Chengam (or Chengamma[1] as on British records) is an important market town and a taluk headquarter[2] in the Foot hills of Eastern ghats[3] in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu, India. Chengam is the gateway to the Chengam pass[4] in the Eastern ghats between Javvadhu hills to the north and Chennakesava hills to the south. The town is also the centre for various industrial activities which includes Sathanur dam hydro-electric project,[5] Aavin milk processing plant[6] and Periya Kolappadi SIDCO estate.[7]
The book Malaipadukadam in the Sangakkala literature mentions that Nannansei Nannan was a short-lived king who ruled from the Palkunrakottam hill with his capital as his capital. Many rare historical sources such as inscriptions and archeological finds have been found to prove this. Researchers also say that Nannan-ruled Navira Hill now refers to the Jawadhu Hills and some to the mountains near the sea.
Chengam is located at 12°18′N78°48′E / 12.3°N 78.8°E / 12.3; 78.8.[8] It has an average elevation of 272 metres (892 feet). Chengam municipality is located on the Pondicherry – Thiruvannamalai – Bangalore route, at a distance of 34 km from Thiruvannamalai.
Climate : Chengam rainfall with a average of 1200.35mm per year, which is mostly getting during northeast monsoon when it is September, October, November, December
Chengam is a municipality in Tiruvannamalai district. As of 2011[update] India census,[11] Chengam had a population of 54,278 and an average literacy rate of 79.3%. Child population below 6 was 2,210 males and 2,479 females.
Chengam has 142,845 people employed; 84,623 are male and 58,222 are female with an employment ratio of 50%. Chengam is 5th in Tiruvannamalai district and ranked 69th in Tamil Nadu. The literacy ratio is 68% with 170,277 total literate people. In terms of literacy, Chengam is ranked 6th in Tiruvannamalai district and 230th in Tamil Nadu.
Chengam Sri Venukopala Parthasarathy Perumal Temple festival annually in May in makakaruta waxing service with great karutacevai kotierrat festival will be held in 10 days
Chengam Sri VenuGopala Parthasarathy Perumal Temple is more than 700 years old.[citation needed] Its architecture and layout is a model for Annamalaiyar Temple. For this festival the temple is decorated with colored lights, fireworks, naiyantimelam, karakattam (dance). Preparations are made for the show by the festival committee and sponsors.
Local town buses ply to Sathanur Dam, Kadaladi, Kanchi, Polur, Pudupalayam, Singarapettai, Neepathurai, Mel ravanthavadi, Thaazhaiyoothu, Thandarampattu, Pachal and many other villages.
