Tirukoilur

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Tirukoilur | type = city | latd = 11.95 | longd = 79.2
locator_position = right | state_name = Tamil Nadu
district = Viluppuram district
altitude = 73
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 27,108| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
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Tirukoilur is a pilgrimage town in Viluppuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. As the name says "koil" (means temple in tamil language) it is famous for the temples. The Ulagalantha perumal temple is located in the centre of the town.

Geography

Tirukkoyilur is located at coord|11.95|N|79.2|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/25/Tirukkoyilur.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Tirukkoyilur] ] . It has an average elevation of 73 metres (239 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Tirukkoyilur(Loganathan.S) had a population of 1,27,108. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Tirukkoyilur(Sakthi.A) has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 73%. In Tirukkoyilur(Loganathan.S), 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Lord Vishnu in the name Thiruvikkrama Swamy & Vedavalli Thaayaar (Vaamana Avathaaram) temple is located in the center of the town. Town evolves around the temple. This temple comes under 108 Divya Desams. East of the town has the Sivan Temple situated on the banks of River Pennar. Near to the temple, inside the river, there exists Kabilar(Saint) Kundru (tiny mountain).

Tirukoilur is a place of historic importance. King Malayaman, who is famous for his war and administrative skills ruled from here. "Valla1" Pari's(Vallal - patron king, Pari is one of the 7 patron kings who supported "poets" and scholars. They are famous for their charitable activities.) daughters Angavai and Sangavai were married to Malayaman's son Deivegan and the marriage ceremony took place in a place called "Manam Poondi" [manam - wedding, poondi - lock/bond; place where the wedlock happened).

Tirukoilur, is a place where not only Vaishnavites(Worshipper's of Lord Vishnu) and Shivites( Worshipper's of lord Shiva) co-existed with peace and harmony, knowing that Hari and Shiva are the different forms of same almighty.

Tirukoilur is one od the "Ashta Veeratanams" [Ashta - eight Veeratanam - Place of Bravery] .

Lord Shiva took various forms(incarnations) to destroy evil and establish justice, of which eight Avatars(forms) are very famous and Tirukoilur is one of them. Ambal (meaning Mother) [better half of lord Shiva] ,is called as "Brhan nayaki" [Brahan - universe Nayaki - Leader/Queen] . She is called the Queen of the Universe/ Mother of all beings in the Universe.

Lord Shiva's temple has a separate sannadhi [sacred room] for Lord Ganesha, which has historical and epic importance. Here is the place where "Avvaiyar" [Tamil Poetess - Tamil king's court had many Women Poetess, Ministers and Warriors] got the blessings of Ganesha and wrote the famous verse "VINAYAGAR AGAVAL" , which has wonderful Yoga Techniques and has lot of Meta-Physics in it.

Tirukoilur had scholars in all fields of Science and Arts and has an important place in South Indian History.(Added by Raghavendra K [e-mail])

Some fotos on Tirukoilur Temples: (Added by [e-mail])

Tirukoilur is also a very regarded place for madhwas (followers of Dvaitha philosophy of Sri Madhwacharya). Manampoondi is a small village located located between Tiruvanamalai and Tirukoilur. Manampoondi is 36 km away from Tiruvannamalai. It is at a distance of 2 km from Tirukoilur. On the banks of River Pinakini we can find the Moola brindavana of Sri Raghuutthama Teertha (1595 A.D) and Sri Satyapramoda Teertha (1997), very eminent pontiffs of Uttaradi Mutt of Madhwa lineage.

Transport

Tirukoilur is well connected by Road & Rail.

Road

You have direct buses from Chennai ,Trichy , and from bangalore too. Also there are couple of direct buses from Pondicherry. From Pondicherry you can reach Tirukoilur via Villupuram. From Villupuram for every 10 to 15 minutes and from Tiruvannamalai every 10 to 15 minutes you will get buses to Tirukoilur. Known as Tirukoilur situated on the North bank of South Pennar River. It is placed 33 km from Tiruvannamalai in East-South direction,40Km from Villupuram in West-South Directions.

Rail

A railway line between Vellore and Villupuram passes through Tirukoilur and reaches Tiruvannamalai, where passengers can board a passenger train to Vellore(up) or Villupuram(down). The nearest major railway stations are at Villupuram(40 km).

Air

The nearest airport is at Chennai and Trichirappali.

References

External links