Mavelikkara

Mavelikara
—  town  —
Mavelikara Location of Mavelikara in Kerala and India
Coordinates	9°16′01″N 76°33′00″E / 9.267°N 76.55°E / 9.267; 76.55Coordinates: 9°16′01″N 76°33′00″E / 9.267°N 76.55°E / 9.267; 76.55
Country	India
State	Kerala
District(s)	Alappuzha
Population	28,440 (2001[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Website	alappuzha.nic.in

Mavelikara is a town in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India, spread over an area of 12.65 km². It is in the southern part of Alappuzha district on the banks of the Achankovil River. Mavelikara is located on the Haripad – Pandalam- Pathanamthitta Road. Mavelikkara is close to NH 47, National Highway. Mavelikara is known as the capital of Onattukara.

Demographics

As of the 2001 Indian census,^[1] Mavelikara had a population of 28,440. Males constitute 47% of the population and females 53%. Mavelikara has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy is 87% and female literacy is 85%. In Mavelikara, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Economy

Some of the industries in and around Mavelikkara are:

• ALIND Switchgear (near Mannar)
• Travancore Oxygen (near Kunnam)
• Sangrose Laboratories (in Mavelikara) specialises in the manufacture of soft-gelatin capsules. It is also one of the only companies in the world to manufacture clofazimine.
• Kerala Wood Industries is a local splints and veneers manufacturing company. It was established in 1965 under the Small-scale Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO).

Politics

Lok Sabha

Mavelikara assembly constituency is part of Mavelikkara (Lok Sabha constituency).^[2] This Lok Sabha constituency consisted of Chengannur, Mavelikara, Kayamkulam, Pandalam, Thiruvalla, Kallupara until 2008. Since the Lok Sabha Delimitation in 2008, the assembly constituencies have comprised Changanassery, Kuttanad, Mavelikara(SC), Chengannur, Kunnathur(SC), Kottarakkara and Pathanapuram. The constituency is now reserved for a scheduled caste candidate.

Kodikkunil Suresh of the INC has represented the Mavelikara Parliament constituency since 2009.

State Assembly

R.Rajesh from CPI(M) is the representative of Mavelikkara in the kerala assembly.

Interesting facts

9th century Buddha statue at Mavelikara

Mavelikara was once part of the principality of Onattukara and has been a centre of religious harmony, culture and arts for several centuries.

As a testament to its link to that flourishing center of Buddhist culture, Mavelikara is one of the rare places in Kerala where one can find The Statue of Buddha in Seated Position, which is dating back to the 9th century AD.^[3]

Nooranad, a place in Mavelikkara, is known as "The bird Village of Kerala".

