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{{Short description|Neighbourhood in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2022}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
| name                           = Poonamallee
| name               = Poonamallee
| other_name                     = Poovirundhavalli
| other_name         = Poovirundhavalli
| settlement_type                 = Neighbourhood
| settlement_type   = suburb of Chennai
| image_skyline                   = West Chennai aerial 2.jpg
| image_skyline     = West Chennai aerial 2.jpg
| image_alt                       =  
| image_alt         =  
| image_caption                   = An aerial view of Poovirundhavalli
| image_caption     = An aerial view of Poonamallee
| nickname                       = Poovai
| nickname           = Poovai
| image_map                       =  
| image_map         =  
| map_alt                         =  
| map_alt           =  
| map_caption                     =  
| map_caption       =  
| pushpin_map                     = India Chennai#Tamil Nadu#India
| pushpin_map       = India Chennai#Tamil Nadu#India
| pushpin_label_position         = right
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt                 =  
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| pushpin_map_caption             = Poovirundhavalli(Chennai)
| pushpin_map_caption = Poonamallee (Chennai)
| coordinates                     = {{coord|13.05|N|80.11|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates       = {{coord|13.047300|N|80.094500|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type               = Country
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name               = India
| subdivision_name   = India
| subdivision_type1               = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_type2               = District
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2               = [[Tiruvallur]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Tiruvallur]]
| subdivision_type3               = [[Metropolitan area|Metro]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Metropolitan area|Metro]]
| subdivision_name3               = [[Chennai]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Chennai]]
| established_title               = <!-- Established -->
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date               =  
| established_date   =  
| founder                         =  
| founder           =  
| named_for                       =  
| named_for         =  
| government_type                 = Municipality
| government_type   = Municipality
| governing_body                 = Municipality
| governing_body     =  
| unit_pref                       = Metric
| unit_pref         = Metric
| area_footnotes                 =  
| area_footnotes     =  
| area_rank                       =  
| area_rank         =  
| area_total_km2                 = 13.65
| area_total_km2     = 27.53
| elevation_footnotes             =  
| elevation_footnotes =  
| elevation_m                     = 25
| elevation_m       = 47
| population_total               = 57224
| population_total   = 60,607
| population_as_of               = 2011
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_rank                 =  
| population_rank   =  
| population_density_km2         = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym             =  
| population_demonym =  
| population_footnotes           =  
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Citeweb|title= Poonamallee municipality|url= https://www.tnurbantree.tn.gov.in/poonamallee/#:~:text=Poonamallee%20Municipality%20is%20situated%20in,m%20radius.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://citypopulation.de/en/india/tamilnadu/thiruvallur/3340117000__poonamallee/|title=Poonamallee municipality with outgrowth population}}</ref>
| demographics_type1             = Languages
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1           = Official
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1             = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| demographics1_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| timezone1                       = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                     = +5:30
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| postal_code_type               = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code                     = 600 056
| postal_code       = 600 056<ref>{{Cite web
| area_code_type                 = Telephone code
|url=https://pincode.hindiastar.com/TAMIL-NADU/THIRUVALLUR/poonamallee-so
| area_code                       = 044
|title=Poonamallee S.O Pin Code Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India
| registration_plate             = TN 12 (RTO, Poovirundhavalli)
|website=PinCode
| website                         =  
|access-date=2026-02-20
| footnotes                       =  
|url-status=live
}}</ref>
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| area_code         = 044
| registration_plate = TN 12 (RTO, Poovirundhavalli)
| website           =  
| footnotes         =  
}}
}}


