Karaikudi

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Karaikudi – July 1st, 2006

Where is it?

Karaikudi, situated in the Sivagangai District, in the Deep South Tamil Nadu is known as the capital of Chettinad. In the earlier days, this place was bounded by ‘Karai trees’ and hence it got it’s name Karaikudi.

Places to Visit

Chettinad House

Houses in Chettinad are very huge, with most of them have constructed some hundred years back. The construction is a testimony to today’s architectural works. They have high ceilings and the house is constructed into valavu(in the centre of the house), huge dinning hall, living hall, front hall, kitchens and other usage areas. They are so huge that it can accommodate thousands of people at a time. The houses have pillars and engraved doors through out. Imported Italian marbles, sandle and teak wood from Burma and other costly items adorn the houses. These houses have attracted number of cine directors that number of movies is shot in Karaikudi.

Chettinad Museum

At Chettinad few kilo meters away from Karaikudi there is a Chettinad Museum which has been created in a view to display the various aspects of Chettianad. . Free of entrance, it gives a glimpse of the tradition and culture of nagrathars.

Athangudi

Athangudi is a nagarathar village near Karaikudi. Here, there are a number of small scale tile factories. It is believed that the local sand is indispensible, in making these tiles. These tiles, with its various designs, colors and texture, are proved effective for the eye sight and feet respectively. These tiles are world famous.

Kamban Mani Mandabam

There is a beautiful Mani Mandapam built in memory of the great poet Kamban. It is believed that the Great Tamil Poet Kavi Chakravarthy Kamban spent most of his lifetime with Nagarathars and he died at Nattarasankottai. To honour him Kamban Mani Mandapam was built by Nagarathars. Number of public and private events take place in this mandapam. Kamban Vizha that take place here help enrich Tamil language.

TEMPLES IN AND AROUND KARAIKUDI

Kunrakudi

Arulthiru Shanmuganathan Holy Temple is situated at 10 Kms away from Karaikudi, . The Prime deity is Lord Shanmuganathan. It is a hill temple. The view from the top of the hill zooms to the places in and around.

Tamil Thai Temple

This Temple is the one and only Temple in the world that has been built to salute Tamil Thai. Statues of almost all renowned scholars are built, in recognition to their deeds.

Pillayar Patti Lord Ganesh Temple

Pillaiyarpatti temple is a rock – cut temple located about 12 km’s from Karaikudi and it was built approximately 1,600 years ago. World famous Right-trunked Lord Karpaga Vinayaga is the Prime Deity here. He draws devotees all around the world.

Kandadevi Temple

The Village Kandadevi is situated 3 Km away from Devakottai Town. This is 350 years old Temple. It is said that in the epic Ramayana, Hanuman told to Rama as ‘kanden deviyai’ meaning ‘I met Sita Devi’ during their search expediency of Sita Devi. Hence this place is called as Kandadevi.

Thirukostiyur Temple

This is one of the important 108 Vaishnava temples. It is said that Alwar Ramanujar visited this temple and prayed God Sri Vishnu. Theppa thiruvilla is the highlight of this temple that is celebrated during the month of February  March.

Thiruvenkadamudaiyan – ThenTirupathi

Prime Deity here is Lord Srinivasa Perumal and his consort Alarmelu Mangai Thayar. Mula garudar another God bestows his blessings on the devotees. It is referred to as Then Tirupathi.

Sivan Temple, 108 Vinayagar Temple, Kopudaiyamman Temple, Muthu Mariamman Temple, Sivakali amman Temple are the other famous temples here.

Alagappa University

Alagappa University named after the philanthropist Dr.Alagappa Chettiar, has a number of faculties. It offers both campus study and long distant education.

CECRI

Cental Electro Chemical Research Institute is one of the two Institutes in India for chemical research. One is in Pune and another is in Karaikudi. It benefits number of scholars and researchers.

Shopping

People say it is the most easiest shopping in Karaikudi. There are a number of shops in the town, which can satisfy everyone needs. Bakeries are of exclusive kind. Nilgiris, Naidu Hall, Kanchi silk stores are some of the best shops that can fulfill the customers needs.