Eminent personalities

1. The current line of the Travancore Royal Family hails from the Mavelikkara.Raja Ravi Varma was married to Pururuttathi Nal Bhageerathi Amma Thampuran (Kochu Pangi) of the Royal House of Mavelikara from which they had two sons and two daughters. Their eldest son, Kerala Varma, born in 1876 went missing in 1912 and was never heard from again. Their second son was Rama Varma (b.1879), an artist who studied at the JJ School of Arts, Mumbai, married to Srimathi Gowri Kunjamma, sister of Dewan PGN Unnithan. Raja Ravi Varma's elder daughter, Ayilyam Nal Mahaprabha Thampuran, appears in two of his prominent paintings and was mother of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore. He had another daughter, Thiruvadira Nal Kochukunji Thampuran, grandmother of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharajah. His descendants comprise the Mavelikara Royal house while two of his granddaughters, including the said Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, were adopted to the Travancore Royal Family, the cousin family of the Mavelikara House, to which lineage the present Travancore Maharajah Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma belongs. Well known among his descendants are writer Shreekumar Varma (Prince Punardam Thirunal), artists Rukmini Varma (Princess Bharani Thirunal) and Jay Varma, classical musician Aswathi Thirunal Rama Varma and others.
2. P. G. N. Unnithan was the last Diwan (Prime Minister) of independent Travancore (Thiruvithamkoor).Sri PGN Unnithan hailed from the Edassery Pattaveettil Family of Mavelikkara which had a history of high military service to the Travancore Royal Family. He succeeded Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer on 20 August 1947 following the latters' resignation (subsequent to the attempt on Sir CP's life at the Swathi Thirunal Music academy on 25 July 1947). He chaired the Travancore Constitutional Reforms Committee. He relinquished office on 24 March 1948 when a people's government led by Sri Pattom Thanu Pillai as Prime Minister took over. Unnithan Lane at Sasthamangalam in Thiruvananthapuram is named after him.
3. C.M Stephen, well known Congress Leader and Trade Union Leader (INTUC) and the former Indian Union Cabinet Minister for Home as well as Communications in the Indira Gandhi Government.He also served as the opposition leader when Mrs.Gandhi lost elections.(Please give the link).
4. Aboon Geevarghese Mar Ivanios,OIC (Servant of GOD), founding father of the Syro – Malankara Catholic Church,founder of Bethany Ashram, was the Arch Bishop of Trivandrum who established many major educational institutions in South Kerala.
5. Cartoonist Yesudasan _( born in Bharanikavu).
6. Chellappan Pillai, the famous Kathakali artist, (Chennithala).
7. Ramesh Chennithala, the present President of the KPCC (born in Chennithala).
8. Prof. R. Narendraprasad, Film Serial actor. (Thekkekkara)
9. Kandankara Krishnan Unnithan, (Thekkekkara)
10. Kadhikaratnam S.S.Unnithan, (Thekkekkara)
11. Varikkolil Kesavan Unnithan, (Thekkekkara)
12. Nadalayil Kunjukrishnan Unnithan,(Thekkekara)
13. Magician Samraj (Thekkekkara)
14. P Sankaran Unnithan. (Thekkekkara)
15. Thoppil Bhasi founder of the K.P.A.C. Vallikunnam.
16. P.C.Alexander – Principal Secretary to Former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi,Indian High Commissioner to U.K,Ex- Governor of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.(Please give the link).
17. Mavelikara Ponnamma, Film serial actress.
18. Mavelikara Ramachandran and Venmani Vishnu.News readers.
19. Sivaraman Cheriyanadu. Literaturist. (Kaitha North, Chettikulangara).
20. Ramesh Menon. Systems Biologist. (Chettikulangara).
21. Unnikrishnan. Kadhakali artist. (Chettikulangara)

Cultural Events

Chettikulangara Kumbabharani

Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha, conducted every year on the Bharani Nakshathram in the Malayalam month ‘Kumbham, is probably the most amazing cultural spectacle in Kerala, similar to the Thrissur Pooram.

The event is an offering of the people of Chettikulangara to their beloved deity known for her spontaneous blessings on true devotees as a mark of gratitude, devotion, unflinching faith and for showering prosperity and protection to their lives. 'Kettukazhcha' displays deftly sculpted and decorated forms of six temple cars known as 'Kuthiras', five 'Therus' (Chariots ) as well as icons of Bhima and Hanuman. All the temple cars, chariots and the icons are gigantic in size and many times larger than any other similar Kuthiras and Therus built during the festivities at other temples in the Central Travancore region.

Padanilam Sivarathri

Padanilam is a developing small town situated in the Mavelikkara Taluk of Alappuzha district.The famous Padanilam Temple is situated at Padanilam.This temple is famous for its festivals.The main festival celebrating here is the sivarathri.It is usually celebrating in the months of February or March.During the day thousands of devotees,even from other districts came to the temple to see the massive spctacular kettukazhcha.On sivarathri day morning there is a Kaavadiyaattam for Lord Murugan.Thousands took Kaavadi and come to the temple in large groups.On the evening of the day,the most beautiful part of the celebration is held.Large kettukazhchas (Bulls,which is the vehicle of Lord Siva )come to the temple.The happy croud dances with the rhythm of Kerala,The Sinkaarimelam.

