Madurai is situated on the banks of river Vaigai in Tamil Nadu a state in southern India. It is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu and has a population in excess of 1.1 million people. It is well known for the Meenakshi temple situated at the heart of the town which attracts both tourists and pilgrims. Madurai has a rich cultural heritage and has been an important commercial centre since early AD times when it was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.