Virudhachalam

Vriddhachalam is a municipality and taluk headquarters in Cuddalore district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The ancient name of this town is Thirumudhukundram. The name Vriddhachalam is obtained from two Sanskrit words - vriddham which means "old" and achalam which means "mountain". Vriddhachalam is famous for its ceramic industry. The industry with an industrial estate which only consists of the ceramic and refractory manufactures is exclusive in Vriddhachalam. Ceramic industrial estate is situated only at Vriddhachalam in the whole Tamil Nadu. A special research center for the research of cashew and byproducts is situated in Vriddhachalam.

This is one of the oldest towns in Cuddalore district. The ancient Lord Siva temple (Pazhamalai Nadhar Temple) is located in the heart of town. The temple was constructed by one of the chola empires. It has five big towers - one in the middle, the remaining representing the four directions. The famous Kolanjiappar Temple is located 3 km away from the town.