'''Poonamallee''' ({{IPA-ta|puːʋiɾɯn̪daʋalli|lang}}) (historically ''Poovirundhavalli'') is a neighbourhood in the west of [[Chennai]], [[India]]. It is a town in the [[Poonamallee taluk]] of the [[Tiruvallur district|Tiruvallur]] district in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. The nearest Railway station is at [[Thiruninravur]]. It acts as the gateway to the city from its western side. It is a town with rich cultural heritage and also a fast-growing areas in the city. As of 2011, the town had a population of 57,224. There are plans to merge the areas under Poonamallee Municipality with Avadi Municipal Corporation.
'''Poonamallee''' is a western suburb of [[Chennai]], [[India]] under the [[Chennai Metropolitan Area]]. It was historically called ''Pushpagirimangalam'', later renamed in Tamil as ''Poovirundhavalli'' ({{IPA|ta|puːʋiɾɯn̪daʋalli|lang}}), and now colloquially called as ''Poondhamalli''. It is the headquarters of the [[Poonamallee taluk]] of the [[Tiruvallur district|Tiruvallur]] district in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. The nearest Railway station is at Avadi. It acts as the gateway to the city from its western side. It is a town with rich cultural heritage and also a fast-growing areas in the city. As of 2011, the town had a population of 60,607. There are plans to merge the areas under Poonamallee Municipality with Avadi Municipal Corporation.


== Location ==
== Location ==
The town of Poonamallee is situated at a distance of 23&nbsp;km from [[Fort St George]] and 17&nbsp;km from [[Sriperumbudur]] on the Chennai-[[Bangalore]] highway and 12&nbsp;km from [[Thiruninravur]] on Chennai Outer Ring Road. It is located at the end of the [[Mount-Poonamallee Road]], [[National Highway 4 (India, old numbering)|Poonamalle High Road]] and [[Pallavaram-Kundrathur-Poonamallee Road]], 11&nbsp;km from [[Guindy]] and 13&nbsp;km from [[Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus]] on the Chennai bypass. The nearest [[railway station]] is at [[Avadi Railway Station|Avadi]] and [[Thiruninravur railway station|Thiruninravur]] which is nine km away and [[Pallavaram railway station|Pallavaram Railway Station]] on the [[South Line, Chennai Suburban|South Line]] of the [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] which is 12&nbsp;km away. It is also an important halting point for buses starting from [[Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus]] and going towards [[Tirupati (city)|Tirupati]], [[Kanchipuram]], [[Vellore]] etc.
The town of Poonamallee is situated at a distance of 21&nbsp;km from [[Chennai Central railway station|Chennai central]] and 20&nbsp;km from [[Sriperumbudur]] on the Chennai-[[Bangalore]] highway and 15&nbsp;km from [[Thiruninravur]] on Chennai Outer Ring Road. It is located at the end of the [[Mount-Poonamallee Road]], [[National Highway 4 (India, old numbering)|Poonamalle High Road]] and [[Pallavaram-Kundrathur-Poonamallee Road]], 16&nbsp;km from [[Guindy]] and 13&nbsp;km from [[Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus]] on the Chennai bypass. The nearest [[railway station]] is at [[Avadi Railway Station|Avadi]] and [[Thiruninravur railway station|Thiruninravur]] which is nine km away and [[Pallavaram railway station|Pallavaram Railway Station]] on the [[South Line, Chennai Suburban|South Line]] of the [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] which is 18&nbsp;km away. It is also an important halting point for buses starting from [[Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus]] and going towards [[Tirupati (city)|Tirupati]], [[Kanchipuram]], [[Vellore]], and other cities.


== Etymology ==
== Etymology ==
The name "Poonamallee" might have been derived from "Poovirundavalli", meaning "the place where jasmine was cultivated". There is a legend that Goddess Laxmi rose from jasmine flower and gave darashan to Thirukatchi Nambi Alwar. It was also said the Alwar worshipped God Varadaraja, deity at Kanchi with the jasmine flowers plucked from here. This place is also called "Lakshmipuram" and Ulagu Vuyya Konda Cholapuram.
The name "Poonamallee" is derived from the Tamil phrase ''Poo irundha Valli'', which refers to "the place with a pond of flowers" or "flower-abundant pond."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-09-16 |title=Twists of tongue give new meaning to old streets |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/twists-of-tongue-give-new-meaning-to-old-streets/articleshow/22609610.cms |access-date=2024-05-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It is the birthplace of Saint Thirukatchi Nambigal, a revered [[Vaishnava]] devotee, whose daily service of offering flowers to Lord [[Vishnu|Varadharaja]] underscores the town's association with floral offerings. The [[Sanskrit]] name ''Pushpagirimangalam'', meaning "auspicious place of the flower hill," highlights its sanctity and link to Nambi’s devotion. The [[Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Poonamallee]], a significant [[Chola]]-era shrine, commemorates Nambi’s devotion and the divine darshan he received from Lord [[Vishnu|Varadharaja]], Lord [[Ranganatha]], and Lord [[Venkateswara]]. This place was also called ''Lakshmipuram'' and ''Ulagu Vuyya Konda Cholapuram'', emphasizing its spiritual and cultural significance in the Chola era.


