Pudukkottai Other Important Places

Adhanakkottai

     It is here a famous battle was waged.  In 1780 and 1781 Hider Ali overran the Tamil territory. The village could keep the invader at bay, tanks to the cunning strategy of an inhabitant of the village. Gandhara was an enterprising, widely travelled Brahmin. Being a linguist, he spoke to the leader of the army in Hindustani and invited the army for a grand feast and the repast, the Tondaiman army surrounded them and they had no other way except to retreat.  But when the army returned after a few days the pudukkotai army was well prepared.  A man concealed himself in the hollow trunk of a tree and shot the commander of the Hider force.  This contributed to the defeat of Hider Ali.  The British were overjoyed. In the 18th century the Tondaiman ruler gave away the village to the Brahmin as Brahmadeyam.  There exists an agraharam as a result.  The traveler’s bungalow was built 1833 for the use of the Collector of Thanjavur, who was, at the time, ex-office political agent of the Pudukkottai State.  Siva and Sastha temples the presiding deity of the Siva temple is name Kulottungesvara after King Kulottunga Chola who installed the lingam. Adhanakkottai finds mention the fort of Adan’s village.  There is, however, no trace of a fort.  The inscription also mentions in a Siva temple built during the reign of Kulottunga III, a Mariamman temple and a temple for Ayyannar, none of which could be found today.

Avur

     Avur is 28 km from Pudukkottai.  The old chapel was constructed in 1547 A.D. by Fr. John Venatius  Bachet and the new Roman Catholic Church was built in 1747 A.D.  Tamil Scholar Rev. Father Joseph Beschi (Veerama Munivar) also served in this Church. The Easter Passion play followed by Car Festival, take place in summer which attracts people of all faiths.

Government Museum

     Government Museum is also located in Thirukkokarnam. The wide range of collections in the Sections of Geology, Zoology, Paintings. Anthropology, Epigraphy, Historical records, etc. are very interesting. The fine Sculpture and bronzes of various periods are the attractive items of the Museum. 

Kattubava Pallivasal

     Kattubava Pallivasal is 30 km from Pudukkottai.  It is one of the important Islamic centers, this is located on the Thirumayam-Madurai Highway. Both Hindu and Muslims visit this place. Annual “Urs” takes place in the month of Rabiyul Ahir.

Kiranur

     A place that shows traces of occupation from very early times and has pre-historic burial sites. There is a 9th century A.D Siva temple with many important inscriptions.  It is an important Muslim centre. Presently a business centre and also an important junction in the Pudukkottai - Trichy road. Kiranur lies on the Pdukkottai – Tiruchirappalli road and 24 km away from Pdukkottai.   It is the headquarters of the Kolattur Taluk.  It is well connected with Tiruchirappalli, Pudukkottai, Karaikkudi with regular transport services.

Kizhanilai

     The place, Kizhanilai contains a dilapidated fort.  From the days of the imperial Cholas and Pandiyas up to the 19th century.  Kizhanilai was an important military station.  The name kizhanilai means ‘the eastern gate’, as distinguished from the adjacent village called Melanilai.  Between them is Pudhunilai.  Kizhanilai is a village, 33 km from Pudukkottai.  One can reach this place via Thirumayam and Kanadukaththaan.

Manamelkudi

     Manamelkudi is a village Panchayat in Avudaiyarkoil Taluk of Pudukkottai District with a population of 10072 as per 1991 census. It extended over an area of 1135.24 hect. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal and well connected by a major district, road leading from Aranthangi which is 43 km away and passing through the Taluk headquarters Avudaiyarkoil which is 32 km to the west.

Thirumayam

     Thirumayam is 21 km form Pudukkotta.  The Fort, the Siva and Vishnu temples are the tourist attractions.  The fort played an important role in the history of Tondaiman rulers of Pudukkottai and the British. The erection of this 40 acre wide Fort in 1687 A.D. is attributed to Sethupathi Vijaya Ragunatha Thevar, the Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram.  On the hill there is a Rock Cut Siva temple with Music inscription and the relics of a Fort.  At the foot of the hill Vishnu and Siva Shrines are found.  The Vishnu temple is one of the most complete and the largest Anantasyi groups in India.  It is a natural Cavern which has been changed into a shrine.  It was in this fort that the brother of Kattabomman, Oomaithurai,  was ensnared and imprisoned. Old chain armor used by his is exhibited here.