Tirunelveli District

Being an ancient metropolis famous for its numerous temples, Tirunelveli is one of the places in Tamil nadu. The city is domestic to numerous perennial rivers and because of its location at the foothills of the Western Ghats Tirunelveli is likewise well-known for its diverse waterfalls and is also nicknamed the Spa of South India. Tirunelveli District became formed in 1790 by using the East India employer, later came under the direct control of the British Crown Queen Victoria. The call Tirunelveli has been composed from the three Tamil phrases i.E. 'Thiru – Nel – Veli' that means Sacred Paddy Hedge.

About District

Origin Of the District

On acquisition from the Nawab of Arcot in1801, the British named it as Tinnevelly district although their headquarters became first placed in Palayamkottai the adjacent town, wherein they had their navy headquarters at some point of their operations towards the Palayakars. Two reasons can be attributed for naming it after Tirunelveli. One is because it turned into and is the chief metropolis of the district and the opposite is that it changed into what was already known as Tirunelveli Seemai below the Nayaks and Nawabs. Both Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai grew because of the dual towns of the district.

Puranic Association

The Tirunelveli Sthalapurana prescribes a lifestyle for the origin of the name Tirunelveli. The puranic version goes that one Vedasarma, a staunch devotee of Shiva, on his pilgrimage from the North to the South became invited by using Lord Shiva in his dream to his abode at the banks of the sacred river Tamiraparani. The extremely joyful devotee got here to ‘Sindupoondurai on the banks of the river and stayed there together with his family.

Once there was a famine which pressured Vedasarma to collect paddy through the manner of begging and continuing his each day prayers. One day he spread out the paddy to dry underneath the Sun before the Lord, and went for his ablutions in Tamiraparani. He prayed to the Lord for rain which he concept may be a treatment for the famine. His prayer was replied and when he turned into bathing, a thunder typhoon broke-out and it rained closely. Vedasarma rushed to the location wherein he had unfold the paddy. He witnessed a miracle. Despite rain around the vicinity, the paddy that he had spread did no longer get even a single drop of rain and did no longer get soaked. Since then according to the purana the Town is referred to as “Tiru-nel-veli '' (Sacred hedged paddy).

Geographical Data

The Tirunelveli District is positioned within the international map, between 08o 8’ and 09o 23’ range and 77o 09’ and 77o 54’ longitude. The total geographical location of the district is 6,823 sq. Km.

Boundaries

The district is surrounded via the State of Kerala, Gulf of Mannar, and the districts of Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari.

The glory of the Tirunelveli District is the pride of Tamils. The crawling clouds at the Western Ghats, the picturesque Pothigai hills, and the Courtallam waterfalls are the unique capabilities that make Tirunelveli specific.   The district is composed of all of the 5 geographical divisions referred to in Tamil literature.

The Western Ghats shape   the Kurinji (Mountainous) place; the Kalakkadu and Mundanthurai forests form the Mullai (Forest) area; the lands watered with the aid of the Tamiraparani and other rivers fall beneath Marutham (Paddy fields); the Radhapuram beach is its Neithal land (coastal) and the teri landforms the Palai (desolate tract) region. The district is dotted with centers of natural beauty, pilgrimage, architectural eminence, and memorials to splendid warriors of Indian independence.

 Irrigation

The District is blessed with the western ghats from which all of the perennial rivers comply with and drain in the direction of the east. The floor water of the District is drained into the essential river basin viz Thamirabarani, Vaippar, Nambiar, and Hanumanathi. Thamirabarani is the principal river basin in the District. The different Streams that are seasonal in nature are Servallar, Manimuthar, Ramanathi, Pachayar, Chittar and Uppodai rivers which drain into the Tamiraparani basin. The source of irrigation are Canal, Tank and Well, which covers 133106 hectares. Among the overall location irrigated, Well irrigation covers 50096 hectares,

Tanks 55382 hectares and Canal 27128 hectares.  

Industry

There are 25 mediums and fundamental industries such as Cement, Cotton yarn, Calcium carbide, Sugar, Cottonseed oil, Printing papers and flour Mill and so forth. Among the other industries inside the District Pin, Clip, Matches, Beedi, Vessels Making and Engineering industries are crucial. The essential Village industries functioning in the district are Handloom, Poultry farming, Brick making, Karupatty (Jaggery) manufacturing. The Handloom merchandise Lungi, Sarees etc are marketed in north India. So also

The exceptional Korai mats from Pathamadi have one international repute. Kallidaikurichi Papads, Karukurichi mud pots, also Tirunelveli “Halwa” are specialties which earned many laurels to the District.

