NAMAKKAL

Location : In Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu
Was Part Of : Salem District
Main Attraction : Namakkal Fort, Sri Narasimhamurti Temple, Sri Anjaneya Temple

Tamil Nadu Guide

Namakkal district is bounded on the north by Salem district, on the east by Attur Taluk (also spelt as Taluka) of Salem district, Perambalur and Tiruchirappalli districts, on the south by Karur district and on the west by Erode district. The administrative headquarters of this district is located at Namakkal town. The Namakkal Fort is the main attraction of the town.

History
Namakkal Fort, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
Since, Namakkal district was a part of the Salem district, the historical background of Salem and Namakkal remains the same. After the struggle between the Cheras, Cholas and Pandyan rulers, the Hoysalas rose to power and had control till the 14th century followed by Vijayanagar kings till 1565 A.D.

Then the Madurai Nayakas came to power in 1623 A.D. Two of the Poligans of Tirumalai Nayak namely, Ramachandra Nayaka and Gatti Mudaliars ruled the Salem area. The Namakkal Fort is reported to have been built by Ramchandra Nayaka. After about 1635 A.D., the area came successively under the rule of Muslim Sultans of Bijapur and Golconda, Mysore kings and then the Marathas. Later the British took control over the area and ruled it till India attained independence.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Namakkal Fort
The Namakkal Fort is said to have been built by Ramchandra Nayaka, during the Madurai Nayak regime and is famous for the Sri Narasimhamurti temple. The mythology of this temple is that after destroying Hiranya Kasipu (the demon ruler), Sri Narasimhaswami (in the form of man and lion) was in a ferocious mood. After He cooled down, Sri Anjaneya brought Him to this place, to stay with his consort Mahalakshmi who was doing penance. A colossal idol of Sri Anjaneya, 18 feet in height has been installed here facing east with folded hands worshipping Sri Lakshmi Narasimha.

Ardhanareeswara Temple Of Tiruchengodu

Another place that attracts tourists is the Ardhanareeswara temple of Tiruchengodu. It is located at a distance of 34km from Namakkal. The temple is at the top of a hillock at a height of 900' above MSL and can be reached by a flight of steps. The mythological history behind the temple is the Lord Shiva gave His consort Uma His left half so as to be inseparable. The deity is known by the name "Ardhanari" (half female).

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport is at Trichy.

Rail: Namakkal is on the broad gauge line and is well connected by rail with the important towns and cities within and beyond the state.

Road: There are regular buses connecting Namakkal with Salem, Trichy, Cuddalore and other important places within and beyond the state. For local transportation taxis, and auto rickshaws are available.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation is available at the economy class hotels and lodges in Namakkal.

BANKS

Indian Bank
Canara Bank
State Bank of India

HOSPITALS

Adithya Nursing Home
Government Hospital
C.M. Hospital
Sri Lakshmi Hospital
Kannaki Hospital

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 10-sq-kms
Population: 45,038 (1991 Census)
Latitude: N 11° 03' to 11° 25'
Longitude: E 77° 40' to 78° 29'
Clothing: Light Cottons
Languages Spoken: Tamil
STD Code: 04286
Climate: Tropical
Temperature Range (deg C):
Summer- Max 38.6ºC, Min 28.2ºC
Winter- Max 29.6ºC, Min 22.5ºC
Rainfall: 785 mm

NEARBY CITIES

Erode - 48-km
Karur - 31-km
Perambulur - 76-km
Rasipuram - 27-km
Salem - 48-km
Tiruchengodu - 34-km

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