Madurai, famous for its Meenakshi Temple, has occupied a vital place in the history of Tamil Nadu for over 2500 years. The city lying on the south bank of the river Vaigai, had served as the capital of the great Pandya kings, and was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. It is the oldest, and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. The temple and its premises on the southern bank form the old city, while its textile mills, engineering industries and the large Madurai Kamaraj University form the new Madurai. Even though, the city is now crammed with pilgrims, dusty roads, restaurants and shops, mainly handlooms; it still embodies the spirit of Tamil Nadu's deeply embedded temple culture.