== Places of interest ==
== History ==
Poonamallee is believed to be the birthplace of Thirukatchi Nambigal, a staunch devotee of Varadaraja Perumal. Thirukatchi Nambigal was one of the gurus for Acharya Ramanujar. He advised Ramanuja to visit [[Thirukoshtiyur]] and learn the 'Sacred 8 letter hymn' - Ashtakshara manthra from Thirukoshtiyur Nambigal at [[Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple]]. There is an ancient temple for [[Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Poonamallee|lord Varadaraja Perumal]] with his consort, Pushpakavalli Thayar at Poonamallee. It is also known as Arulaperumal.


There is also another temple, a medium-sized one, here for Lord Vaidyanathaswami with His Consort Thaiyal Nayagi. He is known as Theera Vinai Theertha Perumal. Poonamallee is famous for its Siva temple which has three inscriptions dating to the 18th century AD.<ref name="antiquep175">{{cite book|title=Lists of the Antiquarian Remains in the Presidency of Madras, Volume 1|author=Robert Sewell|year=1882|publisher=Government of Madras|pages=175}}</ref> there are three Old Traditional C churches and a mosque was built and completed by Rustom, son of Dhulfiquer of Astrabad, a servant of Nawab Jumlat-ul-mulk. A Persian inscription dated 1653 AD, found in the mosque reveals this information." There is also a Muhammedan fort nearby.<ref name="antiquep175" /> There is also old cemetery in Poonamallee, which is the resting place of many British missionaries. The bus stop next to the cemetery says Kallarai, which is the Tamil word for cemetery.
''Poonamallee'' (an anglicised version, also ''Púnamallu'' and ''Pondamalai'') is a town and former military cantonment located in the Saidapet taluk of Chengalpattu district (formerly Chingleput district) in the [[Madras Presidency]] (modern [[Tamil Nadu]]).
 
Historically, Poonamallee played a significant role during the [[Carnatic Wars]]. The old fort, which no longer exists, was a key military stronghold during this period.
 
In the late 19th century, Poonamallee served as a convalescent depot for British troops stationed across the Madras Presidency and Burma, primarily due to its healthy climate. A hospital with 90 beds was built on the site of the old fort. The fort was eventually levelled to make way for these medical facilities.
 
The town also had administrative importance during the British period, with a resident Magistrate and District Munsif. Additionally, Poonamallee was home to a significant number of European pensioners, mainly retired military personnel.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hunter |first1=William Wilson |title=Imperial gazetteer of India. |date=1886 |publisher=Trübner & co. |location=London |page=241 |edition=2 |url=https://archive.org/details/imperialgazettee11hunt_0/page/240/mode/2up}}</ref>


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=left|bars={{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindu]]|Orange|75.88}}{{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslim]]|Green|13.34}}{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]]|purple|9.03}}{{bar percent|[[Sikhism|Sikh]]|yellow|0.02}}{{bar percent|[[Buddhism|Buddhist]]|Gold|0.02}}{{bar percent|[[Jainism|Jain]]|Blue|0.29}}{{bar percent|Other|grey|1.41}}{{bar percent|[[Irreligion|No religion]]|violet|0.01}}}}
{{bar box|title=Religious census|titlebar=#ddd|left1=Religion|right1=Percent(%)|float=left|bars={{bar percent|[[Hinduism|Hindu]]|Orange|75.88}}{{bar percent|[[Islam|Muslim]]|Green|13.34}}{{bar percent|[[Christianity|Christian]]|blue|9.03}}{{bar percent|[[Sikhism|Sikh]]|yellow|0.02}}{{bar percent|[[Buddhism|Buddhist]]|Gold|0.02}}{{bar percent|[[Jainism|Jain]]|Blue|0.29}}{{bar percent|Other|grey|1.41}}{{bar percent|[[Irreligion|No religion]]|violet|0.01}}}}


