Kayatharu

Kayatharu is a panchayat town in Thoothukudi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated along National Highway 7 (NH7) between Tirunelveli and Kovilpatti.Kayatharu, also referred to as Kayathar, is situated about from Tirunelveli on the way to Madurai. Kattabomman, one of the earliest opponents of British rule in India (in the first Polygar War), was hanged here on a Tamarind tree, by the British in 1799. A memorial has been built here by the Tamil Nadu government for Kattabomman.Kayatharu means "bitter river", from Aaru (Tamil for river) and kayarpu/kasappu (Tamil for bitter). This name may refer to the river flowing through the town and was attributed to Sri Godhandaramar who always wore a thulasi malai (in English "basil garland" which has a bitter taste) and whose temple is located on the banks of the river.Historical eventsThe last Pandiya King Marthanda Varman fought and lost to the Nayakar Dynasty at Kayathar.