Chennimalai
Encyclopedia
Chennimalai popularly known as the 'Handloom Town' is in Erode district
in the state of Tamil Nadu
, India
.
, Chennimalai had a population of 15,526. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Chennimalai has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 83% and female literacy of 67%. 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The murugan temple is situated at about 490 meters above sea level and this hill is noted for its natural flora and fauna. This hill also has rare medicinal herbs in its lush green forests. In Devanagiri this hill is called Siragiri and Chenniyangiri. In Tamil it is called Chennimalai. The city underneath the hill is also called Chennimalai.Buses are provided to go for the temple.
Chennimalai stands No.1 Rank in Hand made Bed sheets, Handicrafts, Lungies, Hand Made Curtains, Hand Looms & Print Designs. Garments from here travels to all parts of Tamil Nadu & even North India. Many people here are running their Business in HandLooms & Power Looms.
Vellode Bird Sanctuary
Chennimalai Kailasanathar Temple
Bhavani
Kooduthurai
Kodumudi Temple
Bannari Amman Temple
Bhavani Sagar Dam
Tiruchengode Arthanareeswarar Temple
Pariyur Kaliamman Temple
Sivanmalai Temple
Paranjervazhi Kariakaali Amman Temple
Vijayamangalam Jain Temple (historical importance)
, Tiruppur, Erode
, Kangeyam
, Dharapuram
, Palani
, Udumalpet, Karur
, Sivagiri, Arachalur, Kodumudi
, Ezhumathur, Perundurai
, Kavindapadi, Uthukuli, Vijayamangalam, Paramathi Velur, Tiruchengode, Salem and various other towns of Tamilnadu. Nearby Airports are Coimbatore Airport
, Salem Airport
and Tiruchirappalli Airport.
Bus Routes
11 - Erode via Myladi, Vellode and Kavundichipalayam
C5 - Perundurai
and Kangeyam
via Ingur and Naal Road
C10 - Sivagiri
and Vilakkethi via Kalikkavalasu
, Murungathozhuvu and Arachalur
11A - Erode
via Pulavanpalayam
11c - Erode via MPN Nagar
11d - Erode via Perundurai R.S., Pungampadi, Mettukkadai and Thindal
20A - Erode via vellode, Kanagapuram and Lotus Hospital
C3 - Nathakadayur via Kalikkavalasu
, Komarapalayam and K.G.Valasu
1 - Kangeyam
and Kanjikoil
1B - Kangeyam
via Savadipalayam and Maravapalayam
C14 - Vijayamangalam via Vaipadi
C8 - Ezhumathur via Kalikkavalasu
, Murungathozhuvu and Unjapalayam
C13 - Uthukuli
C1 - Sivagiri via Arachalur
Chennimalai also lies in the main bus route between Palani
and Erode via Perundurai. Now TNSTC is operating new services from Palani to Bengaluru and from Erode to Udumalpet via Chennimalai, Dharapuram
.
A proposed rail route between Erode and Palani is going to benefit the people of Chennimalai and make a tourism circiut connecting the world famous temples of Lord Muruga at Palani
, Sivanmalai and Chennimalai.
SH-96 passes through Chennimalai town connecting Erode with Kangeyam via Perundurai and this route is used by Sabarimala
devotees from Karnataka
and Andhra Pradesh
. There is also a proposal of new State Highway connecting Tirupur with Karur via Chennimalai and Uthukuli. There is also a proposal to upgrade Erode-Chennimalai route via Vellode into a State Highway.
Kalicoptex (employing more than 2500 people and famous for producing new designs and high quality products by the weavers of Kalikkavalasu
)
Chencoptex (employing more than 2000 people)
Chentex
Chenkumartex
P.K.Pudur Tex
Mayiltex
Metrotex
Kongutex
These co-operative societies are the employers for thousands of weavers. For providing housing facilities to the handloom weavers, a colony of 1010 individual houses (considered to be one of the biggest in Asia) were built at the outskirts of chennimalai town.
Powerlooms also give plenty of employment opportunity to the people of Chennimalai. At any time, one can hear the noise of powerlooms running everywhere in Chennimalai area. Hence, Chennimalai faces the problem of noise pollution and also air pollution due to dust from the looms. The fabric made here is of extremely high quality and hence preferred by North Indians during winter despite of the cost.
This hill is also called Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri and Siragiri. The Lord of mountains 'Kuringi Andavar', Murugan is highly praised and sung with reference to this abode in Kundruthorâdal. Chennimalai is one of them and abounds in natural beauty and splendor.
The hill is home to hundreds of Peacocks, monkeys, rabbits, snakes and other reptiles. Recently there were instances of people sighting spotted deers around Chennimalai.
