Aranthangi

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Aranthangi
latd = 10.1631|longd =78.9962
locator_position = right | state_name = Tamil Nadu
district = Pudukkottai
area_telephone=
postal_code =
type = city | altitude =
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 34,266| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Aranthangi is a city and a municipality in Pudukkottai district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Aranthangi had a population of 34,266. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Aranthangi has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 52% of the males and 48% of females literate. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. It consists one Govt polytechnic which came by the intuition of Mr. Thirunavaukarasar M.P. and one private arts and science college.

The second largest town in Pudukkottai district after the headquarters. Aranthangi was the most populous locality in the south of the Thanjavur district till it was added to Pudukkottai. It is lies 10 deg. at north in latitude and 70 deg east in longitude and lies 32.31 M above Mean Sea Level.

The main centre of attraction is a ruined fort. The walls are not constructed of brick or stone. Large interstices are filled with mud. There are no ruins of palaces or any other striking building inside. There is no indication when the fort could have been built. But, a line of Tondaimans who were unconnected with those of Pudukkottai, were in power here in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and it is believed that they constructed it. The temple of Rajendra Chola varma in the town seems to have been built in the eleventh century. The two main State Highways passing through this town namely Thanjavur-Sayalkudi road and Trichy Mimisal Road.

It is only town at around 30 km. The main income for them is only agriculture. Paddy, groundnut and sugarcane are the major crop. Some fish catching point also available in the near by sea sore namely Kattumavadi, Mimisel, Kottaipattinam.

Aranthangi is ruled by Thondaimans (Different from Pudukkottai Thondaimans) in earlier days (Time is exactly unknown ref the book "Pudukkottai Mavata Varalaru"). One damaged fort is located in the city. This city can be reached by bus and trains. Here is the one runway but now it is demolished which is construct during the world war. Before 1974 city is in Tanjore district now it is the second largest city in Pudukkottai. City has 3 film theatres and lodges. Small river Vellar is going through the outer of the city. LocationsOn road33 km far from Pudukkottai, 90 km far from Trichy, 35 km far from Karaikudi,120 km far from Madurai by road.By trainKamban Express, Sethu Express Both from Chennai

Seashore is 20 km (Kattumavadi)

TemperatureThe maximum temperature of this town is 37.1°c and the minimum temperature is 36.4°c. The seasonal climate conditions are moderate and the weather is uniformly salubrious

Rain Fall

The town gets major rainfall during the North east monsoon period. The Annual normal rainfall varies from 300 mm to 800 mm.

Tourism information

Veermakaliamman Koil is located in centre of the City, Amman is north facing normally all main gods in temples is east facing or some in South facing (Avudaiyarkoil), here is the change. Festival of this temple is Adi festival (during middle of July to middle of September).

AvudaiyarKoil is around 15 miles from Aranthangi. Here we have a temple of Lord Athmanatha Swamy (who is formless-Lord Shiva) built by the Great Tamil Saint Manikavachagar. Manikavachagar came to seashore to purchase horse from some Arabian sellers but he was observed by God Shivan on under tree of Kuruntha. Here only there is no Nandi in front of Lord. Also the Lotus Feet of the Goddess is worshipped through a window (Yogambal is the name).

AvudaiyarKoil is the second temple to Chidambaram where Aruvam (அருவம்.. அதாவது உருவமற்ற கடவுள் நிலை) is worshipped. There is an excellent article about this temple in Pudukkottai Mavatta Malar by Aranthai Thirumaran.

The Avudayar temple has many beautiful stone statues, stone chains, Mandapam and many other things. It is maintained by Thiruvavaduthurai Athinam. There is no separate navagraha sannathi in this temple like elsewhere. Here Manikavachagar attained Gnana. He gave the SivaPuranam here only. Here the temple priests (Brahmins) are known as Nambiyars. This place is also known as Thiru Perunthurai. Avani Moola thiruvizha is important festival.

