Karaikudi is a city and a municipality in Sivaganga District in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the largest city in Sivaganga district, and is known as the capital of Chettinad region, which comprises Karaikudi and 74 other villages. Chettinad is the homeland of the Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar), a prosperous banking and business community, many of whose members migrated to Southeast Asia, particularly Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Burma, in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The people of Karaikudi played a major role during the Indian freedom struggle. Karaikudi got its name because of the famous plant called "Karai" which is widely spread over this area.
Temples
- The city is known for Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple, also known as Sivan Temple which was built during 1872. There is a temple here where there are 108 statues of Ganapathy.
- Sekkalai is located at north-east of Karaikudi, which was known as "Jayam Konda Puram" 50 years back.
- In North-west of Karaikudi is MutthuPattinam which is known for Muthu Mariamman Temple.
- At the Central is Kallukatti where the famous Koppudayamman Temple is located. Car Festival during the first Tuesday of Vaikasi month is very famous. The car starts on Tuesday and it go to Kattamman Kovil and returns back on the next day. The car travels approximately 8 km. On Vaigasi the first Thursday, they conduct Theppam at Kallukkatti Oorani.
