Sivakasi is located at a distance of 72 km from
Madurai. According to legend, a
Shivlinga, which was to be installed at
Tenkasi, was placed here during an overnight halt. Shivlinga got installed in the place. People could not move it, and a temple was constructed over it. Henceforth, the place sanctified by the Shivlinga brought from Kasi came to be known as Sivakasi.
The first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru gave the name ‘kutty Japan’ (small Japan) to Sivakasi, on seeing the commitment to work and attitude of togetherness of the people. The town has a total area of 6.89 sq km. Sivakasi is famous for fire crackers, printing and match box industries.
The prime attractions are Kasi Viswanatha Swami temple, Shri Pathira Kaliamman temple and Badrakaliamman temple (the tallest tower of all Kali temples in the state).
The nearest airport is at Madurai. Sivakasi is well linked by train to
Kollam and Coimbatore by meter gauge. The nearest broad gauge line passes through Virudhunagar. Sivakasi is well connected by road to Coimbatore, Virudhunagar, Palani and
Chennai.
