Cheranmadevi

Cheranmahadevi is a panchayat town in Tirunelveli district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Etymology
The name "Cheranmahadevi" is combination of Three words "Cheran", "Maha", and "Devi" (Translation: Cheran's daughter Devi).

Geography
Cheranmahadevi is located on the bank of the Thamirabarani River. It is roughly 15 km west of Tirunelveli in the foothills of Kozhundana Malai.

Kannadian canal is the first such canal along the Thamirabarani river.

Demographics
India census, Cheranmahadevi had a population of 16,320. Males constituted 49% of the population and females 51%. Cheranmahadevi has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 83% and female literacy of 71%. 9% of the population is under 6.

Government and politics
Cheranmahadevi is Taluk headquarters with a subcollector office within the town and with Judicial Court 1 km away. Cheranmahadevi assembly constituency is part of the Tirunelveli Lok Sabha constituency.

Economy
Agriculture is the livelihood. The city is surrounded by paddy fields.

This ancient town hosts Ramaswamy Temple, more than 1000 years old. The road connecting to the river is lined with Marutham trees.

The other side of town is surrounded by a small hillock called Kozhundana malai. On both sides of the hill there are Murugan temples that are more than 300 years old.

Culture
Bhaktavatsala Vishnu temple is considered to be a monument for its medieval carvings referring to the period of Chola and Pandiya kings. The temple was built from 1012 to 1044, Devotees are allowed to worship on Vidhivadha each month. Vidivadha Aga Vyadhipadha is a Dosha in some Jathaka (Janma Kundali). It is the only remedial temple in the world. Maha Vyadhipadha falls during December. Pilgrims gather to make remedial rituals.

Transport
Cheranmahadevi is connected to Tirunelveli, Nagerkoil, Tenkasi by bus and train.

Air
The nearest airports are Trivandrum and Madurai, each approximately 150 km away.

Rail
It is connected by rail to Chennai, Tenkasi and Tirunelveli.

Road
Cheranmahadevi is about 20 km from Tirunelveli by road and rail. Buses reach Ambasamudram, Papanasam, Kalakkad, Tenkasi, Valliyur, and Nagercoil.