Flora includes trees like Neem, Banyan, Tamarind and variety of shrubs. Mountains of kodaikanal, Sathyamangalam and Anthiyur are clearly visible from the top of the hill. It takes a 15 minutes drive to reach the hill temple by road and it gives a thrilling experience while travelling through the lush green forest and the steep slopes slopes on the side.
The most famous temple
of Lord Muruga in Erode District is Chennimalai. This world famous temple of Lord Muruga is where Lord Arunagirinathar was blessed with "Padikasu", wealth of coins. This is where an unusual phenomenon, rather a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12th February. A bullock cart with two bulls climbed the 1320 steps on their own on this eventful day. Saravana Munivar wrote the most popular Chennimalai Sthalapuranam before 700 years. Milk and curds are used as special offerings to Lord Muruga in Chennimalai and it is the general belief that curds do not become sour here.
Temple
The temple of Chennimalai is situated on the banks of Noyyal also called Kânchima Nadhi. The Sanctum Sanctorum faces the east. Just in front of the temple we find the Puliyadi Vinâyagar. Inside the temple to the right of Moolavar we find the shrines of Mârkandeswarar and to the left Umayavalli. On the left side we find the shrines of Kasi Viswanâthar and Visâlâkshi.
If we take the steps found just behind the Moolavar Sannidhi, we reach the Valli Teyvannai Temple. The two consorts enshrined in a separate temple are a very unique phenomenon. On the top of the hill we find the Pinnâkau Siddhar cave with the front yard filled with Vel of different sizes and shapes. This Siddhar is one of the popular 18 Siddhar known to the world for their Siddha yoga. Near this cave we find the Saravana Mâmunivar's Tomb. There is also another very ancient cave near this temple.
Speciality of this temple
The main deity Murugan is equated to the Sevvai graham or planet Mars and all the rest of the eight planets encircle the Lord in perfect harmony. If one circumambulates the main deity he is believed to get the benefit of circumambulating the navagrahâs and worshipping them.
Valli Teyvannai Temple
As we go further up behind the temple we see the Valli Teyvannai temple. They are in penance to attain Lord Muruga. They are known by the names Amirthavalli and Sundaravalli. A separate temple for Valli and Teyvannai is the most unique feature of this temple.
Shasti Vratam
The observance of Shasti fast is also a special feature in this temple. Many devotees take this vow and spend 6 days fasting and praying at the temple premises. The monthly Shasti day after the new moon is also observed with great reverence. Particularly those devotees without progeny sincerely observe this Shasti fast and there are many instances of families coming traditionally on getting their vow fulfilled.
Sirasuppu Utharavu Kêttal
Asking for the Lord's permission before taking up any task like building a new house or getting their children married or any other issue is customary in this temple. Devotees offer an Archnai and perform Sirasappu offering. If the reply is positive they whole-heartedly perform that action or event. Traditionally if the answer is negative the Devotees do not venture further.
Holy water brought by the Temple Bulls
The holy water for Abishekam is being brought everyday by the temple bulls, which are being maintained by the Devasthanam. This procedure is also a very unique one not found in other temples.
Mamanga Theertham
Once in twelve years, during drought conditions a spring gushes out water. This spring is on the southern side of the hill temple. This is a miraculous Divine happening. The Vinâyagar near the spring called Mamânga Theertha Vinâyagar. The people worship this Vinâyagar and the holy springs with great Devotion.
Other important festivals are Chitra Pournami, Kanda sashti, Agni Nakshathram, Panguni Thaer, Chennimalai Mariamman festival, Ekkattampalayam Mariamman festival, Murungathozhuvu Mariamman festival, etc. During the second day of pongal 'Poo Parikkum Thiruvizha' is celebrated as a part of Pongal celebrations and can see people going to the hills for plucking holy flowers, having food in the hills sharing with friends and relatives and performing 'Kummi' songs and dance which is unique to Kongu
tradition and culture.
is a village located near Chennimalai in the Erode district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was once a flourishing ancient trade city known as Kodumanam, as inscribed in Patittrupathu of Sangam Literature. The place is a important Archaeological Site, under the control of State Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu. It is Located on the northern banks of Noyyal River, a tributary of the Cauvery.
The Ancient City
The inhabitants of this destructed ancient city of Chera dynasty were highly skilled craftsmen, who were specialized in making beads and high quality iron. The place is referred to in Sangam literature as an important industrial centre that had links with the Chola port city of Kaveripoompattinam, now called Poompuhar.
Roman Trade Route
The city played a major role in Indo-Roman trade and relations, as the ancient city is located on the mid-way of a Roman Trade Route, linking Muziris Port i.e. Pattanam on the Malabar Coast with the Kaveripoompattinam (Puhar) Port in the Coromandel Coast.