Other festivals celebrating here include the Vrischikamahotsavam in the month of vrischikam.The celebration last for 41 days,mainly the first 12 days.This temple is an Idathaavalam of Sabarimala Temple.The arrange many facilities for the devotees who are going to Sabarimala.The KSRTC arranges bus services from Padanilam to Pamba during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.

Vettiyar Pathamudayam

Pathamudayam, the famous temple festival is conducted at Vettiyar Palliyarakkavu temple.The 1000 year old temple has 7 Karas (territories).This is in the month of 23 or 24 April(Kollavarsham medam 10).The highlight of the festival is Kettukazhcha. The preparation for Pathamudayam starts days before the actual day and usually that day will be the Vishu.Meanwhile the people from 7 karas of Vettiyar will arrange for the construction of Kettukazhcha to the temple. People from each area will pull the Kettukazhcha from the construction sites to the temple to preset them before the Devi and after having darshan the parties take up their respective position in the ground lying east of the temple

Mother Teresa Trophy Boat Race

The Mother Teresa Trophy Boat Race is held during Onam along the stretch of River Achankovil

Main Places

• Kottakkakam or Fort Mavelikara is located at the heart of Mavelikara. Old Palaces were situated in this region and the Government Offices were situated in this area. SreeKrishna swamy temple is in this area.
• Padanilam is located in the eastern part of Mavelikkara Taluk.It is famous for the Padanilam Parabrahma Temple.This temple is famous for sivarathri festival.There is a kettukazhcha conducting during the festival.This temple is one of the idathaavalam of sabarimala temple.
• Bharanikavu and Pallickal is located on the Mavelikkara -Kurathikadu-Kayamkulam road. Bharanikavu is famous for its Devi Temple and its swarna jeevitha and houses one of the four Buddha Statues, (Puthrachan), in the district. The famous churches of Kattanam add to the glory of this calm and peaceful panchayat. Government School-Bharanikkavu, Pope Pius XI High School, CMS High School are some of the major educational institutions. The panchayat was awarded the Best Grama Panchayat Award by the President of India.
• Chennithala is located in the northern part of Mavelikkara. Chennithala Panchayath shares its border with the municipal boundary of Mavelikkara.
• Cherukunnam – Cherukunnam is a beautiful village, 5 kilometres away from Mavelikara Town(in Mavelikara-Kattanam Bus Route).
• Chettikulangara is located about 5 km (3.1 mi) south-west of Mavelikkara. It is famous for the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. The Kumbha Bharani festival is conducted during February or March in the temple. The important festivity associated with this utsavam is "Kettu-Kazhcha" which resembles the Chinese festival celebrated on the birthday of Buddha. Kuthiyottam is also another important festivity. This is the second largest temple under Travancore Devaswom Board. Chettikulangara Amma is considered as the mother goddess of Onattukara.

• Kallumala – This is a place of educational importance. An English medium school known as Bishop Moore Vidhypeedham and college known as Bishop Moore College functions in this area. The Mavelikara Railway Station and Main Market also functions around this place.

• Kandiyoor is a place of historical importance. It was there that the Travancore Raja gained the decisive victory over Kayamkulam Raja. The Mahadeva temple contains the sub-shrines considered to have been made especially sacred by the presence of all Gods of Hindu pantheon. It contains ancient inscriptions and it is noted for stone sculptures.

• Thekkekkara Panchayath lies between Chettikulangara, Bharanicavu and Thazhakkara Panchayaths of Mavelikkara Taluk.
• Vallikunnam is situated at the southern part of Mavelikkara.
• Varenickal : is a village situated in Thekkekara Panchayat, Mavelikara Taluk, Alappuzha district of Kerala state in South India. Nearest towns are 1.5 KM to Kurathikad on west, 7 km to Mavelikara on the northwest, 18 km to Chengannur on the north, 10 km to Kayamkulam on the south and 2 km to Chunakara on the east. Agriculture is the main occupation, though remittances from abroad form a significant source of income. Important places include Shree Parabhramodya Temple, Kunnam Kuzhi Temple, SNDP Mandir and Govt. U.P School. At Shree Parabhramodya Temple there is no building structure for the Shreekovil as the God has forbidden any construction at the site. The festival at the temple held during the "Mandala Season".

