Kayathar
| Kayatharu | |
|---|---|
| town | |
 Kayatharu
|
|
| Coordinates: 08°57′N 77°48′E / 8.950°N 77.800°ECoordinates: 08°57′N 77°48′E / 8.950°N 77.800°E | |
| Country |
 India
|
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Thoothukudi |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 9,497 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Nearest city | Tirunelveli |
Kayatharu is a panchayat town in Thoothukudi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated along National Highway 7 (NH7) between Tirunelveli and Kovilpatti.
Kayatharu, also referred to as Kayathar, is situated about 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Tirunelveli on the way to Madurai. Kattabomman, one of the earliest opponents of British rule in India (in the first Polygar War), was hanged here on a Tamarind tree, by the British in 1799. A memorial has been built here by the Tamil Nadu government for Kattabomman.
Kayatharu means "bitter river", from Aaru (Tamil for river) and kayarpu/kasappu (Tamil for bitter). This name may refer to the river flowing through the town and was attributed to Sri Godhandaramar who always wore a thulasi malai (in English "basil garland" which has a bitter taste) and whose temple is located on the banks of the river.
The last Pandiya King Marthanda Varman fought and lost to the Nayakar Dynasty at Kayathar.
King Veera Pandiya Kattabomman, whose fort was located near Kayathar (Panchalan kurichi), was hanged by the British in this place. The king's statue was built in Kayathar by Tamil cinema actor Sivaji Ganeshan.
The great poet Kalamega Kavi came to Kayathar and was hungry but didn't get any food in the Perumal temple. He was forced to carry Lord Perumal statue and was frustrated by his hunger. He sang poems to destroy the Perumal temple. After much decay it has been rebuilt in 2009.
The Patriotic and revolutionistic poet Mundasu Kavi Thiru Bharathiyaar was born near Kayathar (Ettayapuram).
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Wikipedia