Anaikarai
 |
Anaikarai | |
|---|---|
village | |
  Anaikarai Location in Tamil Nadu, India  Anaikarai Anaikarai (India) | |
| Coordinates: 11°08′24″N 79°27′10″E / 11.140093°N 79.452653°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Thanjavur |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 2,757 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Tamil |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Vehicle registration | TN 68 |
Anaikarai is a village panchayat under Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Anaikarai connects with two major bridges. Nearly 1 km long on both sides. It is an island in the basin of Cauvery river.
The Lower Anaicut built by Sir Arthur Cotton in 19th century AD across Coleroon, the major tributary of Cauvery, is said to be a replicated structure of Kallanai.[4] Nearly 2000 families live in Anaikarai with the main occupation of agriculture and fishing. It is well known and place for river fishes
Sri Villiandavar (Ayyanar) temple is located in the west side of Anaikarai. It was built by chola empire. The present Sri Villiandavar koil was renovated in early 2000 during Ms. Jayalalitha's regime. This temple is located in the mid of Cauvery river & cauvery flows in "U" direction surrounding the temple. The temple also houses many statues of Elephants & horses.
The Temple's Maha Kumbabhishekham is likely to be conducted by end of 2015 or early 2016.
The Great Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram is located just 10 km from Anaikarai.
Anaikkarai remains an important connecting point between Chennai and kumbakonam. However one of the two bridges connecting Anaikarai with Kumbakonam is barred for heavy vehicles due to weakening after the heavy rains of 2009. New bridge costing 135 Cr is being planned and it has taken long period to finish the construction.
The Bridge has been repaired and opened to public for transport from 25 January 2012.
In the river there are number of crocodiles which post threat to those who depend upon the river for a living.
Shortest route to Anaikarai from Chennai is via Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Vadalur, Meensuruti & Jayankondam Cross Road.