Tourism

Courtallam is located on the Western Ghats in Tenkasi Taluk. The well-known waterfalls on rocks and tiny droplets are sprinkled in the air. The waterfalls of Courtallam have medicinal fees as they run through forest and herbs earlier than their descent.  

Papanasam Agasthiyar falls additionally draws travelers and pilgrims.There is a Wild existence sanctuary at Mundanthurai and Kalakadu. Spotted deers, Lion Tailed monkeys, Elephants and Tigers are plenty.

Drainage

Thamirabarani, Nambiar, Chittar and Karamaniar are the crucial rivers draining the district. Amarabarani originating from Papanasam flows through the district.The Nambiyar river originates inside the eastern slopes of the Western ghats close to Nellikalmottai about nine.6 km west of Thirukkurungudi village at an altitude of about 1060 m amsl At the foot of the hills, the river is divided into palms. The principal arm is joined through Tamarabarani on the foothills.

Chittar originates near Courtallam and flows through Tenkasi and confluences with Tamarabarani. The hilly terrains have led to a range of falls in the district. There are 3 predominant falls in Manimuthar Reservoir catchments place and there are few falls inside the Tamarabarani river also. A series of falls in Chittar river in Courtallam comprising Five Falls, Honey Falls, Main falls and Old Courtallam Falls are some of the essential falls within the region. The drainage sample is widespread and

 dendritic. In addition, there are eight dams at the places as given below for irrigation and electricity generation functions. Papanasam, Servalar, Manimuthar, Gadana Nadhi, Ramanathi, Karuppa nadhi, Gundat & Advainainar Koil.

RAINFALL AND CLIMATE

The district receives the rain underneath and has an impact on each southwest and northeast monsoons. The northeast monsoon mainly contributes to the rainfall inside the district.Rainfall facts from IMD stations over the period 1901-2000 were applied and a perusal of the records suggests that the ordinary annual rainfall over the district is 879 mm.

Places of Interest

Kanthimathi – Nellaiappar Temple: This is one of the Five Celestial Dance Sabhas [Divine Dance Stages] of Lord Siva. This temple is known as Thamara Sabhai [ Copper]. Chidambaram [Pon / Gold Ambalam] , Madurai [Velli / Silver Ambalam], Tiruvalankadu [Rathinam / Ruby] and Kutralam [Chithiram / Murals] are the opposite Four Sabhas of Lord Siva. Most popular and well-known dual temple of Kanthimathi Nellaiyappar committed to Goddess Parvathi [called as Kanthimathi] and Lord Shiva[called as Nellaiyappar] is placed in a place of 14 acres. It is considered one of the most important of its kind in Tamil Nadu inside the coronary heart of the Tirunelveli Town , at the banks of Tamiraparani River.

The Musical Pillars within the Mani Mandapam which produces sound in numerous pitches while struck, became the advent of Nindrasir Nedumaran [Koon Pandian] in the 7th Century. The Somavara Mandapam, a thousand pillared corridor, and the Tamira Sabha with first rate timber work, are the most attractive and distinctive systems of this massive Temple Complex.

In the Earlier Years, the Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi temples have been two impartial structures with area in among. It was the extraordinary efforts of Vadamalaiyappa Pillaiyan who connected both the temples by constructing a shape called ‘Sangili Mandapam’ or referred to as Chain Mandapam in English, in the 12 months 1647. A Vasantha Mandapam with a hundred pillars, within the midst of a Flower Garden to the west of the Sangili Mandapam was the contribution of Thiruvenkadu Krishna Mudaliar in the 12 months 1756.

Within the temple complex, near the sanctum sanctorum , there's a shrine devoted to Lord Vishnu (Nellai Govindan) inside the reclining posture. It is believed that Lord Vishnu descended all the way down to this holy area to solemnize the Celestial Wedding of Lord Siva and Parvathi. Nataraja and Sivakami, A shrine to Sandhana Sabhapati (embellished with sandal paste) in the back of the Thamira Sabha, and any other shrine to Nataraja called because the Periya Sabhapati are the alternative crucial deities of the temple. It is a grand spectacle to view Sandhana Sapapathi via Thamara Sabhai. Festivals are carried out on special events like Arudhra Darshan [Dec-Jan] to those deities. Vasantha Navarathri, Thirukalyanam, Saradha Navrathri, Ani [Aug-Sept] Brahmotsavam are the crucial gala of this temple.

