| Pudukkottai Districts |
| About: |
| Pudukkottai is a district in Tamil Nadu. It is an archaeological treasure house of Tamil Civilization. Pudukkottai was the former princely state that was the first to join the Indian Union after breaking away from foreign.In the 17th century, Pudukkottai emerged as a princely state and even before that, from time immemorial, it has been a centre of culture, civilization, art, architecture, fine arts and polity. Therefore, the historians, anthropologists, archeologists and lovers of art find interest in this place. This town lies on Chennai-Rameswaram line, 390 kms away from Chennai, 5 3 kms from Thiruchirappalli and 57 kms from Thanjavur. The rulers of Pudukkottai have left historical landmarks like buildings, temples, tanks, canals, forts and palaces.Pudukkottai is a district of TamilNadu. It has an interesting history. Almost every king ruled this spot and they contributed some thing or other to develop the town. The Pandyas, Cholas, Pallavas, Haysalas,Nayakas are notable personality who ruled Pudukkottai. Due to this there are many memorials in Pudukkottai. It exceeds the culture and tradition of India.Pudukkottai museum at Thirugokarnam is a souvenir for the lover of arts. It has infrequent collections in geology, paintings, arts and architectures. The fine sculptures and bronzes of various periods are adding more beauty to the museum. It is one of the best historical places.Pudukkottai packed with lot of historical places which attract the tourist. They are kaliyappatti, kizhanilai, kunnandarkoil and Madattukoil and so on. Pudukkottai district is not gifted with manorial wealth. All their business is wood based industries.The civilization of the Tamils of the past represent the pre-historic and proto-historic finds like megalithic burials, dolmens stone circles etc. As per the Sangam classics, it is said that it is a notable place of highly cultured elites. The archaeological and cultural remains of Kodumbalur, Narthamalai, Kudumiyanmalai, Kunnandar Koil, Sittanna Vasal, Thirumayam and Avudayar Koil show the rich cultural heritage of this district. This district was ruled by the Pandyas of the first empire during the Sangam period, but some part of its northern boundary area had been under the influence of the Cholas of Urayur. Some of the village names have prefixes like “killi” and “valavan”, both of which are the titles of the Cholas.The district shared the prosperity of the maritime trade of the Tamils. At Karukkakurichi was found a treasure trove of more than 500 Imperial Roman gold and silver coins, the largest ever recorded from a single hoard. This place lies in Alangudi taluk, a short distance north of Aranthangi and the adjoining old ports of Mimisal and Saliyur in the same area and Tondi further south. The Karukkakurichi hoard contained the issues of the Roman emperors and their queens, successivelyThe available historical evidence from the first Pandya empire is rather scanty.The best known inscriptions are found at Sittannavasal from the reign of Srimara Srivallaba (851-862) and at Kudumianmalai from the reign of Kochadayan Ranadheeran or Sadayan Maran (c. 700-730). In the reign of Maravarman Rajasimha I (c. 730-760) a number of battles were fought against the Pallavas, one of the sites being Kodumbalur. Inscriptions from the reign of Nedunchadayan (c 768-816), the greatest king of the dynasty, are found in Thirugokarnam and Nirpalani. Of the reign of three successors of Srimara Srivallaba ending with Rajasimha II (c 920), who lost his kingdom to the resurgent Cholas, there are no reference about the Pandya rulers in the district. |
| The Pallava references to places and incidents in the district are equally scanty. The earliest references to historical events in the district are found in the Pandya records of the Velvikudi and Sinnamanur plates which say that Maravarman Rajasimha defeated Nadhivarman Pallava Malla at Kodumbalur. The inscriptions of his successors are found in Kunnandarkoil, Malayadipatti and Rasalipatti.The age of Pallavas and Pandyas of the first empire, the Mutharaiyars and Irukkuvelirs was the age of Tamil Bhakthi Movement. The Tevaram mentions several temples in the district.The three Nayanmars from this district were, Idangalinayanar of Kodumbalur, Perumizhalai Kurumbanayanar associated with Devarmalai and Kulachirai Nayanar of Manamelgudi.Jainism well flourished in Pudukkottai area up to 11th century. There are a number of Jaina vestiges in the district. The Buddhist vestiges in the district come from the former Thanjavur district. Buddha idols are found at Kottaipattinam and Karur. |