{{Historical populations
{{Historical populations
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== Administration ==
== Administration ==
Poonamallee is governed by Municipality of Poonamallee, coming under the [[Thiruvallur district]]. Poonamallee Municipality is situated in the West [[Chennai]] of Tamil Nadu in Thiruvallur District. This town is surrounded with infrastructural facilities and it is near to visit Chennai Metropolitan Bus Terminal (CMBT). The town's traffic is managed by the Chennai Traffic Police (CTP). The town's police comes directly under [[Chennai Metropolitan Police]] department. The town elects 1 [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] to the state legislature and comes under [[Thiruvallur]] Parliamentary constituency. The town is famous for its 8 courts including the special courts for bomb blasts. It has gained importance since this court system dealt with the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]].
Poonamallee is governed by Municipality of Poonamallee, coming under the [[Thiruvallur district]]. Poonamallee Municipality is situated in the West [[Chennai]] of Tamil Nadu in Thiruvallur District. This town is surrounded with infrastructural facilities and it is near to visit Chennai Metropolitan Bus Terminal (CMBT). The town's traffic is managed by the Avadi Traffic Police (ATP). The town's police comes directly under [[Chennai Metropolitan Police]] department. The town elects 1 [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] to the state legislature and comes under [[Thiruvallur]] Parliamentary constituency. The town is famous for its 8 courts including the special courts for bomb blasts. It has gained importance since this court system dealt with the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]].


'''RTO''':
'''RTO''': Poonamallee comes under RTO-Poonamallee (TN-12). It is one of the largest RTO in Tamil Nadu in terms of vehicle registered. Previously it was under Tiruvallur RTO (TN20).
Poonamallee comes under RTO-Poonamallee (TN-12).
It is one of the largest RTO in Tamil Nadu in terms of vehicle registered.
Previously it was under Tiruvallur RTO (TN20).


==Politics==
==Politics==
Poonamallee assembly constituency is part of [[Thiruvallur (Lok Sabha constituency)]].<ref>{{cite web
[[Poonamallee Assembly constituency|Poonamallee assembly constituency]] is part of [[Thiruvallur (Lok Sabha constituency)]].<ref>{{cite web
  |url        = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf
  |url        = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S22/TN_ACPC.pdf
  |title      = List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies
  |title      = List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies
Line 112: Line 122:
  |archive-date = 2006-05-04
  |archive-date = 2006-05-04
}}</ref>  
}}</ref>  
The Current MLA For Poonamallee Constituency is Thiru.A.Krishnaswamy (DMK) from 2019 May.
The Current MLA For Poonamallee Constituency is A. Krishnaswamy (DMK) from 2021 May.
The Current MP for Thiruvallur District is Dr.K.Jayakumar (INC) from 2019 May.
The Current MP is K. Jayakumar (INC) from 2019 May.
 
==City==
 
===Landmarks===
Poonamallee is home to [[Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Poonamallee|Varadaraja Perumal Temple]]. The neighbourhood has a [[Shiva]] temple which has three inscriptions dating to the 18th century CE.<ref name="antiquep175">{{cite book|title=Lists of the Antiquarian Remains in the Presidency of Madras, Volume 1|author=Robert Sewell|year=1882|publisher=Government of Madras|pages=175}}</ref> there are three old traditional Catholic churches and a mosque was built and completed by Rustom, son of Dhulfiquer of Astrabad, a servant of Nawab Jumlat-ul-mulk. A Persian inscription dated 1653 CE, found in the mosque reveals this information. There is also a Muhammedan fort nearby.<ref name="antiquep175" /> There is also old cemetery in Poonamallee, which is the resting place of many British missionaries. The bus stop next to the cemetery says Kallarai, which is the Tamil word for cemetery.