Megalithic Tombs
Excavations have been carried out and it came out with the layers of a megalithic-cum-early tombs of historic period. Also there were two female and one male human skeleton were recovered from a pit burial in this site. A set of 300 megalithic tombs of different types and sizes were observed and recorded in this area.
The ancient city has been destructed in time and now the area is available with the remains of a megalithic settlement dating back to the 2nd Century B.C. Apparently, this was the centre for the Romans who visited to obtain beryls from Kodumanal. The megalithic communities flourished in this site were belongs to the period of 2nd Century B.C. to 2nd Century A.D.
Iron and Metal
This place was once celebrated for its trade in precious stones like Garnet, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire and Quartz. The people of this city were experts in manufacturing the finest iron. The Iron Pillar in Qutub Complex in Delhi, a rustless wonder was built by the Wrought iron produced from this place.
Collections
Excavations also came out with ancient iron objects such as Arrow heads and Swords. Also they have collected Roman artefacts, iron melting furnaces, beads, shell bangles and pottery with the Brahmi scripts from the habitation deposits and burials. The ancient The other collections from the excavation of this site includes Roulette Pottery, Roman Silver Coins, and Gold and Silver Spirals. And a Bronze Statue of a Lion and an Iron melting furnace were the important one's helpful in deciding the past history.
Ingur
Mugasi Anumanpalli
Vadamugam Vellode
Kavundichipalayam
Kumaravalasu
Mugasi Pulavanpalayam
Pasuvapatti
Ekkattampalayam
Palatholuvu
Murungathozhuvu
Ottapparai
Ulagapuram
irrigates the villages around chennimalai such as Thalavumalai, K.G.Valasu, Vadugapalayam, Semalaipalayam, Uppilipalayam, Karungoundenvalasu, Kuppichipalayam, Raikangadu, Pasuvapatti, Kunnangattuvalasu, Ayyampalayam, Sillankattuvalasu, Thippampalayam, Vaikalpudur, etc.,. There are also rain water harvesting ponds and lakes around chennimalai in the villages of Palatholuvu, Namakkalpalayam, Pidariyur, Murangathozhuvu, Kalikkavalasu, Pudupalayam, etc. The principal crops of Chennimalai region are rice, coconut, turmeric, sugarcane, tapioca, sorghum, maize, sunflower, tobacco and vegetable crops. The weekly market called 'sandai' on every Friday attracts thousands of people for buying vegetables and fruits directly from the farmers.
Ingur Ganga Higher Secondary School
Shri Maha Higher secondary School
Kongu Vellalar Higher Secondary School
Komarappa Sengunthar Boys Higher Secondary School
Komarappa Sengunthar Girls Higher Secondary School
Young India Higher Secondary School
Vimala Higher Secondary School
Vellode Vivekananda Higher Secondary School
'Polytechnic Colleges'
Shri Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College
Erode Kongu Polytechnic College
Colleges
MPNMJ Engineering College
Ingur Vidhya Mandhir Engineering College
Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai
Erode Builders Institute of Technology, Nathakadayur
Cherran Arts and Science College, Thittuparai
Rathi jewelers
Malar jewellers
Abirami jewellers
Vaishnavi jewellers
, a small town which is 18 KM away
Perundurai
, industrial town (13 KM)
Tirupur
, popularly called Dollar city (40 KM)
Erode
, Textile city (25 KM)
Bhavani
, textile town (35 KM)
Coimbatore
, Industrial city (93 KM)
Arachalur, 11 KM away
Dharapuram
, former capital of Kongunadu (54 KM)
Palani
, holy town (89 KM)
Erode District
Erode District is a western district of the state of Tamil Nadu, India, with Erode as its headquarters. Until the year 1996, Erode district was called as Periyar District....
in the state of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
Geography
Chennimalai is located at 11.17°N 77.62°E. It has an average elevation of 320 metres (1082 feet).Demographics
India censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, Chennimalai had a population of 15,526. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Chennimalai has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 83% and female literacy of 67%. 8% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The murugan temple is situated at about 490 meters above sea level and this hill is noted for its natural flora and fauna. This hill also has rare medicinal herbs in its lush green forests. In Devanagiri this hill is called Siragiri and Chenniyangiri. In Tamil it is called Chennimalai. The city underneath the hill is also called Chennimalai.Buses are provided to go for the temple.
Chennimalai stands No.1 Rank in Hand made Bed sheets, Handicrafts, Lungies, Hand Made Curtains, Hand Looms & Print Designs. Garments from here travels to all parts of Tamil Nadu & even North India. Many people here are running their Business in HandLooms & Power Looms.
