Pudukkottai - Treasure trove of archaeolgy
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Pudukkottai town is the headquarters of the district . Once a princely State, the area, which comprises the district, is of absorbing interest to historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and lovers of art. The numerous dolmens, stone circles and other forms of megalithic burials in the district indicate the antiquity of this region dating back to pre-historic and protohistorical times.This tract is mentioned in the Sangam classics.The archaeological and cultural remains at Kodumbalur, Narthamalai, Kudumianmalai, Kunnandarkoil, Sittannavasal, Thirumayam and Avudaiyarkoil are proof of its rich cultural heritage. The origin of Pudukkottai as a Princely state in the 17th Century A.D. is only one colourful aspect of the past of the region. Pudukkottai town lies on the Chennai - Rameswaram Railway line. It is 390 kms from Chennai. 53 kms from Tiruchirappalli and 57 kms. from Thanjavur.
The rulers of Pudukkottai have built several beautiful places and also constructed tanks canals and palaces.

EXCURSION
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 Sittannavasal : 
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 This ancient abode of Jains dating back to the 2nd Century B.C. is about 16 kms from Pudukkodai. The rock cut cave temple with its beautiful painting in natural colours as in Ajanta, Stone, beds, known as Eladipattam and a Cave in which the Jain monks sought refuge in those days, are the main attractions.

 There are a few sculptures of Jain Theerthangaras in the Ardhamandapa and inner shrine of the Cave temple. The ceiling of the Ardhamandapam contains fresco paintings of the 7th century A.D. Inscriptions of 9-10th century A.D. are also found in the Cave. The Cave temple is said to have been excavated in 7th century A.D. by the Pallava king Mahendravarman.

 It is easily approachable by road and transport facilities are available. The centre is developed under the District Excursion Centre project.

 In the area around Sittanavasal there are many pre-historic burial sites consisting of Kurangupatarai, Cairns, Burial urns, Cists etc.

 Kudumianmalai : 
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 Kudumianmalai is 20 kms. from Pudukkottai. There are beautiful sculptures and a thousand pillar-hall in the temple. The presiding deity#is Sikhagireeswarar. The temple is noted for numerous inscriptions. Remarkable among them is the one relating to a musical treatise of the Mahendra Varma Pallavan, who experimented the Sapthaswara in a Veena called "Parivadini" with 8 strings. There is also a rock-cut cave temple called Melakkoil, which was excavated during the time of Mahendravarma Pallavan. The Anna Agricultural Farm and Agriculture Research Institute are the other interesting features of this place.

 Kodumbalur : 
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 Also known as Moovarkoil, it is 36 kms. from Pudukkottai and 42 kms from Tiruchirapalli. It was formerly the seat of Irukkuvelirs, who were related to the Cholas. Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil only two exist now. These temples were built by Boodhi Vikramakesari in the 10th Century A.D. The architecture of the temple is unique among south Indian temples. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajasamharamurthi Ardhanari. Gangadaramurthi etc. are interesting master pieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundeswarar temple of the early Chola period.

 Viralimalai : 
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 The temple of Lord Subramanya at this place is on a hillock and is said to exist before 15th Century A.D. There is a peacock sanctuary. It is 30 kms. from Tiruchirapalli and 40 kms. from Pudukkottai. The principal idol is seated on a peacock with consorts on either side.

 Narthamalai : 
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 It is a place of historical importance and the headquarters of the Mutharaiyar Chieftains. The earliest structural stone temple, circular in shape, built by the Mutharaiyars and the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Cave temple built by Vijayalaya Chola, the first king of the later Cholas and Kadambarmalai temple of the place are also worth visiting. It is 17 kms form Pudukkottai.

 Thirumayam (19 kms. from Pudukkottai) : 
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 The Fort, the Siva and Vishnu temples are the tourist attractions here. 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 VijayaRagunatha 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 also Vishnu and Siva Shrines are found. The Vishnu temple is one of the most complete and the largest Anantasayi groups in India. It is a natural Cavern which has been changed into a shrine.
   
 Avudaiyarkoil (40 kms. from Pudukkottai) : 
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 The Athmanathaswami temple situated here contains graceful life-size sculptures which are of absorbing interest. The car of this temple is renowned for its wood carvings. The temple is noted for zephyr (granite roof) work. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with copper plate and is similar to the Chidambaram Natarajar temple.

 Avur (28 kms. from Pudukkottai) : 
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 The old chapel here was constructed in 1547 A.D. by Fr, John Venantius Bouchet and the new Roman Catholic Church was constructed 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, takes place in summer which attracts people of all faiths

 Kumaramalai : 
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 It is 10 kms. form Pudukkottai. Atop a small mount is a Murugan temple. The tank water of the mount is considered to be holy.

 Kattubava Pallivasal (30 kms. from Pudukkottai) : 
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 One of the Islamic Pilgrim centres, this is located on the Thirumayam-Madurai Highway. Both Hindus and Muslims visit this place. Annual "Urs" takes place in the month of Rabiyul Ahir.

 Vendanpatti (40 kms. from Pudukkottai via Ponnamaravathi): 
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 The Nandi known as Nei Nandi in the Arulmighu Meenakshi Chokkeswarar Temple is very well known. Though made of black granite, it now shines like marble due to frequent abishekam with pure ghee. Another interesting feature is the absence of flies and ants inspite of the Nandi being showered with pure ghee every day. A large number of devotees flock daily to this temple.

 Aranthangi : 
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 The second largest town in Pudukkottai district after the headquarters. Aranthangi was the most populous locality in the south of the Thanjavur district till it was added to Pudukkottai. The main centre of attraction is a ruined fort.

 The walls are not constructed of brick or stone. Large interstices are filled with mud. There are no ruins of palaces or any other striking building inside. There is no indication when the fort could have been built. But, a line of Tondaimans who were unconnected with those of Pudukkottai, were in power here in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and it is believed that they constructed it.

 The temple of Rajendra Chola varma in the town seems to have been built in the eleventh century.

 Manamelkudi : 
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 Manamelkudi is a village Panchayat in Avudhiyarkoil 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 way of Bengal and well connected by a major district, road leading form Aranthangi which is 43 kms. away and passing through the Taluk headquarters Avudaiyarkoil which is 32 kms. to the west. 

 Manora ( 72 kms.) : 
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 The eight-storey victory tower here was built by the Maratha King Serfoji in the year 1814 to commemorate the victory of the British over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. The name "Manora" is derived from the word minaret (small minar).

 Karaikudi (45 kms.) : 
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 This small town is known for its magnificent mansions constructed by the Chettiars - a caste known as much for their prosperity as their hospitality. Though the owners of these palatial wonders have long scatteared, having left for distant shore, the beautifully carved woodwork as well as the stone and mortar work of these houses can still be appreciated. The Alagappa Collage founded by the late Dr Alagappa Chettiar has been upgraded now as Alagappa University.

 Not far from Karaikudi is one of the largest ever temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha or Pillayar. The beautiful cave temple at Pillayarpatti is a fine example of Pallava carchitecture and the massive Vinayaka statue is one of the best in the country.

 Sri Kokarneswarar Temple : 
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 The rock-cut cave Temple of Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal at Thirukokarnam is of Mahendraverma Pallava's period.
  
 Government Museum : 
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 Situated at Thirrukokarnam, the museum is at a distance of 5 kms. from Pudukkottai railway Station. The wide range of collections in the Sections of Geology, Zoology, Paintings. Anthropology, Epigraphy, Historical records, etc. are verry interesting. The fine Sculptures and bronzes of various periods are the attractive items of the Museum 

  
  
 
 
