Tiruchengode

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Tiruchengode | type = city | latd = 11.265| longd =77.94
state_name = Tamil Nadu
district = Namakkal
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude =
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 80,177| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =04288
postal_code =637211
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
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Tiruchengode is a city and municipality located in the modern day Namakkal District, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The famous Ardhanareeswarar (see Ardhanarishvara) hill temple (one of the 64 manifestations of Lord Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and Parvati) is situated in Tiruchengode. This is an ancient temple mentioned in the Tamil work Silapathikaram as Neduvelkunru. It is also famous for Chenkottu Velavar (Lord Muruga) Temple, which is situated in the same hill.

History

In ancient days, Tiruchengode was known as "Thirukodimaadachenkunrur". One of the Historic Place in Tamilnadu.

Location

Tiruchengode is in south India in the state of Tamilnadu, approximately 20 km away from Erode, 44 km away from Salem, and 36 km away from Namakkal.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Tiruchengode had a population of 80,177. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Tiruchengode has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 65%. In Tiruchengode, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Legends

Adi Kesava Perumal, enshrined here, instructed Gowri on the Kedara Gowri Vratam which she performed tounite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. One of the 64 manifestations of Shiva - the man-woman form with Parvati constituting the left half of Shiva.

A battle of strength between Adi Seshan and Vayu, saw the former clinging tightly to Mount Meru and Vayu using his might to blow it away. The latter succeeded in blowing it away to Tiruchengode and the blood spilled by Adiseshan colored it red. The red color of the hill caused the name Chengode. Kamadhenu is said to have obtained 5 hills from Shiva, of which this was one; hence this hill with 2 stories of its origin, with rocks colored both red and yellow represents the masculine and feminine aspects of the Ardhanareeswara manifestation of Shiva.

The Temple

Ardhanareeswarar, one of the 64 manifestations of Shiva, representing the unity of Shiva and Parvati, is enshrined in this revered hill temple of great significance, accessible by a motorable road. This temple is regarded as the 4th of the 7 Tevara Stalams in the Kongu Region of Tamilnadu.

Ancient walls, mandapams and sculptured pillars (now in a state of disrepair) add to the awe that this temple perpetuates, on top of the hill. The motorway and the renovated Rajagopuram are of recent origin. True to the name Nagagiri, there is a 60 ft long snake carved on the hill.

Although the sanctum faces the West, entrance to it is from the South. A majestic image of Ardanareeswarar adorns the sanctum. There is a water spring at the foot of the image which is said to have been divinely manifested (Uli Padaa Uruvam). There are inscriptions here from the times of Parantaka Chola, Gangaikonda Chola, the Vijayanagar and Mysore Kings and the Nayaks.

Uttsavamurti of this temple is in the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, USA. [http://www.clevelandart.org/explore/work.asp?searchText=shiva&display=&ctl00%24ctl00%24ctrlHeader%24btnSearch=go&tab=2&recNo=9]

The Tiruchengottuvelavar shrine (to Subramanyar) attracts a number of pilgrims.

Sambandar composed the Tiruneelakandapatikam here, to help rid fellow travellers of an affliction. Muthuswamy Deekshitar has sung of this shrine in Ardhanareeswaram in Kumudakriya.

Festivals

Three worship services are offered each day. The late night worship service (Artha Jaama Pooja) is considered to be of importance here. New moon days are also considered to be special. The annual festival is celebrated in the tamil month of Vaikasi, when the festival image of Ardhanareeswarar is brought down from the hill. This festival is celebrated for 15 days.

Transport

Road

Tiruchengode is well connected by state as well as private buses from Salem, Namakkal, Erode and Karur.

Rail

The nearest railway stations are Sankagiri (8 km), Erode (22 km) and Salem (44 km).

Air

The nearst airport is at Trichy (120 km)& Coimbatore (120 Km)

Prominent Citizens

* T. S. Pattabiraman, Advocate, Freedom Fighter, MLA (Indian National Congress) and 3-term Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).
* T.N. Selvaganapathy, Advocate, former MLA (DMK), minister in the Tamilnadu cabinet, and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha).
* C. Ponniyan, Advocate, former MLA (AIADMK), and minister in the Tamilnadu cabinet.
* T.M. Kaliyanannan, former MLA (Indian National Congress).

Politics

Tiruchengode assembly constituency is part of Tiruchengode (Lok Sabha constituency). [cite web
url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf
title = List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies
accessdate = 2008-10-09
work = Tamil Nadu
publisher = Election Commission of India ]

References

External links

* [http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s110.html About Ardhanareeswarar Hill Temple]
* [http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m055.html About Chenkottu Velavar Temple]
* [http://www.tiruchengodu.com About Tiruchengodu]

ee also

* Tiruchengode (Lok Sabha constituency)