Madurai

Madurai is closely associated with the Tamil  language, as all three primary congregations of Tamil scholars, the Third Tamil Sangams, were held in the city.  Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Tiru-aalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River.Koodal Alagar Temple is a Vishnu temple located in the city. It has idols of Navagraham (nine planet deities), which are otherwise found only in Shiva temples.  It is one of 108 Divya Desams of Vaisnava Holy Places. Azhakar Kovil  (Thirumaliruncholai or Azhakar temple), is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu situated 21 km from the city of Madurai.