends from abroad having known better hindu mythology than us. But, can’t blame the local lady.
At the temple, I didnt find any boards talking about the history of the temple which I wished to know. Anyways, here is a link.
http://www.madurai.com/meena.htm
Tourist places in India are full of tricksters and if you dont know the local language, you will find holes in your pockets soon.
