Tirukalukundram

Tirukazhukundram

திருக்கழுக்குன்றம்
Tirukazhukundram திருக்கழுக்குன்றம்
panchayat town
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District	Kancheepuram
Population (2001)
• Total	23,677
Languages
• Official	Tamil
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registration	TN-19

Tirukazhukundram (திருக்கழுகுன்றம்} is a panchayat town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for the Vedagiriswarar temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

History

Tirukazhukundram's name is derived from kazhughu, meaning eagle. At one time, two eagles soared above the Shiva temple above the nearby hill every day at lunch time, and the priest at the temple gave them food as a ritual. According to legend, these eagles were not ordinary eagles, but two rishis whom a curse had transformed into birds. The legend also said that the eagles would stop coming to the temple during the Kali Yuga. The eagles have not been sighted in recent years, which is regarded as a sign that the Kali Yuga has begun.

The prefix Tiru in Tirukalukundram means 'holy' or 'sacred' and is traditionally used in names of temple towns in all parts of Tamil Nadu.

Demographics

In the 2001 India census,^[1] Tirukalukundram had a population of 23,677. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Tirukalukundram has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 65%. In Tirukalukundram, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Location

Thirukazhukundram is located on State Highway 58 between Sadras and Thiruttani, 70 kilometres (43 mi) from Chennai and 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the tourist town of Mahabalipuram. It lies 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Old Mahabalipuram Road, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from East Coast Road, and 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from GST road.