Temples of Nagapattinam district are best known for the wide array of temple festivals. Nagapattinam district is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu. Tourists from various places come to visit the sacred places like Poombuhar, the temple of Lord Anjaneyar, Dargha in Nagore near Nagapattinam, Sowriraja Perumal Temple, Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, and Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple and the virgin beaches.
Agneeswarar Temple is one of the well-known Temples of Nagapattinam district. This is a Shivasthalam located at Annur and was built by Chola rulers. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple enshrines Agneeswarar as the chief deity along with his divine spouse Goddess Parvati. Mythology says that Agni worshipped Lord Shiva at this place. Arudra Darisanam is the famous annual festival celebrated here amid much pomp and splendor. Naganathaswamy Temple, located at Kizhaperumpallam is again dedicated to Lord Shiva. However this temple also has a separate shrine for Kethu. It is believed that the king of serpents, Vasuki, did penance and worshipped Lord Shiva at this place.
Sri Devathirajan Temple, one among the famous temples of Nagapattinam district, is situated in Therezhandur village in Mayiladuthurai and the main deity of the temple is 10 foot tall with Garuda balanced to his left and Prahlad along with Markanteya Maharishi to his right. The idol is decorated with a golden kireedam (helmet), sagasranama necklace and golden anklet. The main festivals of the temple are the Sri Ramar Utsavam and Vasantha Utsavam in Chithirai, Brahma Utsavam in Vaikasi, Sri Andal Utsavam in Aadi. Located at Poompuhar, Tiruchaaikadu Temple is a shaivite shrine and an important temple of Nagapattinam district.
Vyagrapureeswarar Temple is a famous shrine located at Puliyur, about 7 km from Nagapattinam. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Vyagrapureeswarar, along with Goddess Parvati. The temple complex also has separate shrines for Durga, Dakshinamurthy, Mariamman, Goddess Lakshmi and Surya. Nagore Dhargah and Tiruvarur Thyagaraja Temple are nearby attractions. Iravatheswarar Temple is a highly honored temple of Nagapattinam district, located at Maelai Thirumananjeri close to Mayiladuthurai. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Shanmugar Temple with the deity Lord Muruga in standing posture along with his consorts Valli and Devayanai, bears inscriptions from the temple that reveal the history of the Chola period. There are separate shrines for Bhramapureeswarar, Anandavalli, Dakshinamurthy and Mahalakshmi in the temple. Skanda Shashti, the major festival here. Mayuranathar Temple is one of the important temples of Nagapattinam district with a unique blend of fine sculpture and exquisite architecture. Airavateswarar Temple, Neelamegaperumal Temple, Tiruppunkur Sivalokanathar Temple, Tiruchaaikadu Temple and Arulsomanathar Temple are some more important temples of Nagapattinam district.