==Educational institutions==
==Educational institutions==
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* [[Apollo Engineering College]]
* [[Apollo Engineering College]]
* [[Panimalar Engineering College]]
* [[Panimalar Engineering College]]
* [[Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology]]
* [[SKR Engineering College]]
* [[SKR Engineering College]]
* [[Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology]]
* [[Sree Sastha Institute of Engineering and Technology]]
* [[Sri Muthukumaran Institute of Technology]]
* [[Sri Muthukumaran Institute of Technology]]
* Apollo Arts & Science College
* Apollo Arts & Science College
* Iqueue Technologies
* Iqueue Technologies
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===Schools===
===Schools===
Some of the popular schools in Poonamallee are :
* [[Arignar Anna Government Higher Secondary School]]
* Apollo Vidyashram.
* Arignar Anna Government Higher Secondary School.
* Christ Matriculation Higher Secondary School.
* Daniel Matriculation School.
* Holy Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School.
* Jeya Jeya Sankara International school.
* Joy Bell Matriculation School.
* Kalashetra Matriculation Higher Secondary School.
* Karthik Matriculation School, Ambal Nagar.
* New St.Joseph's Matriculation Higher Secondary School.
* Pencil park school of Arts, Nambi Nagar.
* Sarojini Varadappan Girls Higher Secondary School.
* Sathya Matriculation School.
* Sri Rani Bai Matriculation school.
* St.Joseph's Matriculation Higher Secondary School.
* Sundar Matriculation Higher Secondary School.
* Thiruvalluvar Middle School, Nambi Nagar.
* Velammal Vidyalaya, Senneer kuppam.


== Hospitals ==
* Apollo Vidyashram
* Be Well Hospital
* Christ Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Mangalam Hospital
* Daniel Matriculation School
* Ezhil Clinic
* Government ADW Higher Secondary School
* Government Hospital
* Holy Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Champa Clinic
* Jeya Jeya Sankara International School
* Poovai Clinic
* Joy Bell Matriculation School
* Thayammal hospital
* Kalashetra Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Kamala Clinic - Dr. Kabilan M.B.B.S., M.D.(Pediatrics) {Situated next to Sarojini Varadappan Girls high school}
* Karthik Matriculation School, Ambal Nagar
 
* New St. Joseph's Matriculation Higher Secondary School
==Supermarkets==
* Pencil Park School of Arts, Nambi Nagar
* Ready Basket
* Sarojini Varadappan Girls Higher Secondary School
* Thirukumaran Super Stores (Karayanchavadi)
* Sathya Matriculation School
* Selvam Supermarket
* Sri Rani Bai Matriculation school
* Haneefa Supermarket
* St. Joseph's Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Veni Supermarket (Near EB)
* Sundar Matriculation Higher Secondary School
* Sneha Supermarket
* Thiruvalluvar Middle School, Nambi Nagar
* Indian Supermarket (Srinivasa Nagar)
* Velammal Vidyalaya, Senneer Kuppam
 
==Entertainment==
 
===Cinema Theatres===
* Sundar Theatre (old), Gokulam Pavilion (New)
* Malliga Theatre
* SB Cinemas
* Vigneshwara Theatre


==References==
==References==
 
{{Portal|India}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


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[[Category:Cities and towns in Tiruvallur district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Tiruvallur district]]
[[Category:Neighbourhoods in Chennai]]
[[Category:Suburbs of Chennai]]
[[Category:Suburbs of Chennai]]

Latest revision as of 20:50, 20 February 2026


Poonamallee
Poovirundhavalli
suburb of Chennai
An aerial view of Poonamallee
An aerial view of Poonamallee
Nickname: 
Poovai
Poonamallee is located in Chennai
Poonamallee
Poonamallee
Poonamallee (Chennai)
Poonamallee is located in Tamil Nadu
Poonamallee
Poonamallee
Poonamallee (Tamil Nadu)
Poonamallee is located in India
Poonamallee
Poonamallee
Poonamallee (India)
Coordinates: 13°02′50″N 80°05′40″E / 13.047300°N 80.094500°E / 13.047300; 80.094500
CountryIndia
StateTamil Nadu
DistrictTiruvallur
MetroChennai
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
Area
 • Total27.53 km2 (10.63 sq mi)
Elevation
47 m (154 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1][2]
 • Total60,607
 • Density2,200/km2 (5,700/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialTamil
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
600 056[3]
Telephone code044
Vehicle registrationTN 12 (RTO, Poovirundhavalli)

