Dharmapuri
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Dharmapuri
Tamil Nadu • India |
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| District(s) | Dharmapuri |
| Coordinates | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 468 m (1,535 ft) |
| Population | 64,444 (2001) |
| Codes • Postal • Telephone • Vehicle |
• 636701 • +04342 • TN 29 |
| Website: www.dharmapuri.org | |
Dharmapuri is a city and the administrative headquarters of Dharmapuri district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located 65 km north of Salem.
The famous Hogenakal water falls is in Dharmapuri district. Rich in Mango farming, the district boasts one of the best quality marble stone reserves in the world.
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[edit] Geography
Dharmapuri is located at [1]. It has an average elevation of 468 metres (1535 feet).
It is situated in the North western Corner of Tamil Nadu and is bounded by Tiruvannamalai and Viluppuram districts on the east, Salem district on the South, Krishnagiri district on the north and the river Kaveri on the west. It is located between latitudes N 11 47’ and 12 33’ and longitudes E 77 02’ and 78 40’. The total geographical area of Dharmapuri district is 4497.77 km² which is 3.46% of Tamil Nadu.
[edit] Soil
The Soil type ranges from black to mixed loam; Red sandy soils are seen in Harur Taluk. Black and loam soil are found in Dharmapuri Taluk. Generally the soil is low in Nitrogen and Phosphate content with no marked variation between Taluks.
[edit] Mineral Resources
Dharmapuri district is endowed with sizeable reserves of Granite. High quality black Granite is available in Pennagaram, Harur and Palacode blocks. Quartz is available at Kendiganapalli Village of Pennagaram Taluk, Velampatti of Harur taluk and Pethathampatti of Pappireddipatti Taluk.
Another High value mineral available here is Malibdinum, which is identified as a good conductor. It is available in Harur.
[edit] Climate
The climate here is generally warm. The hottest period of the year is between the months of March to May, reaching a maximum temperature of up to 38°C in April. The temperatures drop in December and the low temperatures continue up to February, touching a minimum of 17°C in January. The district receives an average annual rainfall of 895.56 mm.
[edit] Economy
[edit] Horticulture
Dharmapuri district forms a major horticultural belt in the state. As the area is drought–prone it has become essential to switch over to cultivation of drought tolerant perennial fruit crops in this district.
Although almost all types of fruits and vegetables are cultivated here, Mango is the main horticulture crop of this District. It has the highest area under the fruit crops. The district accounts for nearly one-third area under mango and nearly one-half of the mango yield in the state. Nearly 80% of the products are of Thottapuri variety (Banglora) commonly referred to as Kilimukku.
The district has the 2nd highest area under Tomato and accounts for 22% of the area in the state. Palacode is the main area where Tomato is cultivated. Chilli is cultivated mainly at Pennagaram.
[edit] Fisheries
Dharmapuri being an inland district, fishing is restricted to inland only here. Main varieties of fish available are katla, rogu, mirgal, common and corp.
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Dharmapuri had a population of 64,444. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Dharmapuri has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79% and, female literacy is 68%. In Dharmapuri, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Tourist Places
[edit] Hogenakal Falls
Hogenakal Falls is located at the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, around 46 Km from Dharmapuri. In Hogenakal the river Kaveri enters Tamil Nadu as a big river with gushing water. The name Hogenakal is derived from Kannada means Smoky Rocks. When the river falls on the rock below, the gushing force of water causes a smoke-like haze, leading to the origin of the name. At Hogenakal the water spreads for miles around and cruising on country-made dinghies (Parisal) is possible.
[edit] Theerthamalai
Theerthamalai is an important sacred place in the Harur taluk of Dharmapuri district. Shri Theerthagirishwarar Temple is located at the top of a hillock. Chola and Vijayanagara kings donated liberally to this temple. A lot of devotees throng the temple during the Maha Shivarathiri. It is believed that Lord Rama created the water fall to do abhishek for Lord Shiva, after waiting for a long time for Hanuman to bring water.
[edit] Hanumanthathirtham
This place is situated on the bank of Pennaiyar at a distance of 10 km from Uthangarai and traditionally associated with Tirtamalai. It is believed that Hanuman was instructed by Lord Rama to get water from the Ganges for his penance at Tirtamalai. However, he could not do it in time. So Rama was said to have done Asthraprayogam and got it. Disappointed, Hanuman was said to have thrown down the vessel in which he brought the holy water and this spilled water is believed to be the "Hanumantirtham".
[edit] Adhiyamankottam
The capital of Adhiyamans, ancient rulers of Tagadur, was Adhiyamankottam which is situated on the Salem-Dharmapuri road at a distance of 7 km from Dharmapuri. The ruins of the roughly oval shaped fort is still there. The Chenraya Perumal temple is the biggest of the lot which is held as a protected monument. It is believed to have been constructed both by the King Krishna Devaraya and the Hoysala kings. There is a mandapam which leads to the sanctum sanctorium. There are paintings in the ceiling depicting scenes from the Mahabarat, Viswarupa dharshan of Lord Krishna and some scenes from the Ramayana. All the paintings belong to 13 century.
[edit] Kottakovil
This is one of the famous temples built for Lord Shiva. It is located on the northern side of Dharmapuri. This old temple was renewed and maintained by the Government and people of Dharmapuri. Rare sculptures and paintings can be found in this temple. The main speciality of this temple is the 'Hanging pillar'. There is also a legend that there was a secret passage that connects temple to Adhiyamankottai and that the Government has closed the passage for certain issues.
[edit] Subramanya Siva Memorial
A monument built in memory of the patriot Subramanya Siva in his samadhi near Papparapatti, Pennagaram Taluk.
