Kannagi is the Heroine of a Legendary Tamil Epic "Silappathigaram" written by Ilangovadigal, a Tamil Prince-turned-Sanyasi.

Kannagi boldly and bravely went to the Pandiyan King Nedunchezhiyan's court, and demanded justice for the king's wrong judgement and execution of her husband Kovalan for allegedly stealing the queen's Silambu.

After proving her husband's ignorance in the theft matter the King Pandiyan Nedunchezhian died on the throne itself. However, Kannagi was not satisfied and removed one of her breasts and threw with anger on the city of Madurai. The Madurai city got fire and the entire city of Madurai was destroyed by the fire kindled by the chasteful Kannagi.

To honour the superiority of Tamil Women's chastity, courage and firmness in demanding justice, Tamilnadu Government erected a statue for the Legendary Tamil Chaste Queen Kannagi in Marina Beach in the year 1968.

In December 2001, when Mr.O.Panneerselvam was the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu, the Kannagi Statue was removed over-night for Traffic Maintenance reasons.

On 3rd June 2006, the Kannagai statue was re-installed by the Government of Tamilnadu, under the Chief-Minister Dr.M.Karunanidhi.