| Location info: |
| Pudukkottai Districts ,Tamil Nadu,India |
| Climate/Weather of Pudukkottai Districts: |
| Max: 38.7°C Min: 29.6°C |
| History of Pudukkottai Districts: |
| The history of Pudukkottai is an epitome of the history of South India. In and around Pudukkottai there are many vestiges of the oldest habitations of man and some of the lithic records known in the south. The Pandyas, Cholas, Pallavas, Haysalas, Vijaynagar and Madurai Nayaks ruled over this part of the country and fostered its communual organisations, trade and industries. They embellished it with temples and monuments of outstanding merit.Sangam Tamil literature mentions some place names of the district. Oliyamangalam (Thirumayam Taluk) is called as Ollaiyur in Purananuru.It was the birthplace of the poet Ollaiyur Kilan Makan Perumchattan and Ollaiyur Thantha Budha Pandyan. Agananuru also mentions Ollaiyur. It seems to have been an important city of the Pandyas. Four other places also are found in the Sangam classics. They are Ambukkovil, the ancient Alumbil, referred to in Agananuru; Avur, the home of the poets Avurkilar, Avur Mulamkilar; Erichi, the ancient Erichalur which had been identified with Erichi Village in Pudukkottai – Aranthangi road (but, according to recent researches, a village near Illupur). It was probably the home of the poet Madalan Madurai Kumaranar. Avayapatti is traditionally associated with Avvaiyar, who is believed to have lived here for some time |
| Educational Institutions of Pudukkottai Districts: |
| Arts & Science: J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai Arignar Anna Govt. Arts College, Musiri, Trichy Government Arts College for Women, Pudukkottai Govt. Arts College, Ariyalur Govt. Arts College, Trichy H.H. The Rajahs College (Autonomous), Pudukkottai Aiman College of Arts and Science for Women, Trichy Arputha College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai Auxilium College of Arts and Science for Women, Alangudi Taluk Bishop Heber College, Trichy Cauveri College for Women, Trichy Chettinad College of Arts and Science, Trichy Chidambaram Pillai College of Women, Trichy Christhu Raj College, Trichy Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Arts and Science for Women, Perambalur Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Trichy Imayam College of Arts and Science, Thuraiyur Jamal Mohamed College, Trichy Kurinji Arts and Science College, Trichy M.I.E.T. College of Arts and Science, Trichy Mahatma Arts and Science College, Illuppur Taluk Meenakshi Ramasamy Arts and Science College, Perambalur Modern Arts and Science College, Jayankondam Naina Mohamed College of Arts and Science, Aranthangi Taluk National College, Trichy Nehru Memorial College, Trichy Pavendar Bharadhidasan Arts and Science College, Trichy Periyar E.V.R. College (Autonomous), Trichy Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College (Autonomous), Trichy Shrimathi Indira Gandhi College (Women), Trichy Sri Bharathi Arts and Science College (W), Pudukkottai Sri Saradha College for Women, Perambalur Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College, Trichy Srinivasan College of Arts and Science, Perambalur St. Josephs College (Autonomous), Trichy Sudharsan College of Arts and Science, Illuppur Taluk T.B.M.L. College, Trichy Thanthai Hans Roever College, Perambalur Urumu Dhanalakshmi College, Trichy, TrichyAyurveda: Sri Sankar College of Ayurveda, ThiruchirappalliHotel Management: J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai Aiman College of Arts and Science for Women, Trichy Arasan Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trichy Cauveri College for Women, Trichy Jenneys Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Tiruchirappalli Meenakshi Ramasamy Arts and Science College, Perambalur Pavendar Bharadhidasan Arts and Science College, Trichy Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College (Autonomous), Trichy Sree Balaji Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Tiruchirappalli Sri Adhisankarar Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trichy Srimad Andavan Arts and Science College, Trichy State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trichy V.J.P. College of Catering and Hotel Management, Trichy |
| Langauge |
| Three languages namely Tamil, Telugu and Kannada are predominantly spoken in this district. |
| Culture: |
