Vasishta Nadi

Vasishta Nadi, named after the Hindu sage Vasishtha, originates from Salem district, flows through Kurchi, Belur, Pethanaickenpalayam, Attur, Pattuthurai, Thalaivasal, Aragalur, Sitheri and Cuddalore district. This river flows in Tiruchirapalli and joins Sweata Nadi before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Dams on the river are located at Attur and Periyeri. Check dams are constructed at Attur, Thalivasal and Periyeri/Aragalur.

Like many seasonal rivers in Tamil Nadu, soil erosion is a major concern for many parts of this river due to legal/illegal extensive sand mining for concrete.

The Vellar system consists of the Vasishta Nadi and Sweata Nadi, which drain two parallel valleys running east and west in Attur taluk, former carrying off the drainage of Kalrayan Hills and the latter carrying the Kolli Hills and Pachamalais.

There are 12 Siva temples located on villages through which this river flows. These include the panchaboodhas (Five Classical Elements or Tattva): Belur Sri Thanthondreeswarar (தான்தோன்றீஸ்வரர்) (land), Ethapoor Sambavamoortheswarar (water), Pethanaickenpalayam Aatkondeshwarar, Attur Kottai Kayanirmeshwarar (Fire), Aragalur Kamanadeshwarar (Air) & Koogayur Swarnapurieswarar (Sky).

References

• Madras District Gazetteers, By Madras (India : State)