Thiruchendur

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Thiruchendur | type = city | latd = 8.4833| longd = 78.1167
state_name = Tamil Nadu
district = Toothukudi
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altitude = 3
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 29,330| population_density =
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:"This article about the town of Thiruchendur. For the article about the temple, see Thiruchendur Murugan Temple."Thiruchendur is a panchayat town in Toothukudi district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is 45 km away from Tuticorin and 53 km from Tirunelveli. It is well-connected with Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Tuticorin by road. There is a small stretch of meter-gauge (now broad gauge) rail link between Tiruchendur and Tirunelveli.

Tiruchendur is one of the famous towns in Tuticorin District, Tamil Nadu, India. Nearby airport is at Tuticorin. One of the famous Murugan temples is nearby the beautiful seashore. This temple is the second of the Arupadai Vedu(six abodes) of Lord Muruga. It is a holy place to the Ayyavazhi. The Avatharappathi here is one of the most important pilgrim centers of Ayyavazhi. See also Ayya vaikundar avataram.

Thiruchendur is famous for dry arid Theri forests located in various suburb villages surrounding the town. These Theri forests with red soil are densely planted with Palm trees, cashew plantation and various other varieties of plants typical to this region. The popular belief for the red soil of Theri lands is that one powerful local god Karkkuuvel Ayyanar (in the village "Therikudiyiruppu") requested his agent Vanniaraja to end the life of any one who intended to steal other's property. When Vanniaraja killed one of the thieves(Kallan), it is believed that the bloodshed had caused the entire land to become red soiled. People from this Theri land do not involve in thefts, crimes etc as they have deep belief in this folk tale.

About 10 km away from Thiruchendur, there is a village "Melaputhukudi" which is considered a holy place for ancestral Ayyanar temple, with a beautiful thalamboo grove attracting several other people as a nice picnic spot. There is a natural spring called "sunai" where a famous temple for "Arunchunai kattha Ayyanar Swami" is located.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Tiruchendur had a population of 29,330. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Tiruchendur has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 76%. In Tiruchendur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Education

The education rate is high because of a Private Educational Institution. Colleges available are
*Aditanar College of Arts and Science
*Govindammal Aditanar College for Women
*Dr. Sivanthi Aditanar College of Physical Education
*Dr. Sivanthi Aditanar College of Engineering
*Dr. Sivanthi Aditanar College of Education
*Dr. Sivanthi Aditanar Teacher Training Institute

Temples

Senthil Aandavar with Valli and Deivayanai temple is popular here and managed by Government of Tamilnadu
* [http://www.tiruchendurmurugan.com/ Thiruchendur Murugan Kovil]
* [http://www.chendurmurugan.com/ Chendur Murugan Kovil]
* [http://tiruchendur.org/ Tiruchendur Muruga]

Temple History

Inscriptions of King Ukkira Pandian and other kings are available in this temple. Arunagirinathar's Tiruppugazh and Nakkeerar'sTirumurugatruppadai are both based on the Muruga here.

Temple Mythology

Muruga killed Surapadman, a demon, in this place. Soorasamharam, an enactment of the deed, is performed here and Skanda Sashti is also celebrated in commemoration of the same. Using his spear Muruga created the Naazhi Kinaru.

Temple Festivals

Brahmothsavam in the month of Magha (February – March),Vasanthothsavam for 10 days in Chaitra (April – May), Visaka Visakam for 12 days in Vaisakha (May – June) and Skandha Sashti in Asvini (October – November) are celebrated in this temple.Besides these, there are two Maha Utsavams called,in Tamil, as Aavanipperunthirunaal and Maasipperunthirunaal being conducted and celebrated in a grand fashion during Simharavi ie.,Tamil month of Aavani(August-September)and Kumbharavi ie., Tamil month of Maasi(January-February) respectively. These are 12 day festivals which happen twice every year,during the above said periods.

Temple - Sacred tank(s)

1. Naazhi Kinaru (sacred well)

Temple - Present status of the sacred tank

This sacred well is outside the temple at a distance of 100 m south of the temple. Devotees are allowed to bathe by scooping out the water with a vessel and the water in the well never dries up. Despite the temple being on the seashore, the water is not salty..

Industries Around

At 8 km away from Thiruchendur there is a village Arumuganeri. Darangadara Chemical Works(DCW) is situated there.

References

External links

[http://www.wii.gov.in/publications/newsletter/spring2005/wii_field.htm Turtles in trouble]
* [http://www.geocities.com/tiruchendurnagaraviduthi/ Tiruchendur Nagara Viduthi]
* [http://www-us.flickr.com/photos/tiruchendurnagaraviduthi/306430156/ Photos of Tiruchendur Nagara Viduthi]