| Adi Peoram Festival: Adi Pooram festival will be celebrated in the month of July & August at Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal Temple at Thirukokarnam and Manikkavasagar Festival at Avudayarkoil is celebrated every year in a grand manner. |
| How to reach? |
| Nearest Railway Station:Rail route as connectivity all other major cities from here. |
| Nearest Airport: Trichy Airport,Tamil Nadu.India |
| Road Transport:State highways connects roads to all the places. No national highways |
| Tourist Attraction of Pudukkottai Districts: |
| Avudaiyark: 40 km. from Pudukkottai. The Athmanathaswami temple situated here contains graceful life-size sculptures which are of absorbing interest. 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.Avur: 28 km. from Pudukkottai. The old chapel here was constructed in 1547 AD. by Fr, John Venantius Bouchet and the new Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1747 A.D. Tamil Scholar Rev. Father Joseph Beschi (Veerama Munivar) also served in this Church. The Easter Passion play followed by Car Festival, takes place in summer which attracts people of all faiths.Government Museum: Situated at Thirrukokarnam, the museum is at a distance of 5 km. from Pudukkottai railway Station. The wide range of collections in the Sections of Geology. Zoology, Paintings. Anthropology, Epigraphy, Historical records, etc. are very interesting. The fine Sculptures and bronzes of various periods are the attractive items of the Museum. Timings: 9 a.m to 5. p.m Entrance fee: Free. Holidays Friday Phone : 04322-236247.Kattubava Pallivasal: 30 km. from Pudukkottai. One of the Islamic Muslim centers, this is located on the Thirumayam Madurai Highway. Both Hindus and Muslims visit this place. Annual “Urs” takes place in the month of Rabiyul Ahir.Manamelkudi: Manamelkudi is a village Panchayat in Avudaiyarkoil Taluk of Pudukkottai District with a population of 10072 as per 1991 census. It extended over an area of 1135.24 hector. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal and well connected by a major district, road leading form Aranthangi which is 43 km. away and passing through the Taluk headquarters Avudaiyarkoil which is 32 km. to the west.Kodumbalur: Also known as Moovarkoil, it is 36 km. from Pudukkottai and 42 km from Tiruchirapalli. It was formerly the seat of Irukkuvelirs, who were related to the Cholas. Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil only two exist now. These temples were built by Boodhi Vikramakesari in the 10th Century A.D. The architecture of the temple is unique among south Indian temples. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajasamharamurthi Ardhanari. Gangadaramurthi etc. are interesting master pieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundeswarar temple of the early Chola period.Aranthangi: 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. The main centre of attraction is a ruined fort.Kumaramalai: It is 10 km from Pudukkottai. A top a small mount is a Murugan temple. The tank water of the mount is considered to be holy.Narthamalai: It is a place of historical importance and the headquarters of the Mutharaiyar Chieftains. The earliest structural stone temple, circular in shape, built by the Mutharaiyars and the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Cave temple built by Vijayalaya Chola, the first king of the later Cholas and Kadambarmalai temple of the place are also worth visiting. It is 17 km form Pudukkottai.Sittannavasal: In this village are the remains of a 2nd century B.C. Jam cave temple. Fresco paintings reminiscent of Ajanta adorn the walls. Many of them are typical of the 9th century Pandyan period and include exquisitely detailed pictures of animals, fish, ducks, people gathering lotuses from a pond and two dancing figures. There are also inscriptions dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Fresco paintings from the 7th century can he seen on the ceiling of Ardhamandapam. There are many pre-historic burial sites around Sittannavasal and among the relics unearthed are burial urns, cists and Kungupatarai.Thirumayam: Thirumayam 19 km. from Pudukkottai. 