Virudhunagar (that was Virudhupatti some time ago), is a town and the headquarters of the Virudhunagar district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Virudhunagar became an important trade centre during the British rule. The town is the birthplace of freedom fighter K. Kamaraj, former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, and Bharat Ratna recipient. Located to the east of Kowsika River.