POOMPUHAR
Also Called : Kaveripoompattinam
Was Once : A Major Port During The Reign Of Cholas
Famous As : Archaeologist Delight
Poompuhar, also called "Kaveripoompattinam" is an
ancient historic town situated in Sirkali Taluk(also spelt as Taluka) of
Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. An archaeologist delight, Poompuhar is
a town for those who like to wander amidst history and take a stroll
through time. It was once a major port during the reign of Cholas.
The
Kaveri, merging with the bellowing sea, was known as "Puhar",
but to the exquisite beauty of the port town it came to be called "Poompuhar".
A fine beach and calm water offer good bathing. The Department of Tourism
offer shell shaped cottages to the Tourists in the Poompuhar Tourist
Complex, at a moderate tariff.
History Of Poompuhar
Details of Poompuhar have been read in the Brahmi-inscription dating back
to the second century BC in 'Barkuth' of north India. The historical
details of Poompuhar have also been found in the inscriptions of Sayavanam
Temple at Poompuhar.
The ancient Kings like Sembiyan, Musugundam, Manuneethi Cholan and
Karikal Cholan who carried myths with them, added to the glory of
Poompuhar town. Poompuhar grew into a great city during the reign of
Karikal Cholan. Even after Sangam Chola's period Poompuhar occupied a
significant place during the regime of Kalabras. After the Kalabras in the
6th century AD, Poompuhar came under the Pallava regime and during that
time the Pallavaneeswaran temple was built by them.
With the rise of later Cholas in 850 AD the city regained its past glory.
It is mentioned as "Rajathiraja Valanaattu Nangoor Naattu
Kaveripoompattinam" in the Sayavanam temple inscription of Vikrama
Cholan in the same temple, calls the town "Puhar Nagaram". Later
Kopperunchingan also contributed to the grandeur of the place. After the
Sangam Chola period a major part of Poompuhar town was swallowed by the
Bay of Bengal. Though Poompuhar became a prey of times, still a few small
villages remain a silent witness to the cruelty of times.
Thirusaikadu (Sayavanam), Pallavaneeswaram, Melapperumpallam,
Keelaperumpallam, Keezaiyur and Vanagiri are mortal remains of ancient
Poompuhar.
Excavations At Poompuhar
The sea submerged the original city and at present there is only a small
village. Explorations were carried out in Poompuhar right from 1910, along
the coast of the state and certain pockets in and around Karur. The
archaeological department has revealed the existence of several ring-wells
near the seashore.
Puhar known to Ptolemy and Pliny, was a planned city built over 2000
years ago. Excavations show an extent of planning that would make most
modern planners envious. During the excavations remains of the various
buildings were found. A wharf belonging to the 3rd century BC was
excavated at Poompuhar in 1962-63 and a similar wharf was unearthed in the
subsequent excavation during 1997. Several kinds of brick figures and
copper coins were also found.
The structural similarities and their functional viability are studied.
The existence of such wharves corroborates the plan of ancient Poompuhar,
which is splendidly explained by the Pattinappalai, one of the Sangam
texts. The study stresses the need for further extensive excavations along
the course of the palaeochannel to open up new vistas in the technology of
marine structures of ancient Poompuhar.
The National Institute of Oceanography, Goa and the Archaeological
Department of Tamil Nadu Government have undertaken offshore exploration
at Poompuhar and they have contributed a museum.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Sillappathikara
Art Gallery
Silappathikara Art Gallery is a beautiful seven-tiered building of great
sculptural value. Scenes from Silappathikaram, the Epic of the land have
been given lively shapes in stones on the walls of the Gallery. These
sculptures carved by the sculptors of the Mamallapuram Art College remain
the treasure house of Tamil culture.
Thirusaikkadu (Sayavanam)
Situated 2 km away from Poompuhar estuary, this temple is dedicated to
Thirusayavaneswarar and Iraivi Kuyilinam Nanmozhi Ammai Ammal. This temple
has been praised by Nayanmars in their hymns. Chola inscriptions are found
in the temple.
Thiruppallavaneeswaram
Thiruppallavaneeswaram is an ancient and very beautiful temple.
Iyarppakai Nayanar and Pattinatthar were born here. The Saivaite-saint
Thirugnanasambandar praised this temple.
EXCURSIONS
Melapperumpallam and Keezhapperumpallam
These two sthalams (holy places) are situated very near Poompuhar and
Thiruvengadu. The Valampuranathar temple at Melapperumpallam has Chola
inscriptions. It is noted for the famous Nayanmar's hymns.
Keezhapperumpallam is at distance of 2-km form Poompuhar. It is the temple
where the famous "Kethu" has a separate sthalam (place).
Thiruvengadu
Thiruvengadu is situated at a distance of 10-km from Sirkali and about
30-km from Poompuhar. Four great Saivaite Saints have sung hymns on it.
This is the place where Meykandar was born. "Pudhan" (Mercury)
has a separate sthalam in Thiruvengadu temple. The presiding deity is Sri
Swetharanyeswarar.
