It
seems probable that a Pandyan king sent an Ambassador to the Roman Emperor Augustus in 27
B.C. The discovery of Roman coins of the time of Augustus confirms the trade relations
between the two countries. It further proves that the city of Madurai is very ancient and,
in spite of several changes in the ruling dynasties and the consequent vicissitudes of
war, the essence of culture is still continued in the South.
The name of the city 'Madurai' is based on a spiritual association. The great sage Agastya
was the spiritual guide of the Pandyan kings. Mostly they were Saivites and as such great
devotees of Lord Siva. By the performance of many sacrificial rites they pleased Lord Siva
and obtained divine weapons through His grace.
It is said that once Dhananjaya,a merchant, was
returning through forest areas full of Kadamba trees, when he saw Indra worshipping a
Swayambhu Siva Linga. He informed the Pandyan king Kulasekhara of this. |