Saint Agastya, and Lord Rama after the Mareecha Vadham, killed Maricha [Demon in the form of a Deer] believed to have worshipped Lord Siva in this Temple.

Sankaran Koil [56 kms]: Arulmigu Sankaranarayanaswamy Thirukovil is located in this Town. Car[chariot] Festival and Adi Thabsu Vizha [jun-jul] are popular and vital fairs that draws lakhs of devotees. This town is nicely connected to Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tenkasi and so on.

Kutralam [59 kms]: Located at an altitude of 170m, on the Western Ghats, is known as the “Spa of the South”. It serves both as a Tourist Location and Health Resort too. Since waterfalls rush via woodland of herbs, the water has Therapeutic Value. June to September, the exceptional season, draws thousands of tourists each day.

Popular ingredients of Tirunelveli:

Though I'm a Kannadiga by using beginning, I've seen most places in Tamil Nadu, as I was born and raised there. Though I haven't stayed in Tirunelveli, I've been there once when I turned young. The place is extraordinary and it is popular for lots of scrumptious ingredients!

Tirunelveli Halwa:

This lip-smacking sweet dish, made from wheat flour is well-known, not just in Tirunelveli, but all over the world as well. Popularly called ‘Tirunelveli Halwa’ anywhere, it's far particular with special brown coloration, perfect texture, divine aroma, and rich taste!

Vara Milagai:

It is the dried shape of purple chilies and it is extremely famous right here, as people consume this together with curd rice. It is likewise used to make delicious chutneys!

A normal Tirunelveli meal:

Tirunelveli meal comprises boiled rice, sambar, rasam, curd, buttermilk, vatha kuzhambu, kootu, poriyal, varuval, aviyal, appalam and pickle!

Vazhakkai Podimas:

It's organized from uncooked plantains and its eaten at the side of rice, sambar or rotis!

Ellu Thuvaiyal:

Ellu in English means ‘Sesame seeds’. The seeds are fried and used to make this side dish, that is called ‘sesame chutney’!

Inji Pacchadi:

‘Inji pachadi’ is a great aggregate of curd and ginger!

Adai:

‘Adai’ is a dosa variant, where toor dal, moong dal, beaten rice, green chillies, ginger, curry leaves, coriander leaves, grated coconut, jeera (cumin seeds) also are introduced, aside from rice and urad dad, even as preparing the batter!

Some snacks items which are famous around Tirunelveli.

Vallioor Murukku ( Kaisuthal murukku)

Pazhalam Pori - in Nagercoil

Thoothukudi Macaroon

There are other meals gadgets which we put together at home (Unique & Healthy)

1. Uluthanchooru with Kothamalli thuvayal

2. Ulunthan kali

3. Payasam with Karupatti & Blackgram

4. Aviyal

5. Sodhi -

6. Mundhari Koththu - a product of inexperienced gram & jaggery

7. Javvarisi Payasam with jaggery…These are some food items which we're precise round Tirunelveli. Aviyal is not the most effective popular in Tirunelveli also in southern Districts & Kerala.

Tirunelveli is well-known for wheat halwa and you could taste the fine halwa from this keep. This store opens within the night and gets massive crowd waiting within the queue inside seconds. It is precise in selling best one type of sweet for the reason that a few years.

Education in Tirunelveli

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

Introduction

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) endeavors the venture of the best training for all in several states. But it has been confirmed as a hit in the state of Tamil Nadu. Tirunelveli district has witnessed the grand success of the scheme. The District has been usually observed through the other districts for its first-rate consequences in the field of education from Primary to Collegiate. SSA started in the educational year 2001. The scheme ensures schooling to all college-aged children between the age group of (6-14). Tirunelveli is known for its legacy of innumerable credits. The feathers like the effective contribution to the liberty warfare, prominence in Tamil literary records, and colorful landscape enhance the cap of the district.

Administrative Structure

In Tirunelveli District, the SSA structure includes the DPO, District Project Office headed by way of ACEO (Additional Chief Educational Officer)& Assisted through APO (Assistant Project Officer). The District is divided into 21 blocks. Each block is headed by using a Supervisor. BlockResource Teacher Educators (BRTE)have been appointed to train the lecturers who teach the youngsters up to class VIII. BRTEs support teachers to enrich concerning content material, in addition, to enforce modifications in the teaching methodologies.