The Athmanathaswami temple situated here contains graceful life-size sculptures which are of absorbing interest. This is the most ornate temple full of bursting brogue sculptures. It is called Thirupperundurai in inscriptions and intimately associated with Siva saint Manickavasakar. The sacred book Saivism, Thiruvasakam of Manickavasakar originated from this shrine. The God is worshiped formless and no images in the sacnithanam. The utsavamurti of the temple is Manikkavasakar. The mandapams are full breath - taking sculptures, a varitable galary of sculptures. The car of this temple is renowned for its wood carvings. The temple is noted for zephyr (granite roof) work. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with copper plate and is similar to the Chidambaram Natarajar temple.

Sivan temples, many Vinayagar Temples and Murugan Templesthe famous village Ayingudi is located at 13km from aranthangi on peravurani road...ayingudi is famous for sivan temple.

Manora

Manora is 38 km from Aranthangi. The eight-storey victory tower here was built by the Maratha King Serfoji in the year 1814 to commemorate the victory of the British over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. The name "Manora" is derived from the word minaret (small minar).

Thirumayam

Thirumayam is 52 km from Aranthangi. The Fort, the Siva and Vishnu temples are the tourist attractions here. The Fort played an important role in the history of Tondaiman rulers of Pudukkottai and the British. The erection of this 40 acre-wide Fort in 1687 A.D. is attributed to Sethupathi VijayaRagunatha Thevar, the Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram. On the hill there is a Rock Cut Siva temple with Music inscription and the relics of a Fort. At the foot of the hill also Vishnu and Siva Shrines are found. The Vishnu temple is one of the most complete and the largest Anantasayi groups in India. It is a natural Cavern which has been changed into a shrine

Oriyur – Arulanandar Church

Oriyur St. Arulanadar Church near 40 km from Aranthangi. It is very ancient church about 200 year ancient.

Sri Gokarneswara Temple – Thirugokarnam

The Rock-cut cave temple of Sri Gokarneswara - Brahadambal at Thirugokarnam is a Pandya art and belongs to 9th century A.D. It is the tutelary deity of Thondaiman rulers of Pudukkottai. The Pudukkottai Museum is situated at Thirugokarnam 35 km from Aranthangi. It has rare collections in Geology, Zoology, Paintings, Anthropology, Archaeology, Numismatics, Economics, Botany and Philately. The Fine Sculptures and bronzes of various periods are the, attractive items of the Museum. Open on all days Except Fridays, Second Saturdays of the month and three National Holidays. Open Between 9.30 to 5.00 P.M. through. Admission is Free

Sittannavasal

This ancient abode of Jains dating back to the 2nd Century B.C. is about 16 km from Pudukkottai and 49 km from Aranthangi. The Rock–cut cave temple here has beautiful fresco Paintings in natural colors as in Ajanta. The Natural cavern with stone beds in which the Jain monks were said to have sought refuge for meditation. This cave contains lithic record (Brahmi Script of 2nd Century B.C.) There are a few sculptures of Jain Thirthanharas in the ardhamandapam and the inner shrine of the cave temple. The ceiling of the ardhamandapam contains fresco paintings of the 9th Centure A.D. The cave temple is said to have been excavated in 9th century A.D. and it is a pandya creation and art. Sittannavasal is one the oldest habitation of man in the district and is rich in megalithic sites. The cave temple and other sites are under the control of Archaeological Survey of India. Admission by tickets, open all days. Frequent bus service is available from Pudukkottai

