Swamimalai: 6 kms. Situated to the west of Kumbakonam is a shrine on a hillock dedicated to Subramanya, locally called as Swaminatha. He is said to have initiated his father into Pranava Manthra. It many be noted that importance is given here to Subramanya as his temple is on the… Continue reading
Kodikarai (Point Calimere): 10 kms. from Vedaranyam. This coastal wildlife sanctuary is the home of migratory birds particularly water fowl and flamingos. Popular among the bird watchers and photographers, this place is visited by many such enthusiasts during November to January. Other wildlife like black buck and wild ass can… Continue reading
Vijayanagara Sémréjyamu, referred as the Kingdom of Bisnaga by the Portuguese, was a South Indian empire based in the Deccan Plateau. Established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I.[1] The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts by the southern powers against Islamic invasions… Continue reading
Vedaranyam: 38 kms. from Nagapattinam. This is a popular Shaivite pilgrim centre with an ancient temple. According to local tradition, it is believed that the divine couple of Shiva and Parvati appeared before sage Agastya in the bridal form as desired by him. The Kalyana Utsava is celebrated here on… Continue reading
VELANKANNI (11 kms. from Nagapattinam) Known as the Lourdes of India, this prosperous town has developed as a great place of pilgrimage not only for the Roman Back view of Basilica Catholic Christians, but also to Hindus and Muslims. It is located on the sea shore in idyllic surroundings at… Continue reading
Tirunallaru: 5 kms. from Karaikal. This small town has become very famous due to the situation of a rare temple for God Saturn. Although Saturn is only represented as one of the Navagrahas, a separate shrine has been constructed for this deity at this place as he is considered as… Continue reading
Karaikal: 12 kms. from Nagore. It was once a French settlement and a trading centre. The place has become famous due to the situation of the temple for the saint Karaikal Ammayar. The real name of the saint was Puithavathiar (which means a lady of merit). She grew up as… Continue reading
Nagore: 6 kms. from Nagapattinam. Popularly known as the Mecca of South India, it is a holy place not only for Muslims but also for Hindus and Christians. The tomb of the Sufi Saint Shahul Hamid or Saint Miran Sahib of the 16th century is situated here. There are five… Continue reading
NAGAPATTINAM (83 kms. from Thanjavur) This important port town has the shrine of Soundaryaraja Perumal and is considered as an important Vaishnava shrine. According to the legend, it was at this place that goddess Parvati got back her original Saundarya (beauty) after worshipping Vishnu. Another rarity of this place is… Continue reading
Tirukannamangai: 35 kms. Popularly known as Kannamangai, this tiny village has an ancient temple dedicated to Krishna. Although Shiva and Muruga temples are common in south India, this rare temple of Krishna is visited by many pilgrims as it has the seven essential features of a Vaishnava shrine. Hence is… Continue reading