# Cheranmadevi

Cheranmahadevi is a panchayat town in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

## Etymology

The name "Cheranmahadevi" is combination of Three words "Cheran", "Maha", and "Devi" (Translation: Cheran's daughter Devi).

## Geography

Cheranmahadevi is located on the bank of the Thamirabarani River. It is roughly 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) west of Tirunelveli in the foothills of Kozhundana Malai.
Kannadian canal is the first such canal along the Thamirabarani river.

## Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Cheranmahadevi had a population of 16,320. Males constituted 49% of the population and females 51%. Cheranmahadevi has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 83% and female literacy of 71%. 9% of the population is under 6.

## Government and politics

Cheranmahadevi is Taluk headquarters with a subcollector office within the town and with Judicial Court 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) away. Cheranmahadevi assembly constituency is part of the Tirunelveli Lok Sabha constituency.

## Economy

Agriculture is the livelihood. The city is surrounded by paddy fields.
This ancient town hosts Ramaswamy Temple, more than 1000 years old. The road connecting to the river is lined with Marutham trees.
The other side of town is surrounded by a small hillock called Kozhundana malai. On both sides of the hill there are Murugan temples that are more than 300 years old.

## Culture

Bhaktavatsala Vishnu temple is considered to be a monument for its medieval carvings referring to the period of Chola and Pandiya kings. The temple was built from 1012 to 1044, Devotees are allowed to worship on Vidhivadha each month. Vidivadha Aga Vyadhipadha is a Dosha in some Jathaka (Janma Kundali). It is the only remedial temple in the world. Maha Vyadhipadha falls during December. Pilgrims gather to make remedial rituals.
The temple for Lord Rama fondly known as Ramar Kovil is more than 1000 year old. Other Shivite temple near the Train Bride - Ammanatha Swamy also very old. One more Appan( Vishnu) temple near the River Road Bridge also oldest one. All built during Chola Dynasty. Also there are other famous temples like Rajagoplaswamy temple Mannarkovil, Chepprai Azhagia Koothar, Vishnu temple in Meltiruvengadanathapuram, Kailasanathar Temple in Brahmadesam, Narumboonathar Temple in tirupudaimaruthoor, Gajendra Varada Perumal in Athalanallur , Sankaranarayanar temple in Ambai are some of the famous temple with easy access by bus /auto / Car

## Transport

Cheranmahadevi is connected to Tirunelveli,Chennai,Coimbatore,Bangalore Nagerkoil, Tenkasi by bus and train.

### Air

The nearest airports are Trivandrum and Madurai, each approximately 150 kilometres (93 mi) away. Limited Air service available from Tuticorin Airport which is 80 Km away.

### Rail

It is well connected by rail to Chennai,Erode,Mettupalayam Tenkasi and Tirunelveli.

### Road

Cheranmahadevi is about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Tirunelveli by road and rail. Buses available to reach Ambasamudram, Papanasam, Kalakkad, Tenkasi, Valliyur, and Nagercoil,Chennai , Coimbatore , Bangalore
Famous pilgrim centre Papanasam is 40 mins Drive from Cheranmahadevi. Udupi Vegeterian restaurant closer to Bus Stand will serve vegeterian food till 10 pm. Manimuthar Falls, Sori Muthhayanar temple, Agasthiayar Falls are easy reach from Cheranmahadevi.