Nagapattinam
Nagapattinam is one of the modern districts carved out of the earlier composite of Thanjavur district in the year 1991. Tamil is the main language of the district. It is located near about 320 kms from Chennai (Capital of Tamil Nadu). However, it stretches from the coastline along the Bay of Bengal for near about 200 kms. This place is prominent for the fisheries in India. The Vedaranyam Salt swamp situated at the south of Nagapattinam is the largest swamp in Tamil Nadu district. Vedaranyam Salt swamp is situated near about 48 kms from the Nagapattinam. This is one of the richest regions of the bio diversity in the whole country. Today, Nagppattinam is the headquarters of the Nagppattinam district. The other well-known names of the Nagppattinam town are Naganadu and Cholakula Vallippatinam.
Nagapattinam has some famous temple, which includes Shri Kayahorana Swami, Neelayathachi Amman, Nellukkadai Mariamman, and Sowiriraja Perumal. The name of city is derived from its ancient name called as 'Nagur'. This city was called as Nagur because of the Nagurs who used to live here. However, now these Nagur people are extinct who used to inhabitat at this place. Nagapattinam has a unique historical and cultural significance. This city was one of the constituents of Cholamandalam, which was highly acclaimed as one of the prominent cities of that era. However, this city has contributed to the glory of the Chola Kingdom. In the 6th Century A.D, Cholas has constructed the Nagapattinam Kayaroganam Shiva temple. Many of the famous Shivite poets were being associated with this temple, poets includes Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar.
Nagapattinam is a city, which has a great significance in the Buddhism religion as well. However, city is also mentioned as padarithitha in the ancient Buddhist literature. However, Pallava King Rajasimha permitted the Chinese king to construct the Buddha Vihar in Nagapattinam city. The same Buddha Vihar was also called as Sudamani Vihar. Moreover, Anaimangalam Copper plate verifies that Vijayathunga Varman of the Vijaya Kingdom built other two Buddha Vihars in the names of Rajendra and Rajaraja. However, the Archaeological department has conducted the excavation in Nagapattinam. They unearthered more than 300 Buddha Statues. However, these statues can be found in the Government Museum at Chennai. In 6th Century, a Siva temple names 'Kararogam' has existed here.
The Thirumangai Alwar in the 9th century used to be one of the happening towns as the Vishnu temple being located in the Nagppattinam city. Rather, Nagppattinam was one of the important trading centers in the Vijayanagar period. In the year 1554, during the rule of Thanjavur Nayaka, Portuguese people had settled here. From that period, Christianity started to shape here. One of the famous church known as Velankanni Church was also established here. In the year 1658, Dutch supremacy built ten Christian churches as well as a hospital here. In addition, they had released coins with the name of Nagppattinam engraved on them. After a struggle in 1781, Britishers were the last owners of Nagppattinam. From then, the gold coins bearing the name of East India Company were issued. These coins were also called as Nagappattinam Varagan and Nagappattinam Sornam. This city has a wide and vast history, which dates us back to near about 2000 years a ago.
This city is very well known for its hot summers and warm winters. Nagapattinam owes a unique position surrounding to the sea. The temperature of city remains near about 32 degree Celsius for the most part of years. The best time to plan a tour to Nagapattinam is during the monsoons. During monsoon, the coast is at its most beautiful and stunning outlook.
Nagppattinam is one of the major tourist destinations of the Tamil Nadu state, India. Numerous visitors through out the year from all over the country visit this beautiful town. The most important spots at Nagppattinam which are of worth visiting includes the several Temple , Mini museum, Sikkal, Kodiakkarani, Tranquebar, Velankanni, Nagore and Velankanni and many more.
So, go and visit the proud owner of the most booming fishing harbors of India. You will surely enjoy the trip to Nagppattinam.