Kudumianmalai

Kudumianmalai is 20 km from Pudukkottai and 50 km from Aranthangi. The presiding deity of the temple here is Sikhagiriswarar. There are beautiful sculptures in the temple. The temple is noted for numerous inscriptions. Remarkable among them is the one relating to a musical treatise. It is the only of it's kind , dating to 8-9th century AD., and the notations can be played in a Veena called ‘Pirivadini’ with 8 Strings. There is a rock-cut cave temple with massive bas-relief dwarapalakas and with the architectural features of Hoysala style and belongs to 8-9th century A.D. The Anna Agricultural Farm and Agriculture Research Institute are the other interesting features of this place.KodumbalurKudumbalur is 36 km from Pudukkottai and 42 km from Thiruchirappalli. It was formerly the seat of Irukkuvelirs, who were related to the Cholas. Kodumbalur is one of the ancient places in the district and is mentioned in Silappadikaram, The epic hero and his wife are said to have passed through this place on their way to Madurai. The early Chola temple here is known as "Muvarkoil". Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil only two exist now. These temples were build by But Vikramakesari in the 10th Century A.D. The Architecture of the temple is unique among South Indian temples and is the forerunner of all the grand Chola monuments.

Viralimalai

The temple of Lord Subramanya at this place is on a hillock. It is a peacock sanctuary, It is 30 km from Trichy and 40 km From Pudukkottai. The Principal idol Lord Subramanya with Valli and Devasena is seated on a peacock. It is one of important centre of Lord Muruga worship and various festivals relating to Lord Muruga are celebrated.

How To Reach

From Chennai

Air – route

The nearest airport of the town is Trichy about 90 k.m. from Aranthangi. Another nearest airport is Madurai about 120 km from Aranthangi.

Bus Road route, Train route

From Trichy - 90 km ( Via Pudukkottai)From Madurai - 120 km ( Via Karaikudi)

Temples, Churches,Mosques

Temples
Veeramakaliyamman Temple, vadakari murugan koil, Perumal Temple, Siva Temple, Iyyappan Temple, Porkodaiyar Temple, Silattur Mariyamman Temple

Churches
Chirst the king Roman Catholic, TELC, CSI, Assembly of God, The Lord Jesus.

Mosques
Mosque is presences in Agni bazzar.

Educational institutions

SCHOOLS
Municipality Primary Schools, Kamarajar kalasalai, Andavarayar School, Government Boys higher Secondary School, Government Girls higher Secondary School, TELC School, RC School, SATHIYAMOORTHI Middle School, ALIJAINAM Arabic School, Vestley, National Matriculation and so many matriculation schools

COLLEGES
Government Polytechnic(Courses: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Commercial Practice)
Naina Mohamed Arts and Science College

Politics

Aranthangi MLA's from 1952
1952-1957 - Mr. Mohamed sulith Maraikayar
1957-1962 - Mr. Ramasami Thevar. S
1971-1974 - Mr. Ramanathan Udayar
1977-1999 - Mr. Thirunavukarasar.S
1999-2001 - Mr. Anbarasu
2001-2006 - Mr. Arasan.P
2006 - till date - Mr. UdhayamShanmugam

Recreations

Lions Club, Junior Chamber, Rotary International, Aranthangi Varthaga Sangam ( Chember of Commerce)Tamil Sangam, Iyappa Seva Sangam ( Devotees of Lord Iyyappa), Sevarkodiyon Paktha Sabai (Devotees of Lord Murugan) and Karate Brothers Social Service Club.

Official information

RDO office,Taluk Office,Police Station,District Munisif Court,Judicial Magistrate Court,Sub-Treasury,District Educational Office,Asst-Elementary Educational office,Panchayat Union Office,State Bank of India,Indian Overseas bank,Bank of Baroda,ICICI Bank,Mercantile Bank,Lakshmi Vilas Bank,Pudukkottai central Co-Operative Bank,Aranthangi Co-Operative Bank,

Hospitals

Government hospitalsSome private hospitals

Industries

Aranthangi chemical's is presence in pudukottai road.
Balkish Perfumary Works (Ranked No.1 small scale industry in Pudukkottai dt) is present in Aavudaiyaar koil road.
Some small scale industries manufacturing fiber from cocount wasteEID Parry Sugar factory (15 km towards Pudukkottai).

Cotton mill is presence in Duraiyarasar puram.

Pin code: 614616
STD Code: 04371

References