Nagapattinam

Nagapattinam is a unique District with all its historical and cultural significance. Nagapattinam is one of the constituents of chola mandalam, acclaimed as the most prominent among the ancient Tamil kingdoms. Its salient features more than anything else have contributed to the glory of the Cholamandalam. Coastal town Nagapattinam was the Headquarters of a region during period This region has been named after kshathiriya sigamani. One of the titles of Raja Raja Cholan. Nagapattinam is also known as ‘Cholakula Vallippatinam’. The heritage of the town is found in the Burmese historical text of 3rd century B.C. The same text gives evidences of a Budha vihar built by the great Ashoka. The Chinese Traveler Hiuen Tsuang Also mentioned the Budha vihar in his book. Nagappattinam is mentioned as Padarithitha in ancient Buddhist literature According to scholars ’avurithidal’ the name of the part of Nagapattinam might have been derived from the word Padarithitha is the nae of the fruit tree Nagapattinam referred only to Sri Lanka. Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka had close links with this town Nagapatinam. “Animangalam Copperplate” of Kulothungachola notes that “Ksiba Thera” (Bhuddhist Monk) Renovated the Buddhist temple in 6th century AD with the help of Buddhist monks of “naganadu”. The nagar annam vihar later came to be known as Nagapattinam District.