Kayamozhi

Kayamozhi () is a village situated 9 km west of Thiruchendur in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, India. The village was established in the 16th century as the capital of the former Vadapattu region. It is located at an elevation of 15 metres (49 feet) above mean sea level.

Civics

Administration

Kayamozhi is administered as a village panchayat. The administrative offices located in the village include the Kayamozhi Panchayat Office and the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) Office. The key administrative officials are the Village Administrative Officer, the Village Panchayat President, and the Panchayat Secretary.

Demographics

As of 2022, Kayamozhi has a total population of 5,497, comprising 2,552 males and 2,945 females. The literacy rate of the village is 85%.

Religion

According to available data, the majority of the population in Kayamozhi follows Hinduism, while smaller proportions adhere to Islam and Christianity:

Caste

The population of Kayamozhi includes various communities such as Other Backward Classes (OBCs; including Vellalars, Nadars, Devars, and Maruthuvars), Scheduled Castes (SCs; including Paraiyars and Arunthathiyars), and certain nomadic tribes. Scheduled Castes constitute an estimated 30–40 percent of the population.

Geography

Kayamozhi lies within the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu.

Boundaries and landmarks

Economy

The economy of Kayamozhi is primarily dependent on agriculture.

Government schemes

Several government schemes are implemented in the village, including:

• Mahatma Gandhi Rural Empowerment Scheme
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission)

Facilities and utilities

Educational institutions

Kayamozhi has several educational institutions, including:

• S. B. Aditanar Government Higher Secondary School, Kayamozhi
• Govindammal Aditanar Girls Higher Secondary School, Kayamozhi
• Five primary schools and three Anganwadi centres

Electricity

The Kayamozhi Electricity Board (EB) Office, located on Sadhukkai Street, provides electricity to Kayamozhi and nearby hamlets.

Finance and banking

• Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank, Kayamozhi
• Kayamozhi Primary Agricultural Co-operative Society

Post offices

• Kayamozhi Sub Office (S.O.)
• Subramaniyapuram Sub Office (S.O.)

Health and welfare

• Government Primary Healthcare Centre and Hospital, Kayamozhi (near S. B. Aditanar Government Higher Secondary School)
• Government Boys' Hostel, Kayamozhi (behind S. B. Aditanar Government Higher Secondary School)
• Government Girls' Hostel, Kayamozhi (near the hospital)

Library

There are two public libraries, one located near S. B. Aditanar Government Higher Secondary School and another on Bazaar Street.

Ration shops

• Valluvar Nagar Ration Shop
• Kumarasamy Puram Ration Shop

Other services

• Electronic governance services: Kayamozhi e-Sevai Centre and Kayamozhi Co-operative Society
• Veterinary care: Veterinary Hospital, Kayamozhi

Landmarks

Kayamozhi is bordered on the west by the Kayamozhi Red Sand Desert.

Temples and places of worship

Kayamozhi and its surrounding hamlets have several notable temples, mosques, and churches. Important religious sites include:

Shri Sudalaimadan Essaki Amman Temple avani 1st Tuesday festival

Tourist spots

The following are some of the notable tourist attractions located in and around Kayamozhi:

Indicates presence of a pond or beach.

Notabilities

Notable persons

• S. B. Aditanar
• Sivanthi Aditanar – Founder of the Daily Thanthi newspaper

Notable events

• Scenes from Surya's Singam (2010) and Vijay's Villu (2009) were filmed in Kayamozhi. Scenes from Dhanush's Asuran (2019) and Vishal's Thaambirabharani (2007) were also shot here.
• Inauguration of the S. B. Aditanar statue and the P. Ramachandra Aditanar Memorial Hall.

References