Tiruvannamalai Pincodes

About Tiruvannamalai

Tiruvannamalai, alternatively spelled Thiruvannamalai and historically referred to as Trinomali or Trinomalee in British records, is a multifaceted city in Tamil Nadu, India. Serving as both a spiritual and cultural epicenter, it also holds significance as an economic hub and serves as the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District. At its heart lies the world-famous Annamalaiyar Temple, surrounded by the majestic Annamalai Hill. The city is renowned for its revered Girivalam, an auspicious circumambulation, and the grand Karthigai Deepam festival. Tiruvannamalai beckons pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and economic vibrancy in the lap of Tamil Nadu.

History

The rich historical tapestry of Tiruvannamalai is intricately woven around the iconic Annamalaiyar Temple. Its documented origins trace back to the ninth century, evident from Chola inscriptions within the temple premises. However, even earlier inscriptions suggest the dominion of the Pallava kings, with Kanchipuram as their capital. The temple’s significance was immortalized in the poetic verses of seventh-century Nayanar saints, Sambandar and Appar, in their literary masterpiece, Tevaram. Sekkizhar, the venerable author of the Periyapuranam, chronicles the devout worship of Annamalaiyar by both Appar and Sambandar within the hallowed confines of this ancient and revered temple.

Demography

As per the provisional population figures from the 2011 census, Tiruvannamalai UA recorded a population of 145,278, comprising 72,406 males and 72,872 females. The city exhibited a balanced sex ratio of 1,000, and the child sex ratio was 960, highlighting gender equilibrium. In terms of education, Tiruvannamalai boasted an impressive average literacy rate of 81.64%, with males achieving a rate of 85.6% and females at 77.7%. Notably, 14,530 residents were under the age of 6, underscoring the city’s youthful demographic. While Tamil serves as the official language, Telugu is widely spoken, primarily owing to the influx of temple tourism in the region.

Geography

Tiruvannamalai is strategically positioned, lying 196 km (122 mi) to the southeast of the state capital, Chennai, and 210 km (130 mi) northeast of Bangalore. It is dominated by the imposing Annamalai Hill, rising to an elevation of approximately 2,669 ft (814 m). Situated at coordinates 12°N 79.05°E, the city boasts an average elevation of 200 meters (660 ft) and is nestled to the east of the Eastern Ghats, characterized by gently sloping terrain from west to east.

The climate in Tiruvannamalai exhibits typical South Indian patterns, with temperatures ranging from a scorching maximum of 40 °C (104 °F) during April to June, to a cooler minimum of 20 °C (68 °F) in December to January. Rainfall is relatively scarce, with an annual average of 815 mm (32.1 in), falling short of the state’s average of 1,008 mm (39.7 in).

Economy

Tiruvannamalai, a sacred temple city in Tamil Nadu, holds profound significance as a major pilgrimage destination. Beyond its spiritual allure, it serves as a bustling hub for trade, commerce, and services, playing a pivotal role in the surrounding regions. As the administrative epicenter of the Tiruvannamalai district, the city thrives with tertiary sector activities, with trade, commerce, and services as its primary economic drivers. In 1991, the population’s occupational distribution reflected 7.93% engaged in the primary sector, 21.34% in the secondary sector, and a significant 70.73% in the tertiary sector. The city also featured an 11% female workforce, signifying its evolving urbanization and a shift towards tertiary sector dominance since 1971.