Vedaaranyam on the Coast – A Pictographic Story
I would never have ever imagined visiting this place, had it not been for a family wedding invitation to be ceremonized in this small coastal town. A Tamil Iyer wedding extends for 3 days if conducted with all rituals and ceremonies. As we were to stay put in this small town for three days I decided to explore around during the available free time.
Before commencing my exploration, searched for the history of this place and was stunned to see that this small sleepy town in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu had a memorable past.
To start with, the name of this town is associated with the 7th century Vedaranyeshwarar Temple of Lord Shiva. This place is also referred to as the forest of Vedas in the ancient tamil script of devotional rhyms and as a sacred religious centre for the Shaivites.
While this town was used as Trade Port during the Chola era, it was this place from where Shri. C. Rajagopalachari commenced the Salt Satyagraha in the year 1930 against British Rule.
This town was also believed to have been visited by Lord Rama during his travel to Rameshwaram in search of Sita. A site having footprints of the Lord is also an attraction in this place. The foot impressions are kept on a
mount. The legend goes that Sri Rama stood on this mount and it was from here he viewed the location of the kingdom of Ravana across the sea.
Vedaaranyam River passes via this town to merge with the ocean.
Kodiyakarai (Point Calimere) is an interesting location. It has a small wildlife sanctuary, a light House, an old brick fireplace which used to be a lighthouse during British Era and merging point of river vedaranyam in the sea. The beauty here is you can observe the different colours of the sea with the Bay of Bengal in dark sea blue and Indian Ocean in sea green with sandy colour. This place is mere 25 Km from the coastal bounary of Sri Lanka and
about 48 Km from one of its Coastal Boundaries near Jaffna.
This location is a great shooting location for movies, serials etc., Film Pnniyin Selvam had also some scenes shot at this location. So also a potion of OTT web series Family Man 2 was shot here.
Located in an area of mere 35-40 sq.km,Vedaranyam Town is a major Salt extraction location.
Author’s Introduction
Mr. Ravi Krishnamurthi is an esteemed member of the Lifeplus Magazine Photography Club. A retired corporate professional from Nagpur, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep passion for creativity. Beyond his accomplished career, Mr. Krishnamurthi pursues a wide range of hobbies and artistic interests, offering a unique blend of insight, imagination, and perspective in all his endeavors.
He is also a gifted writer, known for his keen observation and evocative storytelling. His articles on memories and travel have been regularly featured in Lifeplus Magazine, resonating with readers through their warmth and authenticity.
This time, Lifeplus Magazine is proud to present his latest travel story, capturing the charm and beauty along the banks of the Vedaaranyam River.
Very crisp and informative.