Chennimalai Urban Area
Chennimalai town is continuously expanding at a faster rate and has now merged with Melapalayam, Mugasipidariyur, Ammapalayam and Pasuvapatti villages and the town is expected to be upgraded into a Municipality by merging these areas. Chennimalai has its own Bus Station which is located at its southern end and it is busy throughout the day. Important landmarks of the town are Kumaran Sathukkam (Vandipettai), Thaer Nilayam, Sandai and Kumarapuri. Kanuvai is a narrow pass in the Chennimalai hill which is traversed by SH 96 and it is noted for the scenic drive.Important Tourist Spots in and around Chennimalai
Chennimalai Subramanya Swami Temple on the top of the hillVellode Bird Sanctuary
Chennimalai Kailasanathar Temple
Bhavani
Bhavani
Bhavani is a ferocious aspect of the Hindu goddess Parvati. Bhavani means "giver of life", the power of nature or the source of creative energy. In addition to her ferocious aspect, she is also known as Karunaswaroopini, "filled with mercy"....
Kooduthurai
Kodumudi Temple
Bannari Amman Temple
Bhavani Sagar Dam
Tiruchengode Arthanareeswarar Temple
Pariyur Kaliamman Temple
Sivanmalai Temple
Paranjervazhi Kariakaali Amman Temple
Vijayamangalam Jain Temple (historical importance)
Transport
There are buses available to CoimbatoreCoimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
, Tiruppur, Erode
Erode
Erode is a city, a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Erode district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is situated at the center of the South Indian Peninsula, about southwest from the state capital Chennai and on the banks of the rivers Cauvery and Bhavani, between 11° 19.5"...
, Kangeyam
Kangeyam
Kangeyam is a Municipality in Tirupur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kangeyam was the capital of Kongu Nadu for many centuries. Kangeyam is situated in the heart of the Tirupur district. Kangayam is situated in the meeting point of NH 67, SH 37 and SH 205-Member of Parliament:Mr.A...
, Dharapuram
Dharapuram
Dharapuram is a town and a municipality in the Tirupur district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Dharapuram one of the Oldest Town in Tiruppur District. Dharapuram, then known as Rajarajapuram was the capital of Kongu Nadu under Kongu Cholas. The Amaravathi River flows through the ancient...
, Palani
Palani
Palani is a city and a municipality in the Dindigul district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located about 100 km South of Coimbatore City and 60 km west of Dindigul...
, Udumalpet, Karur
Karur
Karur is a large town and a municipality in Karur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu situated on the banks of Amaravati. Karur district was formed on 30 September 1995 by trifurcating Tiruchirappalli district. It is the administrative headquarters of Karur District. Karur has a very long...
, Sivagiri, Arachalur, Kodumudi
Kodumudi
Kodumudi is a panchayat town in Erode district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.- Geography :Kodumudi is located at . It has an average elevation of 144 metres ....
, Ezhumathur, Perundurai
Perundurai
Perundurai is a Town Panchayat and taluk in Erode district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on National Highway 47, which bye-passes the city of Erode from here, between Salem and Coimbatore....
, Kavindapadi, Uthukuli, Vijayamangalam, Paramathi Velur, Tiruchengode, Salem and various other towns of Tamilnadu. Nearby Airports are Coimbatore Airport
Coimbatore Airport
Coimbatore Airport is a customs airport located at Peelamedu, Coimbatore. It was previously known as Coimbatore Civil Aerodrome. It is about from the city center. It is located along Peelamedu and Neelambur, with passenger entry at Neelambur and cargo entry at Peelamedu...
, Salem Airport
Salem Airport
Salem Airport may refer to:* Salem Airport , public use airport in Salem, Arkansas, United States * Salem Airport , public use airport in Tamil Nadu, India...
and Tiruchirappalli Airport.
Bus Routes
11 - Erode via Myladi, Vellode and Kavundichipalayam
C5 - Perundurai
Perundurai
Perundurai is a Town Panchayat and taluk in Erode district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on National Highway 47, which bye-passes the city of Erode from here, between Salem and Coimbatore....
and Kangeyam
Kangeyam
Kangeyam is a Municipality in Tirupur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kangeyam was the capital of Kongu Nadu for many centuries. Kangeyam is situated in the heart of the Tirupur district. Kangayam is situated in the meeting point of NH 67, SH 37 and SH 205-Member of Parliament:Mr.A...
via Ingur and Naal Road
C10 - Sivagiri
Sivagiri
Jawaharlal Nehru"I am happy and privileged to come here and pay my tribute to a great man whose message is as vital and essential today as it was when he gave it"...
and Vilakkethi via Kalikkavalasu
Kalikkavalasu
Kalikkavalasu is a village near Chennimalai in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. The village is an industrially developed area with many dyeing units and Handlooms.-Kalicoptex:...
