The
District came into existence in the year 1991 with its headquarter in
Nagappattinam city. Its long stretch of beach runs along the Bay of Bengal for
188kms. Nagappattinam boasts of having one of the most thriving harbours of
India. It has Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, Sowriraja
Perumal Temple, and Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple. The mini museum, the towering
lighthouse and the long beautiful beach are some of the worth visiting places
in this city. The pillar located in front of the District Collectorate stands
for the victorial acheivement of the administration along with the citizens of
this district in taking the Guinness Record Acheivement of planting the maximum
no. of saplings in 24 hours.
Poombuhar is in Sirkali Taluk of Nagapattinam
District. It is known as Kaveripoompattinam. Tourists have to alight at
Mayiladuthurai junction to proceed Poombuhar by road, visitors from Chennai by
train have to get down at Sirkali. Poombuhar is connected to Mayiladuthurai as
well as Sirkali by road. The distance from Poombuhar to Mayiladuthurai is 24
kms and to Sirkali 21kms. Tourists from Chennai to Poombuhar by private
carriers can take the route via Dindivanam, Pandicherry, Cuddallore and
Sirkali. Those who come from Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelvelli may
proceed via Mellur, Tiruppathur, Karaikudi, Pattukkotai, Thiruthuraipoondi,
Nagapattinam, Karaikkal, Tharangambadi and Akkur. They can also come via
Pudukkottai, Thanjavoor, and Mayiladuthurai
The
Dargha in Nagore near Nagapattinam, the district headquarters is a holy place.
Not only the followers of Islam but also of all faiths visit this sacred centre
throughout the year to offer their prayers and get the blessings of the saint.
Nearly five hundred years ago a son was born in a devout Muslim family in a
village in the central provinces [Madhys pradesh], He was named Abdul kadhar.
With lust for the grace of Allah, he wandered with his followers far and wide.
He came to Tamilnadu after visiting different places like Keelakkarai and
preaching the doctrine of love, service devotion to the almighty he settled
down in Nagore in a piece of land granted by a devotee of this saintly
preacher. His words and deeds were divine and prophetic. He said �Islam preaches the fatherhood of God
and brotherhood of Man �.
He sent his disciples to work among the people and spread the message of
Prophet Mohammed. He passed away in 1558 at the age of 68 and in Nagore dargha
are the relics of this God-man. Khandoori festival is the anniversary
celebrations and devotees from all over the world join the festivals to be
blessed by Nagore Andavavar.
Velankanni
is one of the most visited pilgrim centres in India. It is a town situated on
the shores of Bay of Bengal. This renowned shrine Basilica of our Lady of
health draws pilgrims from all over the world. Not only Christians but also the
people of other faiths come to this Church to pray at the shrine of Our lady of
health.
Knowing the importance of this town
the Pope in the Vatican city has declared Velankanni as a Holy city. This Roman
Catholic Church has an extended Basilica, which has two floors where one can
find the statue of Jesus Christ. The Gothic style of architecture is a unique
feature of the Church. The church itself is an imposing building with inspiring
architecture. While the buildings have been painted white roof of the church is
made by the tiles with striking red in contrast to the colour of the walls. The
environment around the shrine is spick and span. Radiating rays of hope and
piety. There is also a shrine of 'lady of sorrow ' where in the sorrowing
Mother is depicted carrying infant Jesus in her hand.
It
is 35kms north of Nagapattnam on the east coastal line of Bay of Bengal. Danish
Architexture is the attractions of Tranguebar. Bus facilities are available to
this place from Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Poompuhar, Sirkali and
Chidambaram. Built in 1620 exists to exhibit Danish architecture. The fort is
now under the control of TamilNadu Archeological Department, houses an
archaeological Museum. This museum is open on all days expect Friday.
Kodiakkarai
(55KMms) also called Point Calimere, is situated abutting the Palk Strait.
Spread over an area of over 312.17 hectars, this Wild Life Sanctuary boasts of
mammals like blue buck, spotted deer, wild boar, semi wild ponies, bonnet
macaque, water birds like flamingoes, ibises, herons, and spoonbills. Sea
turtle, starred tortoise, vipers, marsh crocodiles, etc., are some of the
reptiles. Fish, dolphins, dugong, sea lion, sea cow are occasionally found
here. Besides, it is where the occurrence of varieties of corals are
found.
