Cuddalore, My Home Town

         Cuddalore is otherwise called as the KOODALUR of south Arcot district, this name is arrived due to the confluence of three major rivers in this district. The rivers are the kedilam, the paravanar and the Pennaiyar. The exact location of my town is on the coast of Bay of Bengal, to the north of Cuddalore, Puducherry is located. The enlighten city with many wealth and seashore(beaches).  Cuddalore was the Capital of the English Possessions on the Coromandal Coast from 1748 to 1752. The preview of my town was shown in this post.

My town is divided into two major cities namely,

1. Old Town
2. New Town (now its called as Tirupathiripulliur)

This old town of Cuddalore traded with the Roman Empire approximately 2000 years ago. Archaeological evidence of these ancient trade relationships can be found in the Cuddalore Government Museum in Manjakuppam. The Dutch were the first to conquer Cuddalore, followed by Portugal, France and later Britain. The British bought Fort St David in Cuddalore near Devanampattinam(O.T) from the Gingee rulers. South Arcot is a former district of British India, located in the state of Tamil Nadu. South Arcot was the southern portion of the Mughal province of Arcot. Arcot came under the control of a local Nawab after Mughals lost control southern India in the 18th century. The "subah" of Arcot was ceded to the British East India Company in 1801, and subsequently the district was split into North Arcot and South Arcot. On September 30, 1993 South Arcot District was split into Cuddalore District and Villupuram District.



                                              

Cuddalore District Map 

The town is well known for its temples. This is one of the rarest town with both Saiva and Vaishnava temples. The most famous of these is the temple of Shiva (Saiva), one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. The incarnation of Shiva at Cuddalore is called Padaleeshwarar. The temple itself is located in Thiruppadirippuliyur [the town's old name is padaliputhiram at SAMANAS period] center of the town. The other one is "Perumal" Temple in Thiruvandhipuram 7 km from Thiruppadirippuliyur. Chidambaram, a city also known for dance and temples, is only 43 km away from Cuddalore. Cuddalore has famous Vaishnavate temples in and around the city.

Thiruvandhipuram the Sacred Abode of Lord Devanatha, is one of the ancient Vaishnavite temples and also one of the 108 Vaishnavite shrines sanctified by the visit of the great Alwars and Acharyas, held in great reverence by the devotees. This place is one of the two Nadunattu Tirupathis. It is situated 7 km west of Thiruppadirippuliyur Railway Station.

Around 9 km from Cuddalore is the ancient Shiva temple of Tirumanikuzhi. It is one of the paadal petra stalas (familiar place for saiva). Thiruvadhigai Veerattaneswarar Temple and Thirunavalur Shiva temple are also located around 15 km from Cuddalore.jumma mosque very near the bus stand.Cuddalore's magnificent beaches are becoming a tourist attraction, especially the well-known Silver Beach, second largest beach in Tamil Nadu. Cuddalore's harbour is the naturally formed one.


CHIDAMBARAM : The origin of Lord Nataraja sculptor. The modern sculptor of international repute highly praised form and art and the concept of dive dance of Lord Nataraja. The secret of Chidambaram is yet to be disclosed.

PICHAVARAM : The Mangrove Forest. This forest considered among the healthiest mangrove occurence in the world. Number of islands interpersing a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. Boating facilities gives special attraction to this spot.

VADALUR : Ramalinga Swamigal popularly called as Vallalar had established Sathyagnana Sabai. The "Thai Poosam" function in December-January is an festival of this place. He sung thousands of songs called "Thiru Arutppa". This district named after his for sometime.

SRIMUSHNAM : Famous Vishnu Sthalam, Holy pilgrimage place.

NEYVELI : The lignite mines produces power productive units.