Vallam


Vallam is a panchayat town in Thanjavur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Demographics

2011 Indian census, Vallam's population numbered 14,495. Males constituted 48% and females 52%. Vallam has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77% and female literacy is 69%. In Vallam, 11% of the population is under 6.

Religious sites

Agowri Amman temple

Agowri Amman is a 1000- to 2000-year-old temple. Mother Agowri graces the temple with two heads sitting on a lotus-shaped Peeta. One face is ferocious, with long and sharp teeth showing her destructive side against the demons. The other above is calm, smiling and all graceful protecting the devotees and righteous from evils. The Mother has different weapons in Her eight hands and also a parrot representing Mother Parvati. Sri Chakra, an important form of Shakti worship, is installed under Mother Agowri's feet.
The last Friday of Aadi month and Aadi Perukku, new moon and full moon days are celebrated.
Maha chandi homam is conducted every year during chithra pournami.

Malai Mel Ayyanar temple

This temple dates to Karikalan time, circa 100 BC-190 AD. It is located in an elevated terrain. The main deity is Ayyanar accompanied by his two consorts.

Jummah

Four mosques operate in central Vallam.
Eid Ka Masjid is situated on the highest hill, some distance from the Jummah masjid and market. Every year, Eid-Ul-Alha is held there. The mosque is over 150 years old.
Mela Pallivasal masjid is situated near Aanna statue near the market and is built with white marble. More than 100 years old, it is the oldest masjid there. Eid-Ul-Fithr celebrations are an important aspect of this masjid as it is large enough to hold thousands of devotees.
Tawakalshah-Durgah is a 100-year old religious leader's graveyard.
A new mosque opened for prayer in July 2013. This mosque has a capacity for 100 worshipers and is located in the Anna Nagar area.

Christian Church

St. Xavier's Church is a traditional Christian church, over 100 years old. It is located near the bus terminal. The church has a famous history and an associated school. St. Xavier's Middle School is called a math school.

Education

Vallam is known for higher education institutions. It has two Deemed Universities. They are Periyar Maniammai University and PRIST University. They offer predominantly engineering courses. They were initially started as Engineering Colleges. Later they were deemed as Universities under UGC Act. Another deemed institution is Sastra University, 3 km from Vallam. Colleges include Adaikalamatha College, Swami Vivekananda College, Maruthupandiar College, Ponnaiya Ramajayam Engineering College and Periyar Polytechnic College.

Rural development

The Vallam town panchayat has taken the lead in environment protection. Roads made from plastic wastes range up to a distance of 1,075 metres.