• Vathikulam is located about 7 km south of Mavelikkara and is surrounded by temples. Two schools are located there, Vathikulam LP School and Alummoottil LP School. Bethel Marthomma Church and Vathikulam Martomma Church are the two churches that can be found. Temples are Vathikulam Temple, Changeth Temple and Alampeth Temple.

• Vazhuvady – A beautiful village, 4 km away from Mavelikara Town. ”Haritha shobhayaarnna. .Manoharamaya...oru gramam..athanu..Vazhuvady”. The three sides of this village is blessed with Achankovil river. The famous malankara orthodox church commonly known as “Vazhuvady Pally (Mar Baselios orthodox church, Vazhudady)” which have given many blessings to the people of Vazhuvady is located in the heart of the village. The church has got the “Holy Relic” of His Holiness Baselios Geevarghese II, Third Catholicos of the East in Malankara . This small village also blessed with temples like Kirathankavu. Siva.Temple", “Panayannarkau Devi Temple", and “Sri Muruka Temple(Gurumandiram)". There are 2 Schools i.e. LPS govt school, Vishwakarma Hindu UP school in this village and there is one bridge connecting vazhuvady with thonakkadu called “Pottamaelkadav Bridge” which is the shortest way to Chegannoor from Mavelikara. The former Shabarimala Melshanti 'Hon. Eswaran Nampoothiri' and the Malankara Orthodox Metropolitan 'H.G Yuhannon Mar Thevodorous' are the two respected personalities from this village.

• Vettiyar is located about 7 km east of Mavelikkara, on the banks of Achenkovil river. Green paddy fields stretch to acres of lands with rubber plantations, cashew trees, coconut trees, bettel leaves and many more. Vettiyar is a small village where urbanisation has not yet reached and the traquility of a southern Indian village still remains. It is a peaceful and green village, where you can still listen to the Achenkovil river flowing and the singing of the birds. Pathamudayam, the famous temple festival is conducted at Palliyarakkavu temple.Tha famous church of malankara orthodox church, this church celebrate perunal sep 1 to 8

• Kurathikadu is located about 6 km away from the Mavelikkara town. The oldest name of Kurathikad was "Vallat". The place is in the Thekkekkara panchayath of Mavelikkara taluk. The major Hindu worship centre in Kurathikad is Malimel Devi temple.There is a Syro – Malankara Catholic Church and a Mar Thoma Church in Kurathikad.There is a Government Dispensary which is almost 50 years old.The NSS high school is situated at the HS junction.The St.John's M.S.C. U.P.School is situated in Kurathikad in the Pallickal East ward of Thekkekara Panchayat.Thekkekkara post office and Kurathikad police station are situated at the Kurathikad jn.Kurthikad is the commercial hub of Thekkekara Panchayat.

Religion

Temples

• Chettikulangara Devi Temple: The Chettikulangara Devi Temple founded in AD 823, is a famous, Bhagawathy Temple. This temple was consecrated by Padmapadacharyar (a disciple of Adi Shankara). The festival season is February and March.

• Kandiyoor Temple is the oldest historical evidence of the rich heritage of Mavelikara. This is also known as Dakshina Kashi. The Kandiyoor Temple is one of 108 temples dedicated to Siva. Saint Mrikandu, the father and guru of Markandeya, got an idol of Kiratha Moorthy, while taking a bath in the holy river, the Ganges. He heard a divine voice (Assariri) telling him to put the idol in a holy place. Mrikandu travvelled far and finally reached Kandiyoor (derived from "Kandathil Nalla Ooru" meaning "the best place ever seen"). Thus, the temple was established and renamed Kandiyoor.

