Nagappatinam is a unique District with all its historical and cultural significance. Nagappattinam is one of the constituents of chola mandalam, acclaimed as the Most prominent among the ancient Tamil Kingdoms. Its salient features more than anything else have contributed to the glory of the cholamandalam.

In ancient times, “NagaNadu”, “Nagappattinam” referred only to Sri Lanka. Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka had close links with this town Nagappattinam. “Animangalam Copperplate” of Kulothungachola notes that “Kasiba Thera” [Buddhist Monk] Renovated the Buddhist temple in 6th century AD with the the help of Buddhist monks of ‘Naganadu’ This ‘nagar annam vihar’ later came to be known as ‘Nagananavihar’.