, Murungathozhuvu and Arachalur
Arachalur
Arachalur is a panchayat town in Erode district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located 25 miles from Erode. Good villages - Elevanatham is the first good village in the list.Its nearbye of 8 km from arachalur.:Demographics...
11A - Erode
Erode
Erode is a city, a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Erode district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is situated at the center of the South Indian Peninsula, about southwest from the state capital Chennai and on the banks of the rivers Cauvery and Bhavani, between 11° 19.5"...
via Pulavanpalayam
11c - Erode via MPN Nagar
11d - Erode via Perundurai R.S., Pungampadi, Mettukkadai and Thindal
20A - Erode via vellode, Kanagapuram and Lotus Hospital
C3 - Nathakadayur via Kalikkavalasu
Kalikkavalasu
Kalikkavalasu is a village near Chennimalai in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. The village is an industrially developed area with many dyeing units and Handlooms.-Kalicoptex:...
, Komarapalayam and K.G.Valasu
1 - Kangeyam
Kangeyam
Kangeyam is a Municipality in Tirupur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kangeyam was the capital of Kongu Nadu for many centuries. Kangeyam is situated in the heart of the Tirupur district. Kangayam is situated in the meeting point of NH 67, SH 37 and SH 205-Member of Parliament:Mr.A...
and Kanjikoil
Kanjikoil
Kanjikoil is a panchayat town in Erode district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.The ancient name of the town is "Kanji Kooval" and it is called by the Name Kanji koil or Kanji Kovil.-Demographics:...
1B - Kangeyam
Kangeyam
Kangeyam is a Municipality in Tirupur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kangeyam was the capital of Kongu Nadu for many centuries. Kangeyam is situated in the heart of the Tirupur district. Kangayam is situated in the meeting point of NH 67, SH 37 and SH 205-Member of Parliament:Mr.A...
via Savadipalayam and Maravapalayam
C14 - Vijayamangalam via Vaipadi
C8 - Ezhumathur via Kalikkavalasu
Kalikkavalasu
Kalikkavalasu is a village near Chennimalai in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. The village is an industrially developed area with many dyeing units and Handlooms.-Kalicoptex:...
, Murungathozhuvu and Unjapalayam
C13 - Uthukuli
Uthukuli
Uthukuli is a panchayat town in Tirupur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.-Demographics: India census, Uthukuli had a population of 7929. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Uthukuli has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male...
C1 - Sivagiri via Arachalur
Chennimalai also lies in the main bus route between Palani
Palani
Palani is a city and a municipality in the Dindigul district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located about 100 km South of Coimbatore City and 60 km west of Dindigul...
and Erode via Perundurai. Now TNSTC is operating new services from Palani to Bengaluru and from Erode to Udumalpet via Chennimalai, Dharapuram
Dharapuram
Dharapuram is a town and a municipality in the Tirupur district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Dharapuram one of the Oldest Town in Tiruppur District. Dharapuram, then known as Rajarajapuram was the capital of Kongu Nadu under Kongu Cholas. The Amaravathi River flows through the ancient...
.
A proposed rail route between Erode and Palani is going to benefit the people of Chennimalai and make a tourism circiut connecting the world famous temples of Lord Muruga at Palani
Palani
Palani is a city and a municipality in the Dindigul district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located about 100 km South of Coimbatore City and 60 km west of Dindigul...
, Sivanmalai and Chennimalai.
SH-96 passes through Chennimalai town connecting Erode with Kangeyam via Perundurai and this route is used by Sabarimala
Sabarimala
Sabarimala is a Hindu pilgrimage center located in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in India with an estimated 45–50 million devotees visiting every year. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where the Hindu God Ayyappan...
devotees from Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
and Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh , is one of the 28 states of India, situated on the southeastern coast of India. It is India's fourth largest state by area and fifth largest by population. Its capital and largest city by population is Hyderabad.The total GDP of Andhra Pradesh is $100 billion and is ranked third...
. There is also a proposal of new State Highway connecting Tirupur with Karur via Chennimalai and Uthukuli. There is also a proposal to upgrade Erode-Chennimalai route via Vellode into a State Highway.
Textile Industry
Chennimalai handloom products are well known for their high quality and long life. It is the home for various handloom co-operative societies likeKalicoptex (employing more than 2500 people and famous for producing new designs and high quality products by the weavers of Kalikkavalasu
Kalikkavalasu
Kalikkavalasu is a village near Chennimalai in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. The village is an industrially developed area with many dyeing units and Handlooms.-Kalicoptex:...
