Slept in, then went to the Hindu temple complex in Madurai. It was very impressive, ancient, and an enormous complex of gates in all directions, huge courtyards, different buildings, and temple. We went into the thousand pillar area, of ornately carved pillars, and pics were taken there. Then looked at the central bathing/washing area but the rule was no non Hindus admitted into the puja area where the rituals were taking place. No pics are ever allowed there anyways. Hundreds of people lined up for the ritual part. The complex had huge number of vendors selling all manner of spiritual goods etc. It was a good visit. Then the long 6 hour road trip to Puducherry. I forgot to say that sign posting is not common, especially in Madurai which is a big city. We were asking directions all the way. Interesting, as the driver could communicate in Tamil of course, but we had conversations with men on motorbikes while we were driving, multiple times. Yes, we did stop to ask directions many times, but we talked and drove next to auto rickshaws, and both drivers were engrossed in conversation on directions. To us, we could not have read the few directions that there were as they were mostly in Tamil script, but it was not easy even for Tamil people. The communication was successful, as we never got lost. We did stop for meals along the way, especially to drink a lime soda to cool off. This is winter!! Don't come in the 45C summer.....you may not make it!!!We got back to Puducherry at about 7 pm!! It was expensive actually, as the best way to travel is by bus. Not government busses, which are virtually free, but take forever, but luxury bus. I had no option but taxi, but the trip was amazing, and Sri Lanka so so close!
Madurai temple gate
Ornate carvings. We say stone masons actually carving stone pillars in the temple courtyard too.
BELOW the thousand pillars carved
Above on the stone elephant
Below main area
Above impressive shrine area inside the temple: many many shrines in the temple area
Above ornate ceiling paintings with pillars
Bathing/washing courtyard area with steps
Below one of the many gates
Above, ceiling decoration
Above, I persuaded these guys to pose for a pic
More gates
Complete with temple gate on head and tikka on forehead. Below there had been a celebration of the life of Ghandi at his statue, yellow garlands decorated it....on my walk after return!!
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