Karaikudi Knowledge Guide
History
The town derives its name from thorny plant Karai referred in ancient literature as Kareekudi, which in modern times became Karaikudi. The town was established in the 19th century, and the oldest known structure is the Koppudaiya Nayagi Amman Temple.Mahatma Gandhi delivered two speeches in Karaikudi in 1927 and Bharathiyar visited Karaikudi in 1919 to participate in a function. Post independence, the town registered significant growth in the industrial sector. Karaikudi and surrounding areas are generally referred as "Chettinad". The town is home to Nagarathar, a business community and Chettiars, financiers and trade facilitators and for Nattar Vallambars - Ambalam / Servai a feudal community.
Culture
Some prominent temples around the town are: Kundrakudi Shanmuganathan Temple, located 8 km (5.0 mi) far Ariyakudi Thiruvengamudayan Temple, one of the biggest Vishnu temples of the Chettinad region; located 3 km (1.9 mi) far Pillayarpatti Karpagavinayagar temple located 10 km (6.2 mi) far Thirumayam Permual Temple located 22 km (14 mi) farKannadasan Mandapam, Kamban Manimandapam, Thousand windows house and Chettinad Raja Palace are other visitor attractions in Karaikudi.The first Temple for Mother Tamil is located in Karaikudi and was established in 1993.Chettinad cuisine originated in the areas around Karaikudi.