Poompuhar Tourism
Poompuhar is a small town in the Nagapattinam district which forms a part of Tamil Nadu, India. In the past, the town was known by the name of Kaveri Puhum Pattinam. It previously served as a harbor and also the capital city of the rulers belonging to the Chola dynasty during the Sangam period.
Shopping
Poompuhar is not so known for its shopping. Nonetheless, travelers can purchase the following handicrafts items from this place: Bronze art plate, brass lamps, brass miniatures, wood carvings, sandalwood products, wooden lacquer-ware, Thanjavur paintings, palm leaf products, Korai mats, batik prints, Kalamkari prints, applique work, stone carvings, cane products, Thanjavur garlands, papier mache, clay and plaster of paris products, pith products, musical instruments, Thanjavur cut glass and miscellaneous handicrafts.
Places to see in and around Poompuhar
- Silappathikara Art Gallery- Silappathikara Art Gallery is famous for its magnificent sculptures. It is a gorgeous structure with seven levels. The first level has an elevation of 12 feet and every level over it has an elevation of 5 feet. The uppermost segment which is home to the 'Kalasams' has an elevation of eight feet. The overall elevation of the art gallery is 50 feet.
- Zion Church- The Zion Church was constructed in 1701. The cathedral underwent repairs during 1782-1784 and once more in 1839 and is currently in excellent shape.
- Town Gateway- The entranceway to the town of Poompuhar was constructed in 1792 and the pattern followed is Danish Architecture.
- Nagapattinam- Nagapattinam serves as the administrative headquarters of the Nagapattinam district. It forms a significant portion of the Chola Mandalam and is known for its traditional importance and glorious historical background.
- Danish Fort- The Danish Fort was constructed in 1620. The citadel is a live example of Danish architecture. The Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu currently looks after this citadel and there is an archaeological museum as well. It remains open to public everyday other than Friday.
- Danish Governor Bungalow- The Danish Governor Bungalow is the largest structure in Tranquebar. In 1784 the Danish Governor of the area used this place as his residence. At present it is being looked after by the Tourism Department of the state.
- Thiruppallavaneeswaram (Poompuhar)- The Thiruppallavaneeswaram temple is a historic and picturesque place of worship in Poompuhar. It is the birthplace of Pattinatthar and Iyarppakai Nayanar.
- Melapperumpallam and Keezhapperumpallam- These two Thalams are closely located to Thiruvengadu and Poompuhar. There is a place of worship or mandir at Melapperumpallam known as the Valampuranathar temple which is famous for its wall writings from the Chola period. Keezhapperunpallam is 2 km away from Poompuhar and it is the spot where the well-known "Kethu" comes with a distinct Thalam.
- Thiruvengadu- Thiruvengadu lies at a distance of 10 Km from Sirkali and is closely located to Poompuhar. The site has sacred chants written on it which were vocalized by the four famous Shaivaite Saints. It is also the hometown of Meykandar. There is a different Thalam for "Pudhan" (Mercury) in the temple. The principal god idolized is Sri Swetharanyeswarar.
- Thirukkadaiyur (Thirukkadayur)- Thirukkadaiyur comes on the itinerary connecting Tranquebar and Mayiladuthurai. It is one of the well-known Sakthi Thalam and one of the eight places of worship (Atta Veerathanam) that venerate the valiant activities of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims choose this area to observe their 60th birthday or Shastiyaptha poorthi.
- Anantha Mangalam- Anantha Mangalam is a tiny village close to Thirukkadaiyur. There is a mandir which houses the god of "'Dasapuja Veera Anjaneyar".
- Vaitheeswaran Koil- Vaitheeswaran Koil is situated in the middle of Sirkali and Mayiladuthurai on the bus itinerary. In the Thevarams it is known as Pullirukkuvelur. This ancient temple houses the Gods of Thaiyal Nayaki (Sakthi); Vaithyanathan (Shiva) and Muthukkumarasamy (Murugan) and is known for its carving marvels.
- Sirkazhi- Sirkazhi is the hometown of Thirugnana Sambandar the famous Saivite Saint. You will also find the well-known Thoniyaper Shivalayam in this place.
- Thirunallaru- This place of worship is located 5 km away from Karaikkal and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This place of devotion has been venerated in Thevarams and ranks as one of the 'Sapthvidanga' Thalams. The place for worship for Saneeshwara (Saturn) or one of the Navagrahas is also a popular tourist destination.
- Thirusaikkadu (Sayavanam)- Thirusaikkadu lies at a distance of 2 km from Poompuhar estuary. The place of worship is dedicated to Iraivi Kuyilinam Nanmozhi Ammai and Thirusayavaneswarar. The Nayanmars have eulogized this place of worship in their chants. You will see Chola writings on the wall of the temple.
- Thiruvakkur- Thiruvakkur is a part of the Tranquebar Taluk. It is famous for the Shiva mandir which has been designed according to the Madakkoil style. Thiruvakkur is also the hometown of Sirappuli Nayanar who is one of the 63 Nayanmars. They still chant the mantras on this mandir.
- Sempanarkoil- This temple is also known as Thirusumponpalli in the Devaram chants. It is located in the middle of the way to Mayiladuthurai and Tranquebar and is known for its legacy.
- Punjai- It is closely located to Sevpondarkoil. This mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and achieved honors from Devaram. The temple is famous for its stunning architecture of the Chola era.
- Nangoor- The place houses a number of Vaishnava temples and all of them were consecrated by Thirumangai Alvar Nangoor. You will find 11 of the 108 Thivya Desams' near Nangoor.
- Thiruvarur- The place lies at a distance of 20 km from Nagapattinam and 65 km from Poompuhar. It is famous for being the home to the Thyagaraja mandir and the temple car or chariot. It is the most important among the "Atta Veerattanam". The majestic Kamalambal mandir is regarded as one of the 'Sakthi Peethams'. The principal attraction of this place is that it houses three Shiva mandirs at one area.
