Best Places to Visit in Mayiladuthurai – Temples, River & Heritage

1.POOMBUHAR

Poombuhar or Kaveripoompattinam is a still sleepy place near the sea in the Sirkazhi Taluk of Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Having gone through a lot of historical background and being one of the areas located at the coastline, Poombuhar can be a perfect destination for culture, historical and nature lovers.

Poombuhar was once a famous port city of ancient India and it also was the capital of Chola Dynasty. It is famous from Tamil literature, particularly the Silappatikaram, Poombuhar holds a history and cultural value. It is expected that the city with active seaport was once engulfed by the sea and its remnants are under water explaining why historical researchers and tourists flood the area.

🌟 Why Visit Poombuhar

If history, beach, and association with one of the greatest literary giants entice you, then Poombuhar must find a place in your Tamil Nadu map. Explore ruins that are dwelling places of legends, experience the richness of the Tamil heritage and also stroll around the serene vagaries of this beach paradise.

2.THARANGAM PADI

Tharangampadi or Tranquebar is a calm and sleepy town situated in the south of Mayiladuthurai district, on the Bay of Bengal. Renowned for its buildings built during the Danish colony-era and having a serene coastline, this heritage town is for heritage and art buffs.

Dating back to the early 17 th century, The town of Tharangampadi was settled by the Danish East India Company in the year 1620. This place got its name Tranquebar from them and the edifices that remind of its European past are still there: churches, forts, and houses.

🌟 Why Visit Tharangampadi?

If one is marveling at the architectural grandeur of Danish forts or exploring desolate lanes steeped in histrorecity or if one is enjoying the serenity of the place with its breathtaking sea views, then Tharangampadi has a different flavor – Indian with a hint of Denmark. This town is one of the best kept secrets of the Indian tourist map as it is a unique combination of the famous Bay of Bengal and ages of history.

• 🕒 Museum Timings:

• Operating 6 days a week except Friday.

3.THIRUMULLAIVASAL

Sirkaziangasan is a small and beautiful town located at 14 km to the East of Sirkazhi coast and it also is a perfect place which combines touch of spirituality with the beauty of the Mother Earth. Comparatively not as famous as some of the coastal cities, this town has a lot of religious importance and has a beautiful beach that any visitor will fall in love with.

➅ Arulmigu Mullaivananathar Devasthanam

The village houses an old temple which is dedicated to the Lord Shiva or Mullaivananathar Temple in Thirumullaivasal. A plenty of folklore is associated with the temple and it is held in great esteem in the famous Shaivite hymns called the Thevarams.

The name Mullaivananathar is also related to Mullai- Malai creepers (Jasmine creepers) that once grew in plenty around the temple.

This temple is one of the major Padal Petra Sthalam, which means, the temple has been acclaimed by Tamil saints Appar, Sundarar and Thirugnanasambandar.

The architecture and the construction of the temple represents the classical Dravidian style with beautifully carved columns and sanctum.

🌟 Why Visit Thirumullaivasal?

• To visit an ancient temple described in the Tamil holy books and songs.

• To have a calming and less crowded weekend getaway at the shores.

• To promote appreciation of Tamil customs and traditions in worshipping apart from the frequented tourist scenes.

4.KEELAPERUMPALLAM

Keelaperumpallam, a religious village in Tamil Nadu, is only 3 KMs away from the ancient town of poombuhar and is home to the temple of lord Shri Naganatha Swami, which is the planetary deity of Ketu in the nine planets as per the Hindu mythology.

Mythology and Significance

Ketu being one of the two asuras originally making a half and half combination of a god and asura, Swarbhanu was beheaded during the process of churning the ocean. The other half of Rahu lives in another temple; as we have already mentioned earlier in the discussion. Ketu is another cornerstone of Hindu mythology that has the appearance of a serpent with a human head it presides over detachment, moksha and wisdom.

The temple is located near the sea and related to astrology, which combines the on-earth and extra-terrestrial forces in one place.

Why Visit?

• To pay homage to Ketu which is one of the major planetary gods.

• To neutralize negative planetary influences.

• To obtain that sublime harmony that emanates from natural surroundings and that, in this case, takes place in a coastal area.

5.THIRUVENGADU

Another famous place of worship near Poombuhar is Thiruvengadu, which is a closer village of 8kms and is believed to have a historic, religious and astrological importance. It is most famous as the dwelling place of Budhan (Mercury), one of the Navagraha – the nine planetary gods belonging to Hindu mythology.

✨ Mythological Significance

It is said that once when Brahma got possessed by some power he performed a dance known as Rudra Tandava which Lord Shiva did here. The term ‘Swetharanya’ itself is derived from the words ‘Swetha’, meaning white, and ‘Aranya’, meaning forest and it implies the presence of divinity at the spot.

It also includes three Theerthams: Agni Theertham, Surya Theertham, and Chandra Theertham and those who bathe in them are relieved of their sins as well as planetary effects.

🌍 Why Visit Thiruvengadu?

• As a way of worship Budhan- the god of wisdom and intellect.

• To appease the god of Mercury and restore lost power, health, children and spouse in one’s life due to effects of the sickly dignity of Mercury.

• TO FEEL THE PEACE OF A SACRED AND HISTORIC CITY THAT IS AN ABODE TO Temple town.

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