• Sree Krishna Swami Temple is managed and owned by the Travancore Devaswom board. The main festival is held during Meenam. The Statue of Buddha at the Buddha junction in front of the temple has been recovered from the Achankovil River.

• Vettiyar Palliyarakavu Temple, Vettiyar

• Padanilam Parabrahma Temple,Nooranad.

• Shree Parabhramodya Temple – Varenickal, There is no building structure for the Shreekovil as the God has forbidden any construction at the site. The festival at the temple held during the Dec–Jan Mandala season.

• Shree Saraswati Temple – Thattarambalam is situated at Thattarambalam dedicated to Saraswati Devi.Recent donations have led to better developments of the temple structure.Main festival held is during the Navarathri Festival period dedicated toDurga Devi.Many people attend the festival.
• Ponnaramthottam Devi temple situated near Power House and District Court
• Dhanwanthari Temple, Prayikkara.
• Subramanya Swamy temple, Thazhakkara
• Ganapathy Temple, Aalthara, Padinjare Nada.
• Mannoor Madhom Siva temple.
• Mattom Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated at north of thattarambalam. This is one of the oldest temple in Mavelikara. It situated near Achankovil river. The festivel of the temple takes place during Vrichikam (Nov–Dec)

• Mannalil Temple – Aranoottimangalam is situated to the south of aranoottimangalam. The festival day is Makaram 28, famously known as "Irupathettam Ucharam"

• Tharamel Devi Kshethram – Aranoottimangalam which is another bhagavathi temple situated to the central part of Aranoottimangalam. This originally belonged to the Kalaykkattu Family. This temple has been handed over to the NSS Karayogam No. 66 by the Family Heads (Nalayyathu Chellappan Nair and Thattarethu Damodara Panicker). Now this temple is owned and managed by the NSS Karayogam, No. 66. The renovation work has just been completed.

• Ammancheril Devi Kshethram – Aranoottimangalam

Churches

• St.Mary's Orthodox Cathedral (Founded in AD 943), There are around 5,000 Orthodox families. in Mavelikkara.

• St. Kuriakose Orthodox Church at Arnoottimangalam is among the rare churches in the name of St. Kuriakose...

• C.S.I. Christ Church is the oldest Protestant church in Mavelikara built by Rev. Joseph Peet, CMS missionary and was dedicated in 1839. <re>W.S. Hunt. ‘’The Anglican Church in Travancore & Cochin’’ 1816–1916. Pub. C.M.S. Press, Kottayam. 1918. p. 166</ref>^[4] and rededicated on 3 April 1850.^[5]

Christ Church

• C.S.I. Ascension Church Cherukunnam is 150 years old. It belongs to the Central Kerala Diocese of Church of South India. It has 88 families and about 500 members.

• Church of God in India, Chettikulangara Chettikulangara (shalom prayer hall) is a Pentecostal church (Chettikulangara).

• Marthoma Church Thazhakara is 110 years old. Now the parish with its over 335 families.

• Mar Baselios Orthodox Church commonly known as “Vazhuvady Pally

• St. Mary's Syro-Malankara Catholic Cathedral is a suffurgan diocese of the Major Archiepiscopal Eparchy of Trivandrum.^[6] with 94 parishes and 37,000 worshipers.

• St. Mary Roman/Latin Catholic Church (Prayikkara).

• Pentecostal Church of God in India (Chettikulangara)or Shalom Prayer Home at Erezha South, Chettikulangara; established in 2004.

• Assemblies of God Bethal Hall established in 1924.

• St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, Valiyaperumpuzha, Thattarampalam

• St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India, Thazhakara is 50 years old.

