Tirukkalikkunram
Tirukkalikkunram, 1908
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts.Many units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Pakshitirtham
Town in the District and taluk of Chingleput, Madras, situated in 12° 36' N. and 80° 3' E., on the road from Chingleput to Sadras, about half-way between the sea-coast and the former town. Population (1901), 5,728. Near it is a ridge terminating in a peaked hill 500 feet above sea- level, on which stands a temple dedicated to Siva. This is an important place of pilgrimage. The name Tirukkalikkunram means 'hill of the sacred kites,' and was doubtless originally given to this ridge and its shrine, whence it was afterwards applied to the village below. Every day two birds of the kite species come to the mountain and are fed by a.pafiddram or priest. They are declared to have originally come from Benares. A plunge in the tank called the Pakshitirtham, or ' bathing- place of the birds,' in the village is believed to cure all kinds of diseases, including leprosy. The town is at present entirely inhabited by persons connected with the temple, or by shopkeepers who cater for the wants of the pilgrims flocking to it from all parts all the year round, and particularly during the various festivals. Charitable gentlemen have constructed resthouses for the benefit of these devotees.
