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Sirkazhi (Tamil: சீர்காழி), is a city and a municipality in Nagapattinam district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located just 10 km from the Bay of Bengal; 5 km from Kollidam; 20 km from Chidambaram; 250 km from Chennai and 90 km from Pondicherry.
Sirkazhi is located at 11°14′N 79°44′E / 11.23°N 79.73°E. It has an average elevation of 4 m (13 ft).
As of the 2001 India census, Sirkazhi had a population of 32,084. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Sirkazhi has an average literacy rate of 76%, significantly higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, and female literacy is 71%. In Sirkazhi, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. Sirkazhi residents include Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Hindus account almost 93% of the population. Sirkazhi is a multicultural city where people of all backgrounds live in harmony. As such, the crime rate is low in the area.
During the great deluge that submerged the earth, Shiva is said to have carried the 64 arts with him in a raft, in this shrine, hence the name Toniappar, and Tonipuram. Brahma is believed to have worshiped Shiva here, hence the name Bhrammapureeswarar. Bhairavar or Sattainathar (who is said to have quelled the arrogance of Trivikramar, after his having shown his dominance over the three worlds) is worshiped each Friday night.
Sirkazhi Govindarajan (Tamil: சீர்காழி கோவிந்தராஜன்; January 19, 1933 - March 24, 1988) was a leading vocalist in Carnatic Music.
Govindarajan, born in Sirkali in Madras Presidency) and started performing at the age of eight in Tirupurasundari Temple. His son Sirkazhi G. Sivachidambaram is also a Carnatic singer.
He graduated from the Tamil Isai College in Chennai in 1949 and learnt music from Thiruppampuram Swaminatha Pillai. He was conferred the Padma Shri award by the Government of India.
Govindarajan had also done playback singing in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films.Madras University conferred a doctorate (Honoris Causa) on him in 1983. He died in 1988, aged 55.