Kayatharu

Kayatharu
town
Kayatharu Location in Tamil Nadu, India
Coordinates: 08°57′N 77°48′E
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Thoothukudi
Population  (2001)
• Total	9,497
Languages
• Official	Tamil
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
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.

Historical events

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).

Industry

Mat production is a huge industry. The area is famous for heavy winds so it has windmills and Indian central government also have an office which was inaugurated by ex prime minister Vajpayee.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Kayatharu had a population of 9497. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Kayatharu has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 57%. In Kayatharu, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Features

• Market: The city has a weekly market, held every Thursday. There is an exclusive area for the functioning of this market. Several goods from cooking items to animals are sold here. Kayathar is the center for marketing many agricultural things for the farmers around ~50 villages.
• School: Veera Pandia Kattabomman Govt. Hr. Sec. School. The school is named after the great king Veera Pandia Katta Bomman. He was remembered for his brave actions against the British. The school is located in a calm place amidst farm fields. The school has given several doctors, engineers, farmers and business men to the society.
• Sports: Several cultural and sports events are arranged by the youngsters during the Pongal festival (Jan 14-20). The Kabadi game conducted is the most famous among those. More than 20 teams from nearby villages are participating every year.
• Kutti Kulam: The water harvesting area. The rain water is saved in this pool for agricultural usage.
• Religion: Hinduism, Christianity and Muslim. The city has temples, churches and mosque.
  • Temples: Akilanda Nayaki - Kothanda Rameshwarar Temple, Thirumalai nayaki - Thiruneelakandeshwarar Temple. They were built during Kings rule. A well known temple is the Kayathar Atthankarai Sudalai Madan Swamy temple where every year the Kodai festival is held.
  • Church: St. Loorthu Matha Church. A very ancient church for the Roman Catholic Christians. CSI and other groups of Christians also there.
  • Mosque: The famous Muhammed Nainar Jummah mosque Palli Vaasal) is situated in the west region of the city. It has a free Arabic school by the name of Masjidur Rahmania Arabic school.