Thiruvandanai

Why is in news? Sagar Parikrama, Phase- IX starts today from Thiruvandanai, Tamil Nadu

The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (FAHD), Government of India, and National Fisheries Development Board along with the Department of Fisheries, Government of Tamil Nadu, Indian Coast Guard, and fishermen representatives organized as well as actively participated in the Sagar Parikrama, Phase- IX which started from Thiruvandanai, Tamil Nadu.

Tiruvadanai:

Tiruvadanai or Thiruvadanai is a town and a taluk headquarters of the Ramanathapuram district, in Tamil Nadu.

The town is known for the Adhi Ratneswarar Temple and is mentioned in the Thevaram hymns.

It is situated about 70 km away from Ramanathapuram and can be reached from Karaikudi via Devakottai or Madurai via Sivagangai, "Unbelievable Temple ".

Adhi Ratneswarar Temple:

The Adhi Ratneswarar Temple situated in Tiruvadanai, is one of the 14 temples in Paandiya Naadu praised in the Thevaram hymns.

Sages Agasthya, Markandeya and the holy cow Kamadenu were believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple.

The temple is also mentioned in the Thirupugal and Thevara Pathigam works of Tamil poets Arunagirinathar and Sambandar respectively.

Sagar Parikrama:

Sagar Parikrama is contributing to disseminate information on fisheries related schemes/programs implemented by Government of India, highlighting best practices, promote responsible fisheries and demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolks and concerned stakeholders.

The goal of Sagar Parikrama is to interact fishermen at their doorsteps, hear their difficulties and grievances, witness village level ground realities, encourage sustainable fishing, and ensure that government subsidies and initiatives reach the beneficiaries.

So far, the Sagar Parikrama has covered eight phases across coastal States/UTs.