Karaikudi Lifestyle's video: Sri Sasi Varneshwarar Temple Sivagangai

The Sivaganga kingdom was established by Sasivarna Thevar in January 1730 and made Sivaganga as its capital. He dug the beautiful Teppakulam (tank) with its many bathing ghats. The magnificent Gowri Vilasam Aranmanai (palace) was later addition which was built by Gowri Vallaba Thevar, the first Istimirar Zamindar of Sivaganga Zamin. Sasivarna Thevar died in 1750 and his son, Muthuvaduganatha Thevar succeded him. After the death of Muthuvaduganatha Thevar in 1772 at Kalayarkoil, Rani Velunachiyar, the wife of Muthuvaduganatha Thevar, spent seven years in exile at Virupakshi near Dindigul. The Marudhu brothers and the valiant Rani Velunachiyar led an army in person for liberating her kingdom from the clutches of the Arcot Nawab in 1780. Vellachi, the daughter of Muthuvaduganatha Thevar and Velunachiyar, was proclaimed as the Queen of Sivaganga, and the Marudhu brothers were allowed to continue as her ministers. Vengam Periya Udaya Thevar of Sakkanthi married Vellachi and assumed the title of Rajah of Sivaganga. At that time Marudhu brothers became the de-facto rulers. Their active participation is South Indian rebellion resulted their execution.