PONNAIYAR RIVER

river in southern India, rising as the Southern Pinakim on the eastern slope of Nandidrug Mountain, in the Chennakaseva Hills of Karnataka state. It flows southward for 50 miles (80 km) through Karnataka to Tamil Nadu state, where it turns southeastward and flows 200 miles (320 km) to enter the Bay of Bengal at Cuddalore. Major tributaries are the Chinnar, Markanda, Vaniar, and Pamban. Heavy rains at the river's source cause sudden, but short-lived, floods. The river is extensively dammed for irrigation, especially in Tamil Nadu. There are also reservoirs at Krishnagiri and Sathanur. The Ponnaiyar is considered sacred by Hindus, and festivals are held during the Tamil month of Tai (January-February).