Ambasamudram

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?Ambasamudram Tamil Nadu • India
Ambasamudram
Coordinates: 8°42′N 77°28′E / 8.7, 77.47
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	• 76 m (249 ft)
District(s)	Tirunelveli
Population	32,681 (2001)

Coordinates: 8°42′N 77°28′E / 8.7, 77.47 Ambasamudram is a municipality in Tirunelveli district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Points of Interest
4 Temples In the Area
5 Some interesting pointers
6 References

[edit] Geography

Ambasamudram is located at 8.7° N 77.47° E.^[1] It has an average elevation of 76 metres (249 feet). This picturesque town is situated in the foothills of western ghats on the northern bank of Tamirabarani river with a twin town Kallidaikurichi/Kallidai is situated on the southern bank.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census,^[2] Ambasamudram had a population of 32,681. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Ambasamudram has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 52% of the males and 48% of females literate. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

[edit] Points of Interest

Manimuttar Dam
Papanasam Lower Dam & Hydel power plant 1951
Karaiyar Dam
Servalar Dam & Hydel Project 1987
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve [1]
Agasthiyar Falls fed by lower dam, with its year round bathable water temperature.^[3]
BaaNa Theertham Falls
Tamirabarani river with year round, bathable and swimable water temperature.

[edit] Temples In the Area

Like many towns in southern India Ambasamudram also boasts of many temples. Geographic location of this town has virtually protected these temples from all invaders, so they have been preserved in their original form. Though many of these temples are in sad state of disrepair,^[4] they are still every bit worth studying for their artistic, religious and historical value.

One of the few temples for Saint Agasthiyar or Agastya
Mannar Kovil Temple. This temple is one of the few ones with an ashtanga vimana. On the ground floor it has a sanctum for Vishnu, standing with his two Consorts. A narrow flight of stairs leads to the first floor where He is seated with his two Consorts.
Brahmadesam kailAya nAthar^[5] - a temple built during the reigns of Raja Raja Chola.
Papanasam Temple, it's a temple situated near agasthiyar falls, it is believed that after taking bath in this river, going to this temple is alleged to give you relief from all your sins^{[citation needed]}. The place is called Papanasam because of this.
Next to Papanasam, there is a village town by name Vickramasingapuram.
There are several temples for Mutharamman, Suadali Madan and Ayyanar temples nearby and Kodai Vizha in these tempels very famous and inspiring.

[edit] Some interesting pointers

Ambasamudram is famous for its "Kai Murukku" which is crispy and tasty.
"Rice Research Station" - Est. 1937, currently associated with "Tamil Nadu Agricultural University".
Kallidaikurichi is famous for its appalam.
Pathamadai is famous for fine grass mats called "Paai" "Grass mats still hold their own here" in Tamil.
Ambasamudram with its Tirunelveli flavour Tamil spoken along with its natural beauty and historic attractions have captured the imaginations of Kollywood movie makers in the recent decades. Movies like "Dum Dum Dum!,^[6] Ayya were set in Ambasamudram and its surrounding areas.
Mahalinga Nadar - Packiammal Trophy State-level football tournament is organized here annually at Nadar Sports Club ground, Ambasamudaram.
Unique mineral assembalge of clinohumite--humite--chondrodite--norbergite--Mgcalcite--dolomite--spinel ^[7]found in the marbles of the area, associated with the Achenkovil Shear Zone