)
Chencoptex (employing more than 2000 people)
Chentex
Chenkumartex
P.K.Pudur Tex
Mayiltex
Metrotex
Kongutex
These co-operative societies are the employers for thousands of weavers. For providing housing facilities to the handloom weavers, a colony of 1010 individual houses (considered to be one of the biggest in Asia) were built at the outskirts of chennimalai town.
Powerlooms also give plenty of employment opportunity to the people of Chennimalai. At any time, one can hear the noise of powerlooms running everywhere in Chennimalai area. Hence, Chennimalai faces the problem of noise pollution and also air pollution due to dust from the looms. The fabric made here is of extremely high quality and hence preferred by North Indians during winter despite of the cost.
Chennimalai Hill
This temple is situated at about 400 meters above sea level and this hill is noted for its natural flora and fauna. This hill also has rare medicinal herbs in its lush green forests. In Devanagiri this hill is called Siragiri and Chenniyangiri. In Tamil it is called Chennimalai. The city underneath the hill is also called Chennimalai.This hill is also called Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri and Siragiri. The Lord of mountains 'Kuringi Andavar', Murugan is highly praised and sung with reference to this abode in Kundruthorâdal. Chennimalai is one of them and abounds in natural beauty and splendor.
The hill is home to hundreds of Peacocks, monkeys, rabbits, snakes and other reptiles. Recently there were instances of people sighting spotted deers around Chennimalai.
Flora includes trees like Neem, Banyan, Tamarind and variety of shrubs. Mountains of kodaikanal, Sathyamangalam and Anthiyur are clearly visible from the top of the hill. It takes a 15 minutes drive to reach the hill temple by road and it gives a thrilling experience while travelling through the lush green forest and the steep slopes slopes on the side.
The Temple of Lord Subramanya
Special FeaturesThe most famous temple
Temple
A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out...
of Lord Muruga in Erode District is Chennimalai. This world famous temple of Lord Muruga is where Lord Arunagirinathar was blessed with "Padikasu", wealth of coins. This is where an unusual phenomenon, rather a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12th February. A bullock cart with two bulls climbed the 1320 steps on their own on this eventful day. Saravana Munivar wrote the most popular Chennimalai Sthalapuranam before 700 years. Milk and curds are used as special offerings to Lord Muruga in Chennimalai and it is the general belief that curds do not become sour here.
Temple
The temple of Chennimalai is situated on the banks of Noyyal also called Kânchima Nadhi. The Sanctum Sanctorum faces the east. Just in front of the temple we find the Puliyadi Vinâyagar. Inside the temple to the right of Moolavar we find the shrines of Mârkandeswarar and to the left Umayavalli. On the left side we find the shrines of Kasi Viswanâthar and Visâlâkshi.
If we take the steps found just behind the Moolavar Sannidhi, we reach the Valli Teyvannai Temple. The two consorts enshrined in a separate temple are a very unique phenomenon. On the top of the hill we find the Pinnâkau Siddhar cave with the front yard filled with Vel of different sizes and shapes. This Siddhar is one of the popular 18 Siddhar known to the world for their Siddha yoga. Near this cave we find the Saravana Mâmunivar's Tomb. There is also another very ancient cave near this temple.
Speciality of this temple
The main deity Murugan is equated to the Sevvai graham or planet Mars and all the rest of the eight planets encircle the Lord in perfect harmony. If one circumambulates the main deity he is believed to get the benefit of circumambulating the navagrahâs and worshipping them.
Valli Teyvannai Temple
As we go further up behind the temple we see the Valli Teyvannai temple. They are in penance to attain Lord Muruga. They are known by the names Amirthavalli and Sundaravalli. A separate temple for Valli and Teyvannai is the most unique feature of this temple.
Shasti Vratam
The observance of Shasti fast is also a special feature in this temple. Many devotees take this vow and spend 6 days fasting and praying at the temple premises. The monthly Shasti day after the new moon is also observed with great reverence. Particularly those devotees without progeny sincerely observe this Shasti fast and there are many instances of families coming traditionally on getting their vow fulfilled.
Sirasuppu Utharavu Kêttal
Asking for the Lord's permission before taking up any task like building a new house or getting their children married or any other issue is customary in this temple. Devotees offer an Archnai and perform Sirasappu offering. If the reply is positive they whole-heartedly perform that action or event. Traditionally if the answer is negative the Devotees do not venture further.
Holy water brought by the Temple Bulls
The holy water for Abishekam is being brought everyday by the temple bulls, which are being maintained by the Devasthanam. This procedure is also a very unique one not found in other temples.
Mamanga Theertham
Once in twelve years, during drought conditions a spring gushes out water. This spring is on the southern side of the hill temple. This is a miraculous Divine happening. The Vinâyagar near the spring called Mamânga Theertha Vinâyagar. The people worship this Vinâyagar and the holy springs with great Devotion.
