Erode

Erode

History And Geography

The district`s history is integrally related to that of Coimbatore district. The district of Erode came into being after the bifurcation of Coimbatore district, through the G.O.Ms.No.1917, Revenue dated 31st August 1979. It is quite difficult to deal separately with the history of Erode from that of Coimbatore. Together with the area comprised in the district of Coimbatore, it formed part of the ancient Kongu country called `Kongu Nadu`, the history of which dates back to the Sangam Age. In the early days, the area was occupied by tribes, most prominent among them were the `Kosars` having their headquarters at `Kosamputhur` which is believed to have become Coimbatore. These tribes were overpowered by the Rashtrakutas from whom the region went under the rule of the Cholas who ruled supreme during the time of Raja Chola. The district of Erode is surrounded by land from all sides and does not have a sea coast of its own. This district is situated on the northern Tamil Nadu state. It is bounded mostly by Karnataka and also River Palar which covers a long distance. The district is having its borders as Namakkal district and Karur district to the East, Dindigul district to the South, Coimbatore district and Nilgiris district to the West. The district`s region can be portrayed as a long undulating plain sloping towards the Kaveri River in the south-east. The three major tributaries of Kaveri River are Bhavani River, Amaravati River and Noyyal River which drain the long stretch of mountains in the north. A part of the eastern boundary of Erode district is formed by Kaveri River, entering the district from Salem and flowing in the southern direction. The district of Erode is situated between 10 degrees 36 minutes and 11 degrees 58 minutes to the North Latitudes and 76 degrees 49 minutes and 77 degrees 58 minutes to the East Longitudes.

Education

In the field of education, this district has recorded remarkable achievement. There are a number of well-developed schools and colleges preparing students for the usual degree and post-graduate degree courses in various branches of humanities and science. The Mahajana College of Erode was the pioneer in the field of higher education in the district. Apart from these institutions, there are a number of Polytechnic and other institutions which provide technical education.

Tourism

The district of Erode is a suitable tourist destination in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temples in Erode district are the major attractions in the entire state. There are nearly 487 temples in this district. These temples are located in four taluks; Erode, Gobichettipalayam, Dharapuram and Bhavani. Out of the 207 places recognized as Padal Petra Sthalam, there are two temples found in Erode District viz., Bhavani and Kodumudi. There is one Jain Temple at Vijayamangalam which is 25 kilometers from Erode. The temple was constructed by Jain King Konguvelir some 1,800 years back. Towards the construction of temples in the district of Erode popularly known as Kongunad, Hoysalas, Cholas and Pandyas have contributed their mite. Some of the other well-known temples in this district are Veerakumarasami temple, Natturayaswami temple, Bhagavan temple, etc. Even if Lord Muruga is worshipped in the Veeramumaraswami temple, no woman is permitted to enter the temple and worship the God there. The Bhagavan temple at Ponnivadi is well-known to cure epidemics like cholera, plague and smallpox.

How to reach Erode

By Road: The major highways connecting Erode are Erode – Perundurai – Coimbatore (SH-96/ NH-544), Erode – Gobichettipalayam – Satyamangalam (SH-15), Erode – Kodumudi – Karur (SH-84), Erode – Kangeyam – Palani (SH – 83A), Erode – Bhavani – Metur (SH-20). Erode – Sankagiri – Salem (SH–79A/ NH-544). Erode is well connected by moffusil bus services to all major towns and cities across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
By Rail: Erode Railway station (Station Code – ED) comes under Salem Division of Southern Railways, connected with Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Ernakulam, Bengaluru, Tiruvanandapuram, Mangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkatta etc.
By Air: The nearest local and International airports are Coimbatore airport (90 Km) and Tiruchirapalli Airport (140 Km)