Aduthurai
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Aduthurai | |
  Aduthurai
|
|
| State - District(s) |
Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur district |
| Coordinates | |
| Area - Elevation |
2.5 km² - 19.5 m |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population (2001) - Density |
11,455 - app. 5000/km² |
| Codes - Postal - Telephone - Vehicle |
- 612 0xx - +91 435 - |
Aduthurai (or Maruthuvakudi or Kurangaduthurai) (Tamil: ஆடுதுறை) is a small panchayat town situated in Thanjavur District in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, and located near Kumbakonam. A major attraction is the Ten Kurangaaduturai Temple, one of two Kurangaaduturai Temples. This highly revered Shivasthalam, south of the Cauvery River, is believed to be the place where Sugreeva worshipped Lord Shiva.
Contents |
[edit] Origin of Names
The name Aduthurai comes from the Tamil word ThenKurangaduthurai, which translates to "southern land where monkeys used to dance." It is believed to be connected to the epics of Ramayana, in which monkeys play an important role, especially Hanuman.
Maruthuvakudi is the place where the demon Maruthuvasura lived.
[edit] Demographics
As of the 2001 India censusGRIndia, Aduthurai has a population of 11,455. Males and females each constitute 50% of the population. Aduthurai has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Maruthuvakkudi is a village under Aduthurai town panchayat, located on the Kumbakonam — Thirunageswaram main road.
[edit] Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute
The famous Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute is located in Aduthurai. The research station was first established at Manganallur in 1912, and was shifted to Aduthurai in 1922. In 1962 it was renamed the Regional Research Institute. In 1981, after 19 years of successful operation, it changed its name again to Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI) and was elevated to Directorate for Rice, Lead Centre in 1985.
The institute occupies around 64 hectares and produces various high-quality breeds of rice and cane sugar. The institute's main focus is on promoting short-term cultivation. Some noteworthy breeds developed here are ADT-32 (Aduthurai 32) and ADT-36 (Aduthurai 36).
[edit] Places Near Aduthurai
Sooriyanaar Koil, Oppliappan Temple, Swamimalai Temple and Thirunageswarar Temple are all located near Aduthurai and are very popular with pilgrims.
[edit] Temples at Aduthurai
These are several famous temples in Aduthurai and Maruthuvakudi:
[edit] Mummoorthy Vinayagar Temple
This temple is one of the oldest temples in Maruthuvakudi. The main God worshipped here is Lord Vinayaga (Ganesh), who is believed to lie in the Samadhi (tomb of a saint). There are three statues, which is unusual for Ganesh temples. It is believed that they were erected at the request of the villagers. The temple is located on the main road to Thirunageswaram. Unlike other temples it has no Vimaana or Gopuram.
[edit] Maruthuvakudi Iravatheswarar Temple
In this temple's history, Indira, the lord of Heaven, and his Iravatha, his white Elephant, were cursed by Saint Dhurvasa for sinfully throwing a garland given to them by Brahma. Indira lost his Kingdom and the Iravatha turned black; she worshipped Lord Shiva here and was eventually released from the curse. It is also the place where Lord Shiva slew an evil demon, Marutthuvasura, from which the name of the village originated from.
Another important deity of this temple is the Goddess Abirami Amman, who is worshipped here as well as in the famous Thirukkadaiyur temple. In addition to Thirukkadayur, there are five temples where Abirami Amman is found. This temple is one tribute.
The structure of Shiva is said to be made of white clay, formed as "Suyambu" — which, according to tradition, was not sculpted by man but formed spontaneously. The other main statue, which is of Nandi faces the Shiva's statue, and is located slightly away from its original position. It is named Baana Nanadi and looks pored on its surface. It is believed the Nandhi was injured with Maruthuvasura's 'Baanas' (arrows) and protected Lord Shiva.
The next most famous God here is Lord Ganesh, also named "Viruchika Vinayagar", who has a trunk resembling Virchika-Scorpion. He is believed to be able to heal poisonous insect bites of those who worship him.
The temple structure was constructed from bricks and stone. It is built with dravidian architecture in the Chola style. The Gopuram is built six stories high. It was said to be built during the period of SembiyanMadevi, during the reign of the Queens of the Chola Dynasty, which is attested by some stone carvings at the temple. The temple was ruined then restored.
The "Kumbabhishekam" (consecretion ceremony) of this temple recently took place on August 31, 2006. This Kumbabishekam was performed at this temple after 200 years.
The famous Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute is located beside the temple is one of the landmark.
[edit] Neelamegha Perumal Temple
Neelamegam, meaning "dark coluds", is one of the names of Lord Perumal. The Neelamegha Perumal temple is located at Marathuvakudi. It is a vaishnavite temple.
The temple is famous for the Neelamegha Perumal statue made of a stone which turns blue when milk is poured on the surface of the statue. The statue itself looks partially blueish. Perumal's consorts are the godessess Sreedevi and Boomidevi. The temple is located on the same main road to Thirunageswaram.
[edit] Aduthurai Apathsakayeswarar Temple
This temple is located at a historic place in Aduthurai. It is devoted to Brahma, Sugriva, and Rama. Lord Shiva rescued Sugriva from his brother Vaali because Sugriva could not compete with Vaali in a fight. Sugriva prayed to Lord Shiva who turned Sugriva to a swan and kept him above the 'Vilva' tree, so Vaali could not find him. It is believed Lord Rama searching for Sita came here with Hanuman and Sugriva and prayed here which gives an additional tribute to this temple.
The temple is built in Dravidian style with Vimaanas and a five story Gopuram. This temple is under the maintenance of Thiruvavadurai Aathinam.
[edit] Madhurakaliamman Temple
This is one of the famous temples at Aduthurai. The main Goddess is Kali, who is called Madhurakaliamman. There is a four day ceremony, where Kali comes to everyone's house in the four days. The Dance of the Goddess is famous around this village. This ceremony is celeberated each April.
[edit] Sri Navaneetha Krishnan Temple
[edit] Sri Jeyaveera Anjaneyaswami Temple
[edit] Getting there (Transport)
Aduthurai can be reached both by rail and road. Since the town lies on the Mayiladuthurai-Kumbakonam highway, it is easily accessible. Trains plying between Thanjavur or Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai shall drop you on the way to Aduthurai Railway Station.
Buses to the town are available from Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam.