Poonamallee is a western suburb of Chennai, India under the Chennai Metropolitan Area. It was historically called Pushpagirimangalam, later renamed in Tamil as Poovirundhavalli (ta), and now colloquially called as Poondhamalli. It is the headquarters of the Poonamallee taluk of the Tiruvallur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The nearest Railway station is at Avadi. It acts as the gateway to the city from its western side. It is a town with rich cultural heritage and also a fast-growing areas in the city. As of 2011, the town had a population of 60,607. There are plans to merge the areas under Poonamallee Municipality with Avadi Municipal Corporation.

Location[edit | edit source]

The town of Poonamallee is situated at a distance of 21 km from Chennai central and 20 km from Sriperumbudur on the Chennai-Bangalore highway and 15 km from Thiruninravur on Chennai Outer Ring Road. It is located at the end of the Mount-Poonamallee Road, Poonamalle High Road and Pallavaram-Kundrathur-Poonamallee Road, 16 km from Guindy and 13 km from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus on the Chennai bypass. The nearest railway station is at Avadi and Thiruninravur which is nine km away and Pallavaram Railway Station on the South Line of the Chennai Suburban Railway which is 18 km away. It is also an important halting point for buses starting from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and going towards Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Vellore, and other cities.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name "Poonamallee" is derived from the Tamil phrase Poo irundha Valli, which refers to "the place with a pond of flowers" or "flower-abundant pond."[4] It is the birthplace of Saint Thirukatchi Nambigal, a revered Vaishnava devotee, whose daily service of offering flowers to Lord Varadharaja underscores the town's association with floral offerings. The Sanskrit name Pushpagirimangalam, meaning "auspicious place of the flower hill," highlights its sanctity and link to Nambi’s devotion. The Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Poonamallee, a significant Chola-era shrine, commemorates Nambi’s devotion and the divine darshan he received from Lord Varadharaja, Lord Ranganatha, and Lord Venkateswara. This place was also called Lakshmipuram and Ulagu Vuyya Konda Cholapuram, emphasizing its spiritual and cultural significance in the Chola era.

History[edit | edit source]

Poonamallee (an anglicised version, also Púnamallu and Pondamalai) is a town and former military cantonment located in the Saidapet taluk of Chengalpattu district (formerly Chingleput district) in the Madras Presidency (modern Tamil Nadu).

Historically, Poonamallee played a significant role during the Carnatic Wars. The old fort, which no longer exists, was a key military stronghold during this period.

In the late 19th century, Poonamallee served as a convalescent depot for British troops stationed across the Madras Presidency and Burma, primarily due to its healthy climate. A hospital with 90 beds was built on the site of the old fort. The fort was eventually levelled to make way for these medical facilities.

The town also had administrative importance during the British period, with a resident Magistrate and District Munsif. Additionally, Poonamallee was home to a significant number of European pensioners, mainly retired military personnel.[5]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

Religious census
Religion Percent(%)
Hindu
 
 75.88%
Muslim
 
 13.34%
Christian
 
 9.03%
Sikh
 
 0.02%
Buddhist
 
 0.02%
Jain
 
 0.29%
Other
 
 1.41%
No religion
 
 0.01%

According to 2011 census, Poonamallee had a population of 57,224 with a sex-ratio of 999 females for every 1,000 males, much above the national average of 929.[7] A total of 6,496 were under the age of six, constituting 3,313 males and 3,183 females. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes accounted for 15.24% and 0.1% of the population respectively. The average literacy of the town was 78.88%, compared to the national average of 72.99%.[7] The town had a total of 14668 households. There were a total of 22,411 workers, comprising 133 cultivators, 226 main agricultural labourers, 576 in house hold industries, 18,084 other workers, 3,392 marginal workers, 29 marginal cultivators, 35 marginal agricultural labourers, 128 marginal workers in household industries and 3,200 other marginal workers.[6] As per the religious census of 2011, Poonamallee had 75.88% Hindus, 13.34% Muslims, 9.03% Christians, 0.02% Sikhs, 0.02% Buddhists, 0.29% Jains, 1.41% following other religions and 0.01% following no religion or did not indicate any religious preference.[8]

