24-10-2020
| Madurai |

Ever longed to visit India�s Jasmine City � Madurai?

The scent of Jasmine is synonymous with the splendour of Madurai�s glorious Meenakshi temple. As many know, Madurai is India�s Jasmine city, where the famous, sweet scented �malligai� has been grown in the temple city for centuries. In fact, the earliest references to Madurai�s jasmine is documented through extensive references to the flower in Sangam literature which dates back to 300 BC to AD 300. Other Hindu scriptures including the Vedas as well as ancient and medieval literature mention the jasmine flower as a sacred offering. In this context, it is pertinent to mention that Madurai is known to be the �jasmine capital� of India.

Madurai�s jasmine growing regions include Aruppukkotai, Natham, Melur, Thirumangalam, Perungudi, Uthappaanaickanur, Ammainaickanur and Nillakota. Notably, these are places that have moist, well-drained and sandy loam soil in which the jasmine can thrive, according to Dr. Uma Kannan�s book titled �Madurai Malligai: Madurai and its Jasmine Celebration.� In this book, the author has not only interwoven Madurai�s rich culture but has also interviewed many malligai farmers, sellers, agents and exporters.