Avvaiyar memorial construction on in full swing in Nagapattinam

Construction work is on in full swing for establishing a memorial for Avvaiyar at Thulasiyapattinam village near Vedaranyam. The memorial, dedicated to the revered Sangam-era poet Avvaiyar, is being built on a two-acre site in the Avvaiyar Viswanatha Swamy Temple, where a shrine for the saint-composer is located

Construction work is on in full swing for establishing a memorial for Avvaiyar at Thulasiyapattinam village near Vedaranyam. The memorial, dedicated to the revered Sangam-era poet Avvaiyar, is being built on a two-acre site in the Avvaiyar Viswanatha Swamy Temple, where a shrine for the saint-composer is located.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had virtually laid the foundation stone for the memorial on November 13, 2024. The project, estimated to cost ₹18.95 crore, aims to honour Avvaiyar’s legacy and boost tourism in the region. The memorial is designed in the shape of a Tamil vowel and will be constructed in two phases.

In the first phase, the main structure will be completed along with a library, an auditorium, an Executive Officer’s office, and quarters for priests. Additionally, a grand entrance arch and CCTV surveillance will be set up. The second phase will focus on landscaping, including a park, pond restoration, and the installation of a life-sized bronze statue of Avvaiyar. The entire project is expected to be completed by next year.

According to officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, the memorial will span approximately 11,000 sq ft. Once completed, it is expected to transform Thulasiyapattinam village in Vanduvancheri panchayat into a significant cultural and heritage site, alongside popular pilgrimage destinations such as Vedaranyeswarar Temple, Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in Vedaranyam.