A
beautiful Muragan Temple dedicated to Lord Singaravelan is housed in a large
complex. The pillars of this temple are adorned with intricate and exquisite
carvings. The beautiful paintings of a bygone era are amazing in colour and
portrayal. Beside this temple has the shrine of Siva, Vishnu and Hanuman. It is
a rare combination, indeed. Worship in this temple removes all the hurdles of
the devotees, it is believed.
THIRUMULLAIVASAL
This city is 14Kms east of Sirkali.
It is popular for its fine beach, which is full of natural beauty. This town
has an ancient temple. The presiding deity of this temple is Arulmigu
Mullaivananathar. This temple is glorified
in these divine songs
KEELAPERUMPALLAM
Situated 3kms from Poompuhar,
Keelaperumpallam receives a stream of devotees every day for worshipping Shri
Naganatha Swami. This temple is the seat of the Ninth Navagraha, the Kedhu.
THIRUVENGADU
Thiruvengadu is situated 8 kms. From
Poompuhar. Another Navagraha Budhan is situated inside the Temple of Arulmigu
Swetharanya Swami. Devotees from all over India and abroad come to worship
Budhan every day. This temple is glorified in the divine songs.
VAITHEESWARANKOIL
In the divine songs of Devaram, Vaitheeswarankoil is called
Pullirukkuvellur. The Presiding deity Lord Vaithiyanathan and the Devi is
Thaiyalnayagi. Lord Muruga is called here as Arulmigu Muthukumaraswami.
Vaitheeswarankoil is situated 12kms from Mayiladuthurai and 5kms from Sirkali.
This temple is the seat of another Navagraha, the Mars.
THIRU
NANGORE
Situated 10Kms from Sirkali, Thiru
Nangore is one of the most sacred places of Vaishnava Temples. Shri
Narayanaperumal Temple, Purushothama Perumal temple, Kudamadum Kootha Perumal
Kovil, Semponnarangar kovil, Pallikondaperumal Kovil, Varadharaja Perumal Koil
which had been performed Mangala Sananam by Thirumangai Azhwar are located in
this small town. Around Thiru Nangore, there are other Vaishnava temples in
Thiruvali, Thirunagiri, Keezhasalai and Perumal koil.
THIRUKKADAIYUR
Thirukkadaiyur is on the bus route of Chidhambaram -
Nagappattinam. It was in this temple Lord Siva had annihilated Yama, the God of
death and destruction to save the life of Markandeya and bestowed immortality
on him. It is one of the most important seats of Sakthi. Inside the precincts
of the temple of Arulmigu Amerthakadeswarar is located the temple of Shri
Abirami Amman Temple. The great Saint Abirami Bhattar composed the divine songs
of Abirami Anthathi. On attaining 60th year of age in conjugal life of the
husband, the couple, belonging to the Hindu family, celebrates their Sasthti
Abthapurthy ceremony here inside the temple.
SIRKAZHI
Sirkali is located on the main route
between Mayiladuthurai and Chidhambaram. Shri Arulmigu Sattanatha Swami temple
has many wonderful architectural and sculptural features. This temple has been
glorified in the divine songs of Thevaram. One of the four great divine poet,
the Saiva saint Thirugnana Sambandar was bestowed with the divine grace by Lord
Siva and Parvathy here. Every year in the Tamil month of Chithirai,
Thirumulaippal festival is celebrated in a grand manner.
Arulmigu
Mayuranathar Temple is located here. According to the Hindu mythology, Annai
Parasakthi danced in the form of a peacock and hence the place is called
Mayiladuthurai. Devotees after worshipping Mayuranathar can travel from here to
all the places of Navagrahas and other important temples by bus. The festival
of Holy bath known as Kadai Muzhukku in the river Cauvery is celebrated
in the month of Ippasi.
ANANTHAMANGALAM
On the East coast between
Nagappattinam and Chidhambaram, Ananthamangalam is located 5Kms from
Thirukkadaiyur. People from all over TamilNadu visit the temple of Lord
Anjaneyar for His grace. The divine statue of Anjaneya here is unique with its
three eyes and ten hands. Special worship of Anjaneya is held on Saturdays and
on the days of Amavasya.
