District at a Glance

Ariyalur District came into existence by the bifurcation of Perambalur District as per G.O.(Ms)No.683 Revenue(RA1(1)) Department dated 19.11.2007. It is bounded on the North by Cuddalore, South by Thanjavur, East by Cuddalore and Thanjavur and West by Perambalur and Tiruchirapalli districts. Ariyalur has been functioning as a separate District since 23.11.2007.

Administrative Units

Ariyalur District consists of two Revenue Divisions viz., Ariyalur and Udayarpalayam, Four Taluks viz., Ariyalur, Sendurai, Udayarpalayam and Andimadam (Andimadam Taluk is formed as per G.O.(Ms) No. 167 Revenue(RA1(1)) Department dated : 08-05-2017) comprising of 195 Revenue Villages. The District has six blocks viz. Ariyalur, Thirumanur, Sendurai, Jayankondam, Andimadam and T.Palur comprising of 201 Village Panchayats. There are two Municipalities viz. Ariyalur & Jayankondam and two Town Panchayats viz. Udayarpalayam & Varadharajanpettai.

Physical Features

Ariyalur District is located in central Tamil Nadu and is 265 K.M. away from Chennai. The District has an area of 1949 Sq.Km.
It is an inland district without any coast line. The District has Vellar River in the North and Kollidam River in the South and it has no well marked natural divisions.

Minerals and Mining

The District is rich in mineral deposits. Celeste, Lime Stone, Shale, Sand Stone, Canker and Phosphate nodules occur at various places in the district. Limestone of sedimentary origin has been found in Ariyalur and Sendurai Taluks. The Limestone is cement grade to plus cement grade in quality and is used in the cement plants. Fire Clay is used for the manufacture of floor tiles, stoneware pipes, fire bricks and in the chemical industry. Jayamkondam in Udayarpalayam Taluk is rich in Lignite, Oil and Gas reserves. Apart from the above major minerals the common use minor minerals viz Red Gravel, Brick Clay, filling earth and Kankar are also found in this District.

Pilgrim Centres

Vaithiyanatha Swamy Temple at Thirumazhapadi, Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal Kovil at Kallankurichi, Siva Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Guruvayurapparkovil etc., are some of the most important Hindu Shrines in the District.The Gandaikonda Cholapuram Siva Temple (Brihadeshwara Temple) built by Rajendra Chola son of Raja Raja Chola is almost a miniature of Thanjavur Brihadeshwara Temple. Elakurichi located at a distance of 32 Kms from Ariyalur is famous for the Adaikala Matha Church built by the famous Catholic Missionary Constantino Joseph Beschi popularly known as VEERAMA MUNIVAR.

Industry

Eight major Cement factories are located within the district due to the abundant deposits of limestone. The availability of Lignite at Jayankondam and nearby places is a bountiful gift of Mother Nature. Geologists consider the Fossils that are excavated as national assets.