Educational Institutions

Colleges

• Bishop Moore College.
• Raja Ravivarma Fine Arts College.
• High School and Teachers' Training Institute Chettikulangara
• Sri Vellapally Natesan College Of Engineering, Pallickal
• Sree Buddha College Of Engineering,Pattoor, Padanilam
• College of Applied Sciences(IHRD).
• Peet Memorial Training College,Mavelikara
• PRESIDENCY COLLEGE OF ADVANCED STUDIES INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECDHNOLOGY CHARUMMOOD

Schools

• Bishop Moore Vidyapith, Kallumala.
• Seventh Day Adventist English Medium High School.
• Infant Jesus ISC School.
• Bishop Hodges Higher Secondary School
• Higher Secondary and Training School, Kaitha North, Chettikulangara.
• Govt. Boys' Higher Secondary School.
• Govt. Girls' Higher Secondary School.
• Sree Buddha Central School,Pattoor, Padanilam
• Sree Narayana Central School, Cherukunnam, Mavelikara-7
• M.S.S High School,Thazhakara.
• St. Mary's Cathedral Public School.
• Crossland Public School, Kunnom
• A.v.Sanskrit UP School,Thazhakara
• S.V.L.P School,Thazhakara.
• Vidhyadhiraja Vidya Peetom Central School, Ponnaramthottam.
• Vidyadhiraja Vidyapeedom LP School Mvk.following BVN international
• Vijnana Santhayani Sanskrit High School (VSSHS) Koypallikaranma
• Thekekkara Government UP School, near the major Koypallikaranma Temple
• TMVMHS, Vettiyar
• Pope Pius XI Higher Secondary School, Kattanam.
• Govt. Higher Secondary School, Chettikulangara.
• Vidya Tutorial School, Near Temple, Chettikulangara.
• Deepthi Tutorial School. Chettikulangara. (Jana lakshangalude viswastha sthaapanam)
• TTI School
• Mahatma Higher Secondary School for Boys, Chennithala.
• Mahatma Higher Secondary School for Girls, Chennithala.
• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chennithala.
• Cherupushpa Central School, Chunakkara
• St.John's M.S.C.U.P.School,Kurathikad (Pallickal East).
• Amala LP School, Erezha.
• Vathikulam L P School
• Mar Ivanious School,Kallumala
• CNPPM Vocational HS, Kattachira.
• NSS High School, Kurathikad.
• Govt. LP School Kurathikad.
• S.N. Central School, Cherukunnam.
• A.G.R.M.H.S.S Vallikunnam
• Govt. UP School, Varenickal.
• A.O.M.M. L.P.School.
• Vikram Sarabhai I.T.E.
• St.Mary's Central School, Vettiyar
• Erezha U.P School, Erezha South P.O,Chettikulangara.
• Govt. L. P School,Kandiyoour.
• K.K.M. Govt. V.H.S.S. Elippakulam.
• Govt L.P.S. Elippakulam.
• PADANILAM HSS. Nooanad

See also

• Pathanamthitta
• Mavelikkara (Lok Sabha constituency)
• Onattukara
• Vettiyar
• Padanilam

Major towns near Mavelikara

• North  : Thiruvalla
• North East: Chengannur
• East  : Pandalam
• West  : Harippad
• South  : Kayamkulam
• South East: Charummodu

References

1. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 
2. ^ "Assembly Constituencies – Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies". Kerala. Election Commission of India. http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf. Retrieved 20 October 2008. 
3. ^ "Monuments-peeping into the past" Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Kerala
4. ^ Souvenir published during 100 year celebrations of the congregation.
5. ^ John, Eipe, "Rev. Joseph Peet Vyaktiyum Darshanavum (Rev. Joseph Peet – Man and Vision)", Triteeya Suvarana Jubilee Smaranika (150th Jubilee Souvenir), CSI Christ Church Mavelikara, 1996 pp 37–41.
6. ^ Mavelkara Diocese

External links

• Open Website for mavelikara(Users contributing the Content)
• Official website of Mavelikkara taluk
• More details of Mavelikkara
• Syro-Malankara Diocese of Mavelikara
• Chengannur Mahadeva/Devi temple
• Mavelikara website