All India Jain Temples and Tourist Places

Author(s): B C Nagraj
Publisher: ITI Jains Association, Bangalore

Page 95

273. MADUMALAI FOREST (Indira Gandhi wild life Sanctuary, 75 kms from Coimbatore)
This forest is adjoining to Bandipur Forest of Karnataka. Tigers, Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langoor, Elephant, Gaur, Wild boar, Spotted deer and other animals habitate here. 274. OOTY :(100 km to Coimbatore, Hill station)
This is the queen of Hill stations situated in Nilgiris at an attitude of 7,500 feet. Tourists will flock here in summer due to its beautiful cool climate. The places to be seen here are Botonical gardens, Lake, Doddabetta peak etc. A boat ride in the lake is enchanting. 275. TANJORE: (350 kms from Chennai)
Tanjavur known as Tanjore was the capital of great Chola kings during 10th to 14th century A.D. The 'Brihadeshwara Temple' is the grandest temple in India and stands testimony to the great builders. The tapering spire over which a dome stands, carved out of a single stone weighing 80 tons. The main deity is Eshwaralinga. A beautifully carved Nandi is there in front of the temple. This monument has been declared as 'World Heritage Monument'. The other places to be seen here are Palace, Saraswathi mahal library having many manuscripts and Sangeetha mahal. 276. TIRUCHY :(319 kms from Chennai)
This is an importnat city of Tamil nadu and is a big business centre. The rock fort over an hillock houses a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. From here the beautiful view of river cauvery is enchanting.
Srirangam temple ( Vishnu) and Jambukeswaram temple (Shiva) near by are the important temples. 277. MADURAI: (461 kms from Chennai)
This is a holy city and one of the oldest Cities. This city has been a seat of learning and culture. This was also a centre of jainism in olden days.
Sri Meenakshi temple is a big complex and is world famous. The deities are Sri Sundareshwara (Shiva) and Sri Meenakshi (Consort of Shiva). The temple of Madura was renovated and expanded to the present state by the Nayak kings who were the feudatories of Vijayanagar Empire, during 17th century A.D. This temple is said to be the jewel' among the Dravidan architecture. The temple has many beautiful sculptures.
88