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 heen changed into a shrine.Sri Kokarneswarar Temple: The rock cut cave Temple of Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal at Thirukokarnam is of Mahendraverma Pallava’s period.Vendanpatti: 40 km. from Pudukkottai via Ponnamaravathi. The Nandi known as Nei Nandi in the Arulmighu Meenakshi Chokkeswarar Temple is very well known.Though made of black granite, it now shines like marble due to frequent abishekam with pure ghee. Another interesting feature is the absence of flies and ants inspite of the Nandi being showered with pure ghee every day. A large number of devotees flock daily to this temple.Viralimalai: The temple of Lord Subramanya at this place is on a hillock and is said to exist before 15th Century A.D. There is a peacock sanctuary. It is 30 km. from Tiruchirapalli and 40 km. from Pudukkottai. The principal idol is seated on a peacock with consorts on either side.Thirukattalai: Thirukattalai is 5 km far east from Pudukottai. This is the only temple in Pudukottai which reminds us the ancient Chola’s architectural pattern. Sundareswarar Temple was built during Adhitha Cholan’s period. The temple has a shrine and mandap and around that are seven temples for angels. The temple’s terrace has images of Thatchinamorrthi, Pitchadamoorthi, Varagan, Vishnu and Brahma.Kaliapatti: It is on the way to Keeranur- Killukottai, a small village with a temple which depicts the Tamilnadu Temple Architecture. It is a very small temple with 8′ * 8′ shrine with a small terrace over it. The wall of the shrine has no images.It is called by Pudukottai people as “Ottai Koil”.Muvar Koil: The Muvar Koil was built by Budhi Vikrama Kesari one who belong to Velir community. The rocks gives the Krandha Scripts of Velirs and also many details about the community. This temple is called as Muvar Koil because Budhi Vikrama Kesari along with his name, added his two wives names, Varagunavaati, Katrallai Piratiyar. This temple has a shrine of 21′ * 21′ and its tower is 32 feet tall. There is a common Mahamandap for three temples. The temple has a Nandhi mandap and Balipeedam in it. Also 15 small temples were built around this temple for angels.Muskundeshwarar Koil: North of Muvar koil is Musukudeshwarar Koil which belongs to ancient Chola asserts. It was believed that this temple was built by Kunjaramallan during 14th Century. This temple has a shrine and front mandap. There is also a statue of Nandhi which has a length of about 9 feet. This statue resembles the Tanjore Temple Nandhi in its artistical work.Kudimiyan Malai: 26kms away from Pudukottai is Kudimiyan Malai which has a temple for Siganadhaswamy. During 10 B.C, history tells us that it was called as Thirunalakundram, later on 14th century called as Siganallur and finally by 17th – 18th century called as “Kudimiyanmalai”. In Ancient days, this village has a mountain named “Thirunalakundram” which is surrounded by many houses. On the mountain also, there is a Kumaran Temple. Towards the eastern slope of the mountain is the Siganathaswamy Temple.Kunnandaar Temple: The Kunnandaar Temple,is located 25 kms from Pudukottai.There are two ways to reach this place, one is take a bus from Pudukottai via Putthambur and other is taking a bus from Keeranur via Killukottai. There is a cavetemple located on a mountain, which has a shrine and small mandap before that. On the top of the mountain is a temple for Subramaniar. This cave temple is called as Kutrandavar Temple. This mandap in front of the cave temple has images of Valampuri Ganesh with Somaskhandar in rock. The cave temples of ancient Pallavas were built behind the shrine of Somaskandar.Other Important places: Sri Brahadambal Kokarneswar Temple , Sri Santhanatha Swami Temple, Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Thiruvappoor Sri Bhuvaneshwari Amman Temple, Adhishtanam, Sri Varadharaja Perumal koil, Sri Dhandayudhapani Temple,Pudhukulam ( with children’s park, garden and boating ),Chittannavasal (Cave paintings),Collector’s office( Palace),Govt Museum, Avudayarkoil( statues, and temple), Kunnandarkoil(statues and temple),Thirumayam( Fort). |
| Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Pudukkottai Districts: |
| Hotel Femina (P) Ltd:Williams Rd, Tiruchchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil NadPh:0431 2414502Jennys Residency:3/14 Mc Donald’s Road, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0431 2414414Hotel Sangam:Collector Office Road, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0431 2414700Ramyas Hotels Pvt Ltd:Williams Rd, Tiruchchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil NaduPh:0431 2415128Ashby Hotel:Rockins Rd, Tiruchchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu,Ph:0431 2460652Hotel Raja Garden:Sangillyandapuram, Tiruchirapalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil NaduPh:0431 2410023 |
| Links: |
| http://www.collegesintamilnadu.com/Tamil-Nadu-Districts/Trichy-Colleges.asphttp://www.travelchacha.com/cities/tamilnadu/pudukkottai.html |
Image Gallery of Pudukkottai Districts
