Polichalur

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Polichalur had a population of 15,329. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Polichalur has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 84%, and female literacy is 73%. In Polichalur, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. The proposed Chennai metro railway station at Airport is going to very close to Polichalur within distance of 3 km.

History

Polichalur is the short, convenient, modern name for what was once called Pugazh Chola Nalloor (meaning Famous town of the Chola Kingdom, in Tamil). This town was created in the 9th century CE by the Cholas, who gave the town its most recognisable landmark, the Agastheeswarar Temple. Till 1997 'Thaangal' (kuttai/a small pond) was one of the important spots in this village; It homed the migratory birds during the rainy seasons; encroachment led to its disappearance. Of late Pozhichalur has become popular for cinema shooting; some scenes for films 'Vettaikaran', 'Penn Singam', 'Ezhaam Arivu'...etc. have been shot in a place called Indraesan Garden located close to the Adyar river. The place is becoming popular day by day with many builders coming up with their projects at a rate of 3,500-4,000 per sq ft.

Temples

This temple is about 800 years old and has a big pond on the western side of the temple. This Tamil Nadu temple is called as Agastheeswarar temple as Agasthiyar is said to have worshipped Shiva here on his return from Himalayas, the Amman is called as Anandavalli.

The temple enshrines Agastheeswarar as the presiding deity along with his divine consort Anandavalli. The sanctum of the Lord faces east and that of his consort faces south. Though Agastheeswarar Temple doesn't match to the grandeur of the ancient Chola temples, the architecture style denotes that the temple belongs to 12th century. The style of construction with the Gaja-Brashta-Vimana (resembling the shape of an elephant's behind) and the stone inscription stands as a testimony to this fact. Most noteworthy feature of the shrine is that the temple has a shrine dedicated to Lord Sani; the shrine of Sani is considered to be next to that of Thirunallar. Traditionally, all the temples visited by Sage Agastya are known as Agastheeswaram. It is said that the temple was visited by Sage Agastya; hence the name Agastheeswarar Temple. Mahashivaratri, Karthikai Deepam, Sani Peyarchi and Guru Peyarchi are the major festivals celebrated amid much pomp and splendour. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine every year.

Church

Polichalur Punitha Arokia Annai Church is dedicated to Mother Mary of Velankanni and well known called as "Polichalur Punitha Arokia Annai" or "Our Lady of Health - Polichalur". The church has attracted many devotees in and around Polichalur, Pammal, Pallavaram and also from other parts of Chennai. The church is renowned for many miracles especially for married couple who is expecting for their child.

The church was run by Fathers of Precious Blood Missionaries. The parish comprised nearly 450 families and came under the Diocese of Chingleput.

Festival -

Polichalur Punitha Arokia Annai festival is celebrated every year from 29 August to 8 September. On 29 August an impressive flag hoisting ceremony marks the beginning of the festival. Novena Mass is conducted in Tamil at 6.30 pm every day in the evening during the festival season along with rosary and novena prayers. On 8 September, the chariot procession starts with three chariots of St Michael, St Joseph and Polichalur Punitha Arokia Annai. At the end of chariots possession Eucharist Blessing the lowering of the flag happens on the same day to mark the end of the festival.

Website: http://www.polichalurchurch.com

Landmark: Near Polichalur Bus Terminus.

Mosque

Polichalur Mosque(Masjid) is dedicated to Muslim Brothers of the localites.The Mosque has attracted many devotees in and around Polichalur and Pammal. It is the Oldest Mosque since 1984. It is Popularly called "Masjid-e-Munawar".It is located near to "Polichalur Water Tank".

Landmark: Near JKM School.

Banks and ATM's

Hospitals

Nearest Places

Schools

Transport

At present public transportation is in developing state. Only two buses for the Parry's route operating. But buses for Chromepet route operates frequently. You can get a bus to reach Pallavaram once in 5 minutes. And there is more than sufficient share-auto's (general auto converted into share-auto) operating for commute.

52 and 60G for Parry's route, M1P for Thiruvanmiyur via Velachery and M52, M52B, 52S S81 (Small bus) etc for Chromepet route operating. 52 G from Gowl bazaar to Broadway and Guduvancherry run through polichalur border.

Airport expansion

The previous AIADMK regime (2001–06) government had allotted 2,000 acres of land free for the AAI to carry out the expansion by grabbing lands from residents of Pozhichalur, Pammal and Anakaputhur. Buckling under pressure from the opposition parties such as BJP, DMK, PMK, MDMK, the government later decided to drop land acquisition in the said areas and identified alternative land at Manapakkam, Tharapakkam, Kolapakkam and Gerugambakkam. People living in Pozhichalur could breathe a sigh of relief after the change in land acquisition.