Administration[edit | edit source]

Poonamallee is governed by Municipality of Poonamallee, coming under the Thiruvallur district. Poonamallee Municipality is situated in the West Chennai of Tamil Nadu in Thiruvallur District. This town is surrounded with infrastructural facilities and it is near to visit Chennai Metropolitan Bus Terminal (CMBT). The town's traffic is managed by the Avadi Traffic Police (ATP). The town's police comes directly under Chennai Metropolitan Police department. The town elects 1 MLA to the state legislature and comes under Thiruvallur Parliamentary constituency. The town is famous for its 8 courts including the special courts for bomb blasts. It has gained importance since this court system dealt with the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

RTO: Poonamallee comes under RTO-Poonamallee (TN-12). It is one of the largest RTO in Tamil Nadu in terms of vehicle registered. Previously it was under Tiruvallur RTO (TN20).

Politics[edit | edit source]

Poonamallee assembly constituency is part of Thiruvallur (Lok Sabha constituency).[9] The Current MLA For Poonamallee Constituency is A. Krishnaswamy (DMK) from 2021 May. The Current MP is K. Jayakumar (INC) from 2019 May.

City[edit | edit source]

Landmarks[edit | edit source]

Poonamallee is home to Varadaraja Perumal Temple. The neighbourhood has a Shiva temple which has three inscriptions dating to the 18th century CE.[10] there are three old traditional Catholic churches and a mosque was built and completed by Rustom, son of Dhulfiquer of Astrabad, a servant of Nawab Jumlat-ul-mulk. A Persian inscription dated 1653 CE, found in the mosque reveals this information. There is also a Muhammedan fort nearby.[10] There is also old cemetery in Poonamallee, which is the resting place of many British missionaries. The bus stop next to the cemetery says Kallarai, which is the Tamil word for cemetery.

Educational institutions[edit | edit source]

Colleges[edit | edit source]

  • Apollo Arts & Science College
  • Iqueue Technologies
  • Sastha Engineering College

Schools[edit | edit source]

  • Apollo Vidyashram
  • Christ Matriculation Higher Secondary School
  • Daniel Matriculation School
  • Government ADW Higher Secondary School
  • Holy Crescent Matriculation Higher Secondary School
  • Jeya Jeya Sankara International School
  • Joy Bell Matriculation School
  • Kalashetra Matriculation Higher Secondary School
  • Karthik Matriculation School, Ambal Nagar
  • New St. Joseph's Matriculation Higher Secondary School
  • Pencil Park School of Arts, Nambi Nagar
  • Sarojini Varadappan Girls Higher Secondary School
  • Sathya Matriculation School
  • Sri Rani Bai Matriculation school
  • St. Joseph's Matriculation Higher Secondary School
  • Sundar Matriculation Higher Secondary School
  • Thiruvalluvar Middle School, Nambi Nagar
  • Velammal Vidyalaya, Senneer Kuppam

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Poonamallee municipality".
  2. ↑ "Poonamallee municipality with outgrowth population".
  3. ↑ "Poonamallee S.O Pin Code Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India". PinCode. Retrieved 20 February 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ↑ "Twists of tongue give new meaning to old streets". The Times of India. 16 September 2013. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  5. ↑ Hunter, William Wilson (1886). Imperial gazetteer of India (2 ed.). London: Trübner & co. p. 241.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Census Info 2011 Final population totals - Poonamallee". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Census Info 2011 Final population totals". Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
  8. ↑ "Population By Religious Community - Tamil Nadu" (XLS). Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
  9. ↑ "List of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies" (PDF). Tamil Nadu. Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 May 2006. Retrieved 8 October 2008.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Robert Sewell (1882). Lists of the Antiquarian Remains in the Presidency of Madras, Volume 1. Government of Madras. p. 175.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Tiruvallur district

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