Veeranam Lake, also known as Veeranarayana Lake, is a ancient irrigation tank located in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. It was built during the reign of Rajaditya Chola (907-955 AD), a king of the Greater Chola Empire, in the 10th century. The lake is named after Parantaka I Chola, the father of Rajaditya Chola, who was also known as Veeranarayana.
Here are some interesting facts about Veeranam Lake:
Longest ancient dam: Veeranam Lake is considered one of the longest ancient dams in India, stretching over 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) in length.
Irrigation purposes: The lake was built primarily for irrigation purposes, to support agriculture in the surrounding regions.
Engineering marvel: The construction of the lake is an engineering marvel, considering the technology and resources available during that time period.
Historical significance: Veeranam Lake is a testament to the engineering skills and administrative capabilities of the Chola dynasty, which was a powerful and influential empire in southern India during the medieval period.
Conservation efforts: The lake is currently being restored and conserved by the Tamil Nadu government, to ensure its continued use for irrigation and other purposes.
Depth: Maximum depth of around 10 meters (33 feet).
Capacity: Has a capacity of approximately 235 million cubic feet of water.
Irrigation : Supports irrigation for around 15,000 acres of agricultural land in the region.
Restoration : Has undergone restoration work to maintain its structural integrity and water holding capacity.
Tourism: A popular tourist destination, offering scenic views, boating, and birdwatching opportunities.
Cultural importance: Considered a sacred waterbody by locals, hosting festivals like the Veeranam Temple Car Festival.
Ecological significance: Supports local biodiversity, with various aquatic plants and animals calling the lake home.
Overall, Veeranam Lake is an important historical and engineering landmark in Tamil Nadu, and a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.
Veeranam Lake is an remarkable example of ancient engineering and a vital water source...
Read moreThis is the largest man made lake in Tamilnadu. Dug by Rajaditya Chola in the 9th century and named after his father Parantaka Chola also known as Veera Narayanan. This lake orinally known as Veera Narayanan lake, is situated in Cuddalore district. It starts from Boothankudi near Sethiathoppu and extend upto Kattumannarkoil occupying an area of 38 s.km. The lake irrigates 15000 acres in Kattumannarkoil and Chidambaram taluks.
A road connecting Sethiathoppu and Kattumannarkoil is built on the lake bund and travellers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake when lake is full.
The lake gets excess water during rainy season from River Cauvery through Vadavaru. In 2005, Ms Jayalalitha, the then CM of Tamilnadu, started the Veeranam Project, for supplying water from Veeranam lake to Chennai City. This scheme is running...
Read moreDescribed in the starting point of the Greatest Ponniyin Selvan novel written by The Great Kalki where the story tells the 9-10th century of Chola Empire includes Arulmozhi Varman, Kundhavai, Adhitha Karikalan and none other than Vandhiyathevan who first rode across this beautiful, longest lake constructed by Rajadhithar in the memory of his father Veera Narayanan as Veera Narayanan Eari..
While studying this book, it gave us an imaginary view that it was wonderfully constructed, well planned and the longest lake. It doesn't cheat me when I first visited after I read the story a long time back and my wish came true after a long time..
This lake is wonderful and still gives water to atleast 25% of the water source to Chennai at this 2021 also.
Cholas are the Greatest kings ever. Everloving Cholas, Raja Raja Chola,...
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