Ranipet: Where Heritage Meets Industry on the Banks of the Palar
Why Visit Ranipet?
Ranipet, meaning “Queen’s
Colony,” is a historic town in Tamil Nadu founded in 1771 by Nawab
Sadat-ulla Khan to honor the devotion of Rani Bai, the widow of Desingh Raja of
Gingee. Today, it’s a district headquarters, a leather industry hub,
and a gateway to spiritual and scenic treasures.
Cultural Essence
- Carnatic Legacy:
Home to Walajah Venkataramana Bagavathar, a disciple of Saint
Thyagaraja, whose compositions still echo in local music festivals.
- Folk Arts:
Traditional forms like Therukoothu and Kai Silambattam are
performed during temple festivals and village gatherings.
- Temple Rituals in Tamil:
At Ratnagiri Bala Murugan Temple, poojas are conducted in Tamil,
preserving regional devotional expression.
10 Interesting Facts
1. South
India’s First Rail Line: Ranipet was part of the first
railway operation between Royapuram and Arcot.
2. Navlakh
Bagh:
A legendary grove said to have once held 9 lakh trees along the Palar
River.
3. Tri-City
Identity: Forms a cluster with Arcot, Walajapet,
and Melvisharam.
4. Raja-Rani
Monument: Built to honor the love and sacrifice of Desingh
Raja and Rani Bai.
5. Leather
Capital: One of India’s top exporters of leather goods.
6. Therukoothu
as Temple Ritual: Folk theatre is not just art—it’s worship
here.
7. Kanchanagiri’s
Bell Rock: A natural rock that resonates like a bell when
struck.
8. Pambai
Silambattam: A unique dance form using hand-held
anklets.
9. High
Literacy Rate: Over 81%, above the national
average.
10. Diverse
Faiths: Home to Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Jains,
reflecting a pluralistic spirit.
Pilgrimage Highlights
- Ratnagiri Bala Murugan Temple:
A hilltop shrine with panoramic views and Chola-style architecture.
- Sholingur (Ghatikachalam):
A Divya Desam with Yoga Narasimha and Yoga Anjaneya temples
on twin hills.
- Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple:
A serene Vishnu temple in the heart of town.
- Kailasanathar & Jalagandeeswarar
Temples: Ancient Shiva temples with
intricate carvings.
- Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple:
A Krishna temple known for its vibrant festivals.
Climb
Kanchanagiri Hills – Visit the Shiva and Murugan temples and
strike the bell rock.
Explore
Arcot Nawab Palace – A heritage site with echoes of Mughal
and Nawabi grandeur.
Visit
Raja-Rani Monument – A poignant tribute to love and
sacrifice.
Trek
to Vallimalai Hills – A mystic site with caves said to house
Siddhars.
Wander
Mahendravadi Rock Temple – 7th-century carvings from the
Pallava era.
Attend
a Therukoothu Performance – Especially during Panguni to
Purattasi months.
Shop
for Leather Goods – From factory outlets and local markets.
Visit
Vainu Bappu Observatory – For a celestial detour near
Kavalur.
Picnic
at Amirthi Forest – A lush escape with waterfalls and
wildlife.
Experience
Tamil Poojas – At Ratnagiri Temple, where rituals are
in the local tongue.
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