Temples

Ayikudi Balasubramanya Swami Temple

Adachi Dakshinamurthy Temple

Ambasamudram Agastheeswarar Temple

Athiri Atrishwarar Temple

Kailasanathar Temple, Brahmadesam

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi

Kathukonda Ayyanar Temple

Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple

Kulasekara Nathan Mahalingam Temple, Pathai

Meenakshi Sundaresvarar Temple, Sindhu Poondurai

Nellaiappar Temple

Papanasanathar temple

Sadaiudayar

Sankarankovil

Sathya Vengeeswarar Temple, Kalakkad

Sivasailam Temple

Sri Ananthavalli Amman

Suyambulingaswamy Temple, Uvari

Temples of Tirunelveli

Tripurantaka Temple, Palayamkottai

Thirukutralam

Thirumalaikoil

Thiruvidaimarudur

Vaishnava Nambi and Thirukurungudi Valli Nachiyar temple

Vaithya lingam temple

Valisvara Temple

Vanamamalai Perumal temple

Vanniyar Temple

Culture of Tirunelveli-

Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Shiva within the form of Nellaiappar. The deity is revered inside the verses of Tevaram, a seventh-century Saiva work by using Sambandar. The temple became significantly expanded at some stage in the 16th-century Nayak period and has some architectural sights, consisting of musical pillars. The temple has numerous gala's, the most an annual pageant whilst the temple chariot is delivered across the streets near the temple. It is one of the Pancha Sabhai temples, the 5 royal courts of Nataraja (the dancing form of Shiva), wherein he completed a cosmic dance. The Nataraja shrine within the temple represents copper and features many copper sculptures. Tirunelveli has its honest share of temples, relationship back to historical instances. It additionally prides itself as being the web site in which the Nellaiappar Temple is placed

Tirunelveli is also recognized for halwa, a sweet made of wheat, sugar, and ghee. It originated at some point in the mid-1800s at Lakshmi Vilas Stores, which nonetheless exist. The art of candy-making spread to other parts of Tamil Nadu, including Nagercoil, Srivilliputhur and Thoothukudi. Tirunelveli halwa was popularised by means of Iruttu Kadai Halwa, a shop opened in 1900 which sells the chocolates simplest for the duration of twilight.

Tirunelveli has a number of cinemas which predominantly play Tamil movies. It is one of forty towns in India with FM radio stations. Tirunelveli's stations are Tirunelveli Vanoli Nilayam (All India Radio, from the Government of India), Suryan FM (operated with the aid of Sun Network on 93.Five MHz) and Hello FM (operated by the Malai Malar Group on 106.Four MHz).

A range of country- and country wide-degree sports activities events are sponsored in Tirunelveli yearly. The VOC grounds (in primary Palayamkottai) and the Anna Stadium (on St. Thomas Road) are famous venues in the metropolis, and a few activities are held at scholastic sports activities centers. As in India generally, the most popular game is cricket. Also popular are football, volleyball, swimming and hockey, performed on facilities furnished via the Tirunelveli Division of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

Transport In Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli has an incredible bus network, broadly speaking to hook up with smaller towns and districts inside this metropolis but is also used for intra city transport. Apart from the primary bus stand at Sathankulam, Junction and Palay are other bus stands which are used for intra city transport. TNSTC buses, in addition to many private buses, join the city for regular commuter travel.

Mountain and Teris

The Western Ghats border on the west of the Sankarankoil, Tenkasi, and Ambasamudram taluks while a part of them is located on the western and southern part of Nanguneri taluk additionally. In the taluks of Tiruchendur, Srivaikuntam, and (at present in V.O.C. District) Nanguneri, there are windswept and dunes that at times appear like small hillocks. The huge sea-shore is filled partially with natural white sand and partly with an unusual purple soil piled up in tremendous dunes referred to as Teris.19 The Teri lifestyle is noteworthy within the areas adjoining Nazareth and Megnanapuram.

People

The foremost caste organizations - Brahmins, Vellalas, Maravas, Nadars and the outcastes constitute approximately 80 according to cent of the overall Hindu populace of the Tirunelveli district. The final twenty percent includes very small businesses of artisans (Kammalar), writers (Kanakkar), weavers (Kaikolar) potters (Kusavar), barbers (Ambattar), washer man (Vannar), and others. Muslims and Paravas represent minority groups.