Kanda Shasti Kavacham offering
The popular daily prayer of Murugan Devotees, Kanda Shasti Kavacham was first offered to the world in this temple by Balan Dêvarâya Swamigal. From that day onwards till today many devotees keep chanting this prayer every day.Car Festival
The car festival that comes in the Tamil month of 'Thai' attracts lakhs of devotees flooding the temple of Lord Muruga. The car starts from East Raja street, then through South Raja street, West Raja street and North Raja street again reaches East Raja Street. The town remains flooded by devotees for almost a week and lots of temporary shops occupy the road sides.Other important festivals are Chitra Pournami, Kanda sashti, Agni Nakshathram, Panguni Thaer, Chennimalai Mariamman festival, Ekkattampalayam Mariamman festival, Murungathozhuvu Mariamman festival, etc. During the second day of pongal 'Poo Parikkum Thiruvizha' is celebrated as a part of Pongal celebrations and can see people going to the hills for plucking holy flowers, having food in the hills sharing with friends and relatives and performing 'Kummi' songs and dance which is unique to Kongu
Kongu
Kongu may refer to:* Kongu , a region in Tamil Nadu* Kongu Engineering College, an engineering college in Tamil Nadu* Toa Kongu, a fictional hero from the BIONICLE series.* Kongu Arts and Science College, an Arts college in Tamil Nadu...
tradition and culture.
Birth Place of Tirupur Kumaran
Tiruppur Kumaran (Tamil: திருப்பூர் குமரன்) (1904–1932) who was born in Chennimalai, was an Indian revolutionary who participated in the Indian independence movement. Kumaran died from injuries sustained from a Police assault during a protest march against the British colonial government on January 11, 1932. Kumaran died holding the flag of the Indian Nationalists, which had been banned by the British.Kodumanal Archeological Site
KodumanalKodumanal
Kodumanal is a village located in the Erode district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was once a flourishing ancient trade city known as Kodumanam, as inscribed in Patittrupathu of Sangam Literature. The place is a important Archaeological Site, under the control of State...
is a village located near Chennimalai in the Erode district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was once a flourishing ancient trade city known as Kodumanam, as inscribed in Patittrupathu of Sangam Literature. The place is a important Archaeological Site, under the control of State Archaeological Department of Tamil Nadu. It is Located on the northern banks of Noyyal River, a tributary of the Cauvery.
The Ancient City
The inhabitants of this destructed ancient city of Chera dynasty were highly skilled craftsmen, who were specialized in making beads and high quality iron. The place is referred to in Sangam literature as an important industrial centre that had links with the Chola port city of Kaveripoompattinam, now called Poompuhar.
Roman Trade Route
The city played a major role in Indo-Roman trade and relations, as the ancient city is located on the mid-way of a Roman Trade Route, linking Muziris Port i.e. Pattanam on the Malabar Coast with the Kaveripoompattinam (Puhar) Port in the Coromandel Coast.
Megalithic Tombs
Excavations have been carried out and it came out with the layers of a megalithic-cum-early tombs of historic period. Also there were two female and one male human skeleton were recovered from a pit burial in this site. A set of 300 megalithic tombs of different types and sizes were observed and recorded in this area.
The ancient city has been destructed in time and now the area is available with the remains of a megalithic settlement dating back to the 2nd Century B.C. Apparently, this was the centre for the Romans who visited to obtain beryls from Kodumanal. The megalithic communities flourished in this site were belongs to the period of 2nd Century B.C. to 2nd Century A.D.
Iron and Metal
This place was once celebrated for its trade in precious stones like Garnet, Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Sapphire and Quartz. The people of this city were experts in manufacturing the finest iron. The Iron Pillar in Qutub Complex in Delhi, a rustless wonder was built by the Wrought iron produced from this place.
Collections
Excavations also came out with ancient iron objects such as Arrow heads and Swords. Also they have collected Roman artefacts, iron melting furnaces, beads, shell bangles and pottery with the Brahmi scripts from the habitation deposits and burials. The ancient The other collections from the excavation of this site includes Roulette Pottery, Roman Silver Coins, and Gold and Silver Spirals. And a Bronze Statue of a Lion and an Iron melting furnace were the important one's helpful in deciding the past history.
Villages in Chennimalai Union
MugasipidariyurIngur
Mugasi Anumanpalli
Vadamugam Vellode
Vadamugam Vellode
Vadamugam Vellode or V.Vellode, simply called as Vellode is a small town located in Erode district .It houses the Vellode Birds Sanctuary on the lake.It is located on the way to Chennimalai...
