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Kayarohana Swami and Neelayadakshi Temple : It is a Hindu temple
dedicated to Lord Siva . It is still in existence from 6th Century and also finds
a mention in Thevaram. The temple is one of the seven temples
called as Saptha Vidangam of the Thiyagaraja Cult, where,
the presiding deity Thyagaraja is believed to portray different dance styles.
Soundararaja Perumal Temple : It is one
of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located here in the city. This
temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Thirumangai Azhwar,
one of the 12 Alwars belonging to the 6th – 9th century. Sikkal, Vedaranyam and
Ettukudi Temple can be visited through Nagapattinam also.
Nagore Dargha : It is 5 Kms from Nagapattinam.
It is a 16th-century minaret located in Nagore and one of the important pilgrimage
centers of the town. Dargah of Hajrath Shahul Hamid (1490–1579),
in honor of whom the minaret was built is located here. Kanduri festival is
a 14-day event celebrated as the annual urs(anniversary).
The festival is celebrated in commemoration of the saint's death anniversary and
pilgrims from various religions participate in the festival. The festival is also
seen as a sacred solidarity of mixed faith of Hindus and Muslims. There are
three other prominent mosques; one near Nagai Pudhur Road, one near the new bus
stand, and another at Moolakadai Street.
Velankanni is a pilgrimage centre located 14 km from Nagapattinam.
The town is known for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health,
a Roman Catholic church built during the 17th century. Pilgrimage in the month of
September is an annual festival when people from Hindus, Muslims and Christian faiths
and all denominations visit the Basilica. The town has prominent churches like
Lourd Madha (Sindhathurai Madha) Church, the Madharasi Madha Church etc.
Sikkal : It is 5 Kms from the town of
Nagapattinam. Sikkal Singara Velan temple is dedicated to Lord
Murugan. Appar, Thirugnana Sambandar, Sundarar and Manicka Vasagar
[ Saivite Saints] have glorified this temple through their hymns in
praise of the Lord. In the month of Aippasi [Oct-Nov] during Skandha Sashti
Festival, mythical Soora Samharam is enacted by the devotees. There
is an Old Siva temple too, where Lord Murugan worshipped Lord Siva
in the form of Singaravelan.
Kodikkarai[Point Calimere] : It is around
70 kms from Nagapattinam and 11Kms from Vedaranyam. Point Calimere Wildlife
Sanctuary was created in 1967 for conservation of Blackbuck, an endangered and endemic
species of India. Point Calimere encompasses 17.26 sq KM of sandy coast
fringed by saline swamps and thorny scrub around the backwaters. Migratory curlews,
Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, Shanks nest in the tidal mud flats from October to March.
Black bucks, Spotted Deers, Jackal, Ponies and Wild hare are sighted very often.
Flamingo House [Poonarai illam- 04369 – 272424], a Forest Rest
House is available at Kodikkarai. Alternative accommodation options
are available at Vedaranyam.
Vedaranyam [Thiru Marai Kadu] : It is
60 Kms from Nagapattinam. It is one of the Seven Special Abodes dedicated to Lord
Siva called as SAPTHA VIDANGATH THALANGAL. In these temples
the Lord Siva is called as “Thyagaraja”. Historically this Town
finds an important place in Indian Independence war. It was here the famous
SALT SATYAGRAHA took place under the leadership of C.R.Rajagopalachary.
This took place parallel to the event of Dandi March
by Mahatma Gandhi.
Ettukudi : It is 30 Kms from Nagapattinam.
Saint Arunagiri Nathar has glorified this through his hymns.
10 day Chitirai Paurnami festival when Milk Kavadi is offered by thousands
of Devotees, Skandha Sashti, Vaikasi Visakam and Tiruvadirai [for
Lord Siva] are the important festivals of this temple.
Thirukuvalai : It is 27 Kms from Nagapattinam.
Brahmapureeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Siva believed to be
more than 1000 years old is a religious destination of this Village.
Koothanur : Located at 45 Kms from Nagapattinam,
is associated with renowned Poet Ottakoothar. Temple of Goddess
Saraswathy, the only one of its kind in Tamil Nadu, exclusively dedicated
to the Goddess of Education, Wisdom and Fine Arts is located at
Koothanur. It attracts large number of devotees to offer their prayers for the Educational
Success of self and their wards.
Mannarkudi : It is 56 Kms from Nagapattinam.
Famous and very popular Vaishnavite Temple dedicated to Lord
Rajagopalaswamy is found here. The saying KOVIL PAATHI and KULAM PAATHI
[half is Temple and the other Half is Tank] perfectly suits this town.
The greatness of the Temple and the Tank are two inseparable features
of this temple complex. Inscriptions of Kulotunnga I [ 1072-1122]
speaks of the temple’s existence from time even before that period. Contact
Phone: 04367-222276.
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