Historical Significance Pearl fishery within the Tirunelveli coast turned into a wonderful source of revenue to the Pandyan Kingdom.34 The sea-faring Tamils of the Tirunelveli coast had been much greater in a position-bodied and athletic than the everyday humans.35 Pliny in his notes says that the pearls had been particularly imported into the Roman Empire from the Indian Ocean Coastal regions. Pearl became known by way of the Romans as Union that means unique gem, as no pearls are alike in length, shape, polish and weight.36 Korkai changed into the headquarters of the Pandya u . S . Which carried on a money making pearl alternate with the Roman Empire.37 Historical references in reality indicate that the pearl fishery in the Tirunelveli coast accounted for a flourishing profitable change with the west and the Far East.38 The Gulf of Mannar has been one of the maximum crucial strategic spots on the coast of Coromandel. From very early instances in South Indian history, the Gulf of Mannar have been a centre of brisk business, political and spiritual activities, concerning in this many-faceted company, human beings from far and extensive'.39 For many centuries, the Gulf of Mannar vicinity had been a sort of entrepot, and a cultural melting pot, from in which a flourishing seaborne trade in spices, pearls and silken and cotton items, teak and sandalwood, rice, ivory, indigo, metals and several thrilling items had been carried on, bringing in flip a big earnings to the united states of america.

Kulasekarapattinam Mutharamman Temple

At a distance of 20 kms from Thiruchendur is the Kulasekarapattinam. This port city was built for the duration of the reign of Maravarman Kulasekaran, for the reason of accumulating tax on Salt and pearl export. This temple became erected in the notion that the goddesses right here could be a watch defend of this Village and will help her devotees for the duration of their hassle. Likewise this Goddess became to be more effective and pious. While the king stayed in this port town, he constructed a temple for goddess Durga, going through North on the North East nook of the city. He adorned this deity with a chain of Pearls and as a result the goddess became called MUTHAARAMMAN. This is an historic temple of about 300 years vintage.

Ambikai is known as Mutharamman (the one who wears pearls radially) and Amma is called Mutharamman because she heals the pearls that occur on the body immediately after worshiping her.

Peculiarity:

As per the culture of this temple, devotees will transform themselves as Goddess Kali, Kings, Monkeys, Beggars and so forth and they will beg, in the streets of close by locations. The money amassed may be given as a present to Goddess Mutharamman. And additionally human beings laid low with smallpox, chicken pox, and eye issues will be introduced from their pain, in the event that they go to this temple.

Mythology:

The legend has it that Goddess Amman appeared inside the dream of a sculptor and ordered him to carve a statue of her and deliver it to the priest from Kulasai. Ergo the Amman is named as Mutharamman, as she herself wanted to carve her idol.

Healer of pearls

The Pandya kings took the pearls found in abundance in the sea adjacent to Thoothukudi and made them into ornaments. Will say the reason. Devotees also say that Ambika is also known as Mutharamman as she is the eldest of the Ashtakalis who are made of Parasakthi's sweet pearls.

Festival:

Next to Mysore, Kulasekarapattinam celebrates Dasara (Dussehra) in a grand way for 10 days. The grand celebrations will commence on day 1 with the flag hoisting within the temple. Every 12 months Dasara pageant is celebrated in September or October. Maha Shivaratri, Ragu Pooja, Villaku Pooja are some different festivals commemorated on this temple.

Special Features:

Every day, goddess Mutharamman is taken to procession in the streets, decked up in exceptional styles of gods and goddesses grandly. On the tenth day, the goddess takes the form of Mahishasura mardini at 12 nighttime on the seashore, using a lion and slaying the demon Mahisha. This slaying is known as “Soorasamharam”. This can be accompanied through burning of colorful crackers. This is the climax of the festivity, referred to as Vijayadashami on the tenth day, whilst slaying of the demon Mahishasura is done by Devi Mutharamman at the seashores of this village, symbolizing that dharma uproots adharma. On this 10 days fete, a lot of human beings acquire and engage themselves in dance and prayer. There will be a style of programmes, along with folk dance, and masks shows.

The sixth essential urban hub inside the country of Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli is an ancient city on the southern-maximum tip of India, adjoining to the district of Kanyakumari. This metropolis has a wealthy cultural background spanning many eras, from the classical length in Southern India to the medieval to colonial length. All the special impacts in this metropolis and the area have fashioned its way of life over millennia. One of the major points of interest of this town is the Nellaiappar Temple, that's taken into consideration to be an critical holy web page for Hindus. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and also Parvati, who's worshipped here within the form of Kanthimathi Amman. There are several festivals held here all through the 12 months which is meant to have a good time with diverse events within the Hindu calendar. Tirunelveli also has a couple of locations of hobby to discover inclusive of hills, tiger reserves, and bird sanctuaries.