Kavundichipalayam
Kumaravalasu
Mugasi Pulavanpalayam
Pasuvapatti
Ekkattampalayam
Palatholuvu
Murungathozhuvu
Ottapparai
Ulagapuram
Agriculture
Lower Bhavani Project CanalLower Bhavani Project Canal
The Lower Bhavani Project Canal is a 125-mile long irrigation canal, runs majority in Erode and terminates in the border of Karur districts of Tamil Nadu, India and irrigates 2.07 lakh hectares of land. It is a valley-side contour canal and is fed by the Bhavani River.In 2007 the canal breached...
irrigates the villages around chennimalai such as Thalavumalai, K.G.Valasu, Vadugapalayam, Semalaipalayam, Uppilipalayam, Karungoundenvalasu, Kuppichipalayam, Raikangadu, Pasuvapatti, Kunnangattuvalasu, Ayyampalayam, Sillankattuvalasu, Thippampalayam, Vaikalpudur, etc.,. There are also rain water harvesting ponds and lakes around chennimalai in the villages of Palatholuvu, Namakkalpalayam, Pidariyur, Murangathozhuvu, Kalikkavalasu, Pudupalayam, etc. The principal crops of Chennimalai region are rice, coconut, turmeric, sugarcane, tapioca, sorghum, maize, sunflower, tobacco and vegetable crops. The weekly market called 'sandai' on every Friday attracts thousands of people for buying vegetables and fruits directly from the farmers.
Education
SchoolsIngur Ganga Higher Secondary School
Shri Maha Higher secondary School
Kongu Vellalar Higher Secondary School
Komarappa Sengunthar Boys Higher Secondary School
Komarappa Sengunthar Girls Higher Secondary School
Young India Higher Secondary School
Vimala Higher Secondary School
Vellode Vivekananda Higher Secondary School
'Polytechnic Colleges'
Shri Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College
Erode Kongu Polytechnic College
Colleges
MPNMJ Engineering College
Ingur Vidhya Mandhir Engineering College
Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai
Erode Builders Institute of Technology, Nathakadayur
Cherran Arts and Science College, Thittuparai
Famous Personalities
- Dheeran ChinnamalaiDheeran ChinnamalaiDheeran Chinnamalai was a Kongu chieftain and Palayakkarar from Tamil Nadu who rose up in revolt against the British East India Company in the Kongu Nadu, Southern India...
- Tirupur Kumaran
- Erode Tamilanban
- Rajkumar Mandradiar
Gold Jewellers
ERK jewellersRathi jewelers
Malar jewellers
Abirami jewellers
Vaishnavi jewellers
Neighbouring Towns
KangeyamKangeyam
Kangeyam is a Municipality in Tirupur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kangeyam was the capital of Kongu Nadu for many centuries. Kangeyam is situated in the heart of the Tirupur district. Kangayam is situated in the meeting point of NH 67, SH 37 and SH 205-Member of Parliament:Mr.A...
, a small town which is 18 KM away
Perundurai
Perundurai
Perundurai is a Town Panchayat and taluk in Erode district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on National Highway 47, which bye-passes the city of Erode from here, between Salem and Coimbatore....
, industrial town (13 KM)
Tirupur
Tirupur
Tiruppur pronounced as is a textile city located on the banks of Noyyal River. It is also called Dollar city. It is the administrative headquarters of the Tiruppur district. It forms a part of the ancient Kongu Nadu region of South India, where its people were the first to establish territorial...
, popularly called Dollar city (40 KM)
Erode
Erode
Erode is a city, a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Erode district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is situated at the center of the South Indian Peninsula, about southwest from the state capital Chennai and on the banks of the rivers Cauvery and Bhavani, between 11° 19.5"...
, Textile city (25 KM)
Bhavani
Bhavani
Bhavani is a ferocious aspect of the Hindu goddess Parvati. Bhavani means "giver of life", the power of nature or the source of creative energy. In addition to her ferocious aspect, she is also known as Karunaswaroopini, "filled with mercy"....
, textile town (35 KM)
Coimbatore
Coimbatore
Coimbatore , also known as Kovai , is the second largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a major commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is known as the "Manchester of South India"....
, Industrial city (93 KM)
Arachalur, 11 KM away
Dharapuram
Dharapuram
Dharapuram is a town and a municipality in the Tirupur district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Dharapuram one of the Oldest Town in Tiruppur District. Dharapuram, then known as Rajarajapuram was the capital of Kongu Nadu under Kongu Cholas. The Amaravathi River flows through the ancient...
, former capital of Kongunadu (54 KM)
Palani
Palani
Palani is a city and a municipality in the Dindigul district of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located about 100 km South of Coimbatore City and 60 km west of Dindigul...
, holy town (89 KM)