Edappadi (also spelt as Edappadi or Edapadi) is a Very Small Town and a municipality in Salem district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Idappadi was once known for its thriving powerloom industry. The economy is diversified. The main modes of income are agriculture, lorry & heavy truck transport, granite, textile powerloom, entertainment and foundry. It is third largest town in Salem Dt. next to Attur and Mettur. The rocks around the Idappadi is expected to have more number of rare minerals. The name is derived from a group of family name 'Edayar' (means the people who survived with Cow, Buffalo and house animals). Now it is an ideal place for peaceful life and harmony synchronize with nature living. The water was supplied by Cauvery river and 'Periya-yeri' (Big-lake) near Idappadi. It is surrounded by many lakes like, Periyayeri, ChettiYeri, Punka-yeri, Reddipatti-Yeri, Kavadikaranoor-Yeri(Aachampalli Yeri). It is an Ideal spot for Cinema shootings (Rich in Forest, Riverside, Rocky landscape, Village peoples with reality). As of 2011, the town had a population of 55,385. Idappadi is located at 11.58N 77.85E.[1] It has an average elevation of 288 m (945 ft). It is situated at the basin of the hill called 'Soorieya malai'(Mountain of Sun). The epic says, the Panja Pandavas were resided at the top of the hill during the first year of their 14 years forest living. Still this mountain doesn't have any plants due to its rocky and unusual properties. The research done by Periyar University Geologist shows it consist of rare radioactive minerals. Idappadi has a variable terrain. Sankagiri - Idappadi route via Veerappam Palayam and Sunnambukkuttai is rocky. It is really beautiful view of this town, while seen from 'Konamoori'(A Bridge with dangerous Turns in Kavadikaranoor) busstop via. Sankagiri - Idappadi route. River Cauvery is 6 km away from Edappadi. The Government boys school is one of the olddest school in the District started in the year 1940s and it founded by Thiru. Nachiappa Gounder, an eminent personality and an excellent MLA during the 1940s. It produces many Doctors, Engineers, Scientists, Sportsmen, NRIs and industrialists. It has second biggest play ground and student strength in Salem Dt. Sarbanka was the river passing through Idappadi. It was originating from Shevaroy Hills. Now it is only carrying left outs and sevages of idappadi residents. The Nanjundeshwarar temple is situated in the centre of the town one of the rare Shivan temples in India. Amazing festival celebration every year "kavadi padhayathirai", people from the whole Idappadi go and celebrate the dharishanam of Palani Murugan Temple at Palani. Interesting thing mostly everybody go to Palani by walk or pathayathirai around 180 km. Edappadi Kavadi peoples have a separate darshan and rights in Palani Murugan Temple and its more than four centuries relationship.
