|
 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.
THIRUMULLAIVASALThis 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.
KEELAPERUMPALLAMSituated 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 NANGORESituated 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.
SIRKAZHISirkali 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.
ANANTHAMANGALAMOn 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.
|