Sempanarkoil
Sempanarkoil
is an antique temple referred to as Thirusumponpalli in Devaram hymns. It
is situated on the bus route between Tranquebar and Mayiladuthurai
(Mayiladuthurai is located at a distance of 24-km from Poompuhar). It is a
temple of great historical significance.
Punjai
Punjai located near Sempanarkoil has a Shiva temple that has received
tributes from Devaram. It is a beautiful temple of architectural wonders
of Cholas.
Thirukkadaiyur (Thirukkadayur)
Thirukkadaiyur is on the bus route between Mayiladuthurai and Tranquebar.
It is one of the eight temples (Atta Veerathanam) glorifying the heroic
deeds of Lord Shiva. Sthalapuranam says that Lord Shiva exterminated Yama
at this place to save the life of Markkandeya. It is one of the famous
Saktisthalams.
Anantha Mangalam
It is a small village near Thirukkadaiyur. The temple here is noted for
the presiding deily of "'Dasapuja Veera Anjaneyar".
Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil is about 60-km from Poompuhar. Vaitheeswaran temple is
known in Hindu scriptures as "Pullirukkuvelur", (Pul - Irukku -
Vel - Ur, the words in Tamil meaning Bird (Jatayu), Rig-veda, Lord Murugan
and Sun respectively) is one of the important Shiva temples in the South.
Sirkali
Sirkali located at a distance of 21-km from Poompuhar is the birthplace
of the great Saiva Saint Thirugana Sambandar. The famous Thoniyappar
Shivalayam is situated here. It is a beautiful temple of historical
importance.
Nangoor
Nangoor is located in Sirkali Taluk(also spelt as Taluka) of Nagapattinam
district. Eleven of the 108 Divya Desams are found in and around Nangoor.
Thirumangai Alvar sanctified the Vaishnava temples in Nangoor.
Thiruvarur
Thiruvarur
is located at a distance of 65 km from Poompuhar and 20km from
Nagappattinam. This place is noted for
the Thyagaraja temple and the chariot (temple car). The unique feature of
the town is that it has three Shiva temples at one place. The well known "Panchamuga
Vathyam" and Paru Nadaswaram are still played during regular pujas.
The Musical Trinity of Thyagaiyyar (Thyagaraja), Muthuswamy Deekshither
and Shyama Sastri were born here.
Tranquebar (Tharangampadi)
It is 35-km north of Nagappattinam on the coastal line of Bay of Bengal.
The Danish fort and buildings with Danish architecture are the attractions
of Tranquebar. Even now the Danish Fort built in 1620 exists to exhibit
Danish architecture. The Fort is now under the control of Tamil Nadu
Archaeological Department and houses an archaeological Museum. This museum
is open to public on all days except Friday.
The Zion Church was built in 1701. It was renovated in 1782-84 and again
in 1839. It is still in good condition. Town Gateway was built in 1792 on
Danish Architectural style.
Masilamani Nathar temple built in 1305 by Maravarma Kulasekara Pandiyan
exhibits outstanding architectural skills. The front portion of the temple
has been partly damaged due to Sea-erosion.
Danish Governor Bungalow gets its name as it was used as the residence of
the Danish Governor in 1784. It is the biggest building in Tranquebar. Now
it is under the control of Tamil Nadu Tourism Department.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The airport at
Trichy is at a distance of
141-km.
Rail - The nearest railway station is at Mayiladuturai (24-km).
Tourists have to alight at Mayiladuthurai railway junction, to proceed to
Poompuhar by road. Visitors from
Chennai by train
have to get down at Sirkali. There are also train facilities from
Nagappattinam to
Thanjavur,
Trichy,
Chennai and Nagore.
Road - Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations
operate town buses to nearby areas like Karaikal,
Nagappattinam, Mayiladuthrrai and
Sirkali. Hired vehicles like cars and auto rickshaws are also available.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is available at the guesthouses, hotels and
lodges in Poompuhar. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, Government of
Tamil Nadu, also offers the following lodging facilities:
1. Special Cottages 1 A/C (Sangu Type)
2. Shell Type Cottages 5 (Sippi Type)
3. Tourist Lodge
SHOPPING
Indian handicrafts and bronze artefacts can be bought from the Government backed Victoria Technical Institute, Poompuhar (a Government of Tamil Nadu Undertaking).
TOURIST OFFICE
Government of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office
Poompuhar
Nagappattinam District
Reception
Pin: 609103
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 14.90-sq-kms
Population: 86,155 (1991 Census)
Clothing: Light Cottons
Languages Spoken: Tamil and English
STD Code: 04364
Climate: Tropical
Temperature Range (deg C):
Summer- Max 35.8ºC, Min 22.4ºC
Winter- Max 27.6ºC, Min 20.1ºC
NEARBY CITIES
Mayiladuthurai - 24-km
Sirkali - 21-km
Trichy-141-km
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