Namakkal - History

Namakkal is also called as "Namagiri". At Namakkal Sri Mahalakshmi's prayer made Sri Narasimha Swamy calm. So he blessed her and gave many boons to her. From this time, the fame of Mahalakshmi began to spread all over the world. Here Lord Narasimha is called "Lakshmi Narasimha" because of the boon given by the Lord to Sri Mahalakshmi.

On the eastern side of the rock there is also a cave temple. It is called Sri Ranganatha Temple, where Lord Vishnu is seen sleeping on Adhisesha.In the same cave temple the Lord is seen in Sankara Narayana Thiruk kolamand on the other side Vamana Avatharam is engraved. The Lord Narasimhaswamy Temple Lord Ranganathar Temple have been declared as monuments under the preservation of Monuments and sites Act 1958 and they are protected by the Archeological Department. These two temples are maintained and administered by the H.R. and C.E. Department and Grade I Executive Officer is administering these temple affairs. Daily poojas are being performed as per Vaikanasa Agama.

The glories of goddess Namagiri Thayar spread all over India. The devotees who Visit Namakkal first are heartily worshipping the Goddess and give offerings to her. They also pray to get wishes fulfilled immediately. They whole heartedly offer Her Jewels, Sarees etc., The Dasara festival is being performed for ten days for Sri Mahalakshmi. The Car festival is being celebrated for 15 days to Lord Narashima, Sri Hanuman, and Sri Ranganathar are the stars of Panguni Hastham every year. The Hanuman Jeyanthi is celebrated in a grand manner during the new moon-day of Margazhi every year.

The myth says the cave temples were constructed by Viswakarma (Devine Mason) but the Archeological Survey says that the caves were constructed by Adhiyaman rulers who ruled over Kongu, The cave sculptures were engraved by GUNSILA Adhiyan Kula, King during 7th Century.

LOCATION AND AREA:

Namakkal dt. is bounded on the north by Salem district, on the east by Attur taluk of Salem district, Perambalur and Tiruchirapalli 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.

LANGUAGES AND RELIGION:

Tamil is the main language spoken in this district. Religion-wise breakup of population of the district according to 1991 census is indicated below,

Hindus	1647646
Christians	10245
Muslims	24892
Sikhs	10
Buddhists	7
Other religions and persuasions	9
Religion not stated	306

GEOGRAPHY AND PHYSICAL FEATURES:

The district is extensively covered with hilly ranges and rocks with undulatory plains.The Kollimalai range with peaks 1219 metres runs along the east of Nammakkal and Rasipuram taluks. The parent district Salem has fairly extensive forest area of considerable value. The main products from the forest are sandalwood, bamboo, timber (silveroak and similar varieties) and firewood. The main source of revenue from the forests is from the Sandalwood trees which occur naturally in abundance in the plateau and hilly ranges.

RIVERS, CANALS AND WATERWAYS:

Cauvery is the main river of this district as well which forms its natural boundaries on west and south-west directions. The Vasishta Nadhi and Sweda Nadhi which flow across Attur taluk of Salem and Cuddalore district, drain the area between the Kalrayan hills, and the Panchaimalai and Kollimalai ranges. Sirabanga Nadhi and Tirumanimittar are the other important rivers in the district

TOURISM:

The Namakkal Fort is said to have been built during the Madurai Nayak regime and is famous for the Sri Narasimhamurthy temple. The mythology of this temple is that after destroying Hiranya Kasipu, the demon ruler, Sri Narasimhaswamy (in the form of man & lion) was in a ferocious mood. After he cooled down, he was brought to this place by Sri Anjaneya, so as to stay with his consort Mahalakshmi who was doing penance there. A colossal idol of Sri Anjaneya,18 feet in height has been installed here facing east with folded hands worshipping Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. Another place of attract is the Ardhanareeswarar temple of Tiruchengodu. 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 Siva gave this consort Uma His left half so as to be inseparable. The deity is known by the name Ardhanari(half female). Kolli hills in Namakkal taluk is being developed into a district excursion centre.