A PLACE FIT FOR GOD’S TO MARRY Class 8 English Lesson 10
Madurai, often referred to as ‘The City of Nectar’ or Madhurapuri is one of the oldest cities in Tamil Nadu with rich historical and cultural significance. Known for its myths and legends, Madurai has a fascinating connection to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have neutralized poison that had fallen on the city with nectar from his crescent moon. Another myth suggests the city is surrounded by a snake with its tail in its mouth, turning attackers into stone. The city is renowned for its sweetness, as reflected in the melodious sounds, jasmine fragrances, and the politeness of its people. Madurai is famous for the grand wedding festival of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara, celebrated annually in Chaitra (April-May). The event lasts for twelve days and includes royal processions, music, elephants, and much more. The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is a stunning structure with intricate sculptures, dance halls, and a thousand-pillar mandapam. A visit to Madurai takes you back to a time of royal grandeur, legends, and splendid temples.
MCQs with Answers:
- What is Madurai also known as?
- A) City of Lights
- B) The City of Nectar
- C) City of Temples
- D) City of Music
Answer: B) The City of Nectar
- What is one of the myths about Madurai?
- A) It was built by Lord Vishnu
- B) It is surrounded by a snake with its tail in its mouth
- C) Lord Shiva once resided in Madurai
- D) The city was built on a mountain
Answer: B) It is surrounded by a snake with its tail in its mouth
- Who are the central deities of the famous wedding festival in Madurai?
- A) Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- B) Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
- C) Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara
- D) Lord Rama and Goddess Sita
Answer: C) Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara
- When is the Meenakshi-Sundareswara wedding festival celebrated?
- A) January
- B) Chaitra (April-May)
- C) December
- D) March
Answer: B) Chaitra (April-May)
- What is used in the grand wedding procession of Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara?
- A) Golden chariots
- B) Elephants, jewellery, silk, and royal umbrellas
- C) Horses and camels
- D) Royal boats
Answer: B) Elephants, jewellery, silk, and royal umbrellas
- What is the structure of the Meenakshi temple known for?
- A) Giant gold pillars
- B) Magnificent sculptures, dance halls, and a thousand-pillar mandapam
- C) A giant water tank
- D) A massive golden dome
Answer: B) Magnificent sculptures, dance halls, and a thousand-pillar mandapam
- What is one of the things Madurai is known for?
- A) Its cold climate
- B) The sweet-smelling jasmine strands
- C) Modern shopping malls
- D) High-tech infrastructure
Answer: B) The sweet-smelling jasmine strands
- What happens to the attackers of Madurai according to the myth?
- A) They are turned into stone
- B) They are blessed by the gods
- C) They are banished forever
- D) They are turned into animals
Answer: A) They are turned into stone
- What musical feature is present in the Meenakshi temple?
- A) Chimes
- B) Musical pillars
- C) Flute players
- D) Drums
Answer: B) Musical pillars
- Which of the following is a part of the grand wedding festival in Madurai?
- A) A floating parade
- B) Idols of nearby gods are brought
- C) A musical concert
- D) A treasure hunt
Answer: B) Idols of nearby gods are brought
- What did Lord Shiva use to neutralize the venom in Madurai?
- A) Water from the Ganges
- B) Nectar from his crescent moon
- C) Sacred fire
- D) A holy chant
Answer: B) Nectar from his crescent moon
- What is the city of Madurai famous for in addition to its myths?
- A) Its modern shopping malls
- B) Its old kings and queens
- C) Its parks and gardens
- D) Its wide streets and highways
Answer: B) Its old kings and queens
- What is the wind like in Madurai?
- A) Calm and quiet
- B) Windy, adding to the charm of the temples
- C) Hot and dry
- D) Humid and heavy
Answer: B) Windy, adding to the charm of the temples
- Which event is held for twelve days in Madurai?
- A) Diwali celebrations
- B) The Meenakshi-Sundareswara wedding festival
- C) Pongal festival
- D) Navaratri
Answer: B) The Meenakshi-Sundareswara wedding festival
- What do idols of Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara travel in during the festival?
- A) Chariots
- B) Palanquins and silver elephants
- C) Royal carts
- D) Boats
Answer: B) Palanquins and silver elephants
- How does the city of Madurai make an impression on visitors?
- A) With its modern architecture
- B) Through its royal and legendary atmosphere, and magnificent temples
- C) By its bustling markets
- D) With its large skyscrapers
Answer: B) Through its royal and legendary atmosphere, and magnificent temples
- What type of stories is Madurai known for?
- A) Modern urban legends
- B) Stories of ancient kings, queens, and gods
- C) Fairy tales
- D) Science fiction stories
Answer: B) Stories of ancient kings, queens, and gods
- What gives Madurai its unique charm?
- A) Its modern amenities
- B) The kindness of its people and the sweetness of the surroundings
- C) Its tall buildings
- D) Its thriving business districts
Answer: B) The kindness of its people and the sweetness of the surroundings
- Which item is NOT part of the Meenakshi-Sundareswara wedding festival?
- A) Royal umbrellas
- B) Drummers and pipers
- C) Large lights
- D) Ice sculptures
Answer: D) Ice sculptures
- What is the significance of Madurai for gods according to the lesson?
- A) It is a place fit for gods to marry
- B) It is a place where gods come to rest
- C) It is where gods are crowned
- D) It is where gods fight
Answer: A) It is a place fit for gods to marry
Reading Comprehension
A. Answer the following questions:
1. What was Madurai earlier known as?
Ans. Madurai was earlier known as Madhurapuri
2. Why is Madurai called the city of Nectar?
Ans. There are many stories about it. According to one story, some venom had fallen on Madurai from Lord Shiva’s snake. So Lord Shiva put some nectar to neutralize the poison. Therefore this city is known as the city of nectar.
3. Why did Shiva put nectar on Madurai?
Ans. Lord Shiva put nectar on Madurai to neutralize the effect of the venom that had fallen on this city from his snake.
4. How many legends about Madurai have you read in the lesson ?
Ans. We have read three legends about Madurai in this lesson.
5. Which of the legends about Madurai do you find the most interesting?
Ans. The legend that I found most interesting is about the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara. The description of the wedding, twelve-day long celebration, and preparation of wedding items like huge royal umbrellas, fans, pipers, drummers, jewellery, elephants, etc. make it very interesting.
6. What do you like the most about Madurai?
Ans. I liked the Meenakshi temple the most in Madurai. It has a magnificent structure. It is filled with wonderful sculptures. There are dance halls and a thousand-pillar mandapam with musical pillars.