Although Madurai is a city of over a million it somehow retains a village feel - at least in the old center where there are narrow lanes and a designated pedestrian zone around the temple.
But first a trip to the Gandhi Museum, housed in an old palace. We were very absorbed by the clear panels about the history of the push for independence from the British. Even more horrifying than we knew. and we wondered how the Brits had the man-power, even during WWII, to maintain such control.
A small shrine room painted black held the dhoti in a lit glass case that Gandhi wore the day he was killed. We were happy to have some private moments here as our emotions ran high sensing his presence and influence.
All of these precepts still hold, maybe the need is even greater.
And then on to the Meenakshi Temple,
Gorgeous ceilings.
There are 5 of these towers, all covered with carvings. We kept trying to imagine how long this took and how many people just chipping away at the rock. Incomprehensible actually!
They say that 15,000 people visit each day, but it did not seem crowded.
Watching the people making offerings was very beautiful.
People did the most amazing ritualistic movements in front of this statue of Ganesh. Bobbing up and down several times, then crossing their arms to use their fists to pound on their temples and pull their earlobes. Another mystery of religion!
Some details of the carvings.
As we walked around town in the morning we noticed that many banks and big jewelry stores were having poojas with chanting and percussion.
Just love the colorful sari shops - they are everywhere! Probably 99% of women wear them here in the south. They clean, they garden in them - I wonder if they sleep in them too???
Such lovely produce - but no where for us to cook this bounty!
Snacks fried to order.
The slogans on the buses and tuk-tuks are always so delightful. Any Body Can Dance.
Stay tuned for the next post - the signs of India!
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