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Local Attractions

Chettikulangara Temple

Many followers of the theory of Kerala’s genesis by Parasurama firmly believe that he had established 108 Durga temples, 108 Siva temples, numerous Sasthatemples, besides 108 Kalaris (place to learn traditional martial arts in front of the deity), Sakthi Kendras etc. Besides he had established five Ambalayas. Jagadambika of Chettikulangara, the Goddess of Oodanadu, is among the five Ambalayams. Though enough historical evidences and authentic study materials are not available to support, it is believed that this temple dates back to more than1200 years.

According to one version, this temple was consecrated by Padmapadacharyar (a leading disciple of Adi Shankara) on the Uthrittathi day of Makara month in A.D. 823. There is a firm argument that the goddess here was a family deity, and later emerged as the village and regional deity. Local historians oppose the argument that the temple is not as ancient as the nearby Kandiyoor Mahadeva temple or Mavelikara Krishna Swamy temple as it had not been mentioned in Unnuneeli Sandesam written in the 14th century. According to late Kandiyoor Mahadeva Shasthri, Samudra Bandhan – a leading courtier of Ravi Varman, an ancient King of Venad had visited this temple and wrote poems on Bhagavathi.Similarly Aadithya Kulasekharan, the King of Venad (1374 A.D. to 1389 A.D.) also had visited the Chettkulangara temple, argues them.

However, it is to be said that the present Sreekovil of the temple is only 450-480 years old, and the Chuttambalam is not more than two centuries old. Local historians say that the temple infrastructure and the surroundings were developed by various local chieftains from time to time. The present Sreekoil was revamped during A.D.1540. Because of a small fire at this temple, the Chuttambalam was slightly modified during the Malayalam year 1002.

Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha

Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha, conducted every year on the Bharani Nakshathram of Malayalam month ‘Kumbham - It is probably the most amazing cultural visual 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 ) and icons of Bhima and Hanuman. All the temple cars, chariots and the icons are all incredibly gigantic in size and are many times larger than any other similar Kuthiras and Therus built during the festivities at other temples in the Central Travancore region.
On the move, these out of the world sky scrapping colourful decorations are electrifying, and will create an unforgettable artistic impression in union, especially during the night in the back drop of illuminated lights. Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha heralds the architectural and aesthetic acumen of the ancient people of Chettikulangara, who could convert an improbable out of the world concept to an enormous artistic reality, achieved by collective hardships and will power.

Edathua Church
It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (5th, 6th and 7th of May) pilgrims from all parts of South India, irrespective of caste and creed, visit the church and seek the blessings of the saint.]

Built In This church was established in 1810 and is dedicated to St. George.

The Edathua Church, a massive shrine on the banks of the river Pamba, is dedicated to St.George. This is a video clip of the recently concluded annual feast (Perunnal) at the Church.

During the feast, the statue of St.George, decked in gold, was carried out in procession and placed on the dais at the centre of the Basilica. Processions were held everyday, and dazzling fireworks display highlighted in the initial as well as concluding day's rituals.

Devotees from all parts of the State attended the feast. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church ground swarmed with vendors and stalls selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewellery. There were cultural performances every evening.

The Edathua feast is held from April 27 to May 7 every year.

Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple

Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods.

The temple is located about three kilometers to the south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district of Kerala.

Haripad, a culturally renowned ancient town with prominent role in the history of Central Travancore, is rich with its exquisite green paddy fields, towering coconut palms and serene atmosphere of the adjacent hamlets. Now Haripad is a well-developed town with enough civic infrastructure like shopping complexes, hotels & lodges, educational institutions and hospitals.

The ancient Subrahmanya Swamy Temple in Haripad, which is one of the renowned Subrahmanya temples of Kerala and a testimonial to the glory of the great Kerala temple architecture, is located on the way to the Mannarassala temple.

Proper signboards are available from the N.H.47 to the temple. Since the temple is very renowned, accessibility to the temple may not be a problem for the devotees. Various cabs and auto rickshaws are available near the Haripad bus station and Railway station to reach Mannarassala at nominal fare. Since located near the highway almost equidistant between the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi (approx.113 kms and 103 kms respectively), it is easy to reach Haripad via bus and train.

Parumala Church

Parumala is a small stretch of land on the shores of the river Pampa. In the days of old, many brahmin families were living on this island which has an area of about 4 square miles. For various reasons, in course of time these families left the place. However, as relics, we can still see the broken down basements of buildings, disused ponds etc. with the departure of the Brahmins, the place became almost wild, desolate area.

Parumala Thirumeni

The famous ‘Panayannar Kavu’ was situated north of the present site of the Parumala Church. The place was rather notorious for blood-curdling sheep-slaughter and man-slaughter ostenstbly in connection with black art. The horrifying atmosphere of the island was further strengthened by the hear-say that a dreaded ‘Yakshi’ (Witch) who slipped away from the hands of the priest-magician Kadamattathu Kathanar had settled there.

In those days, Rama Rayar, Peshkar (District Collector) of Quilon registered a big plot of land near panayannar kavu in his brother-in-law’s name. Sri Korula Mathen of Arikupurathu Family, A well-known resident of Pavukara was given permission to cultivate this land after registering necessary documents. In course of time, the entire stretch of land became the property of Arikupurathu family as per the ‘Vila Adharam’ (Registered Document).

Old Church

New Church

The leadership of the Malankara Orthodox Church was very particular that the new church at Parumala should be designed and constructed in consideration of the antiquity of the Orthodox Church and the basic customs and traditions of the people of Kerala.

Then there arose the question as to whether the old church building should be completely demolished or whether the new church should be built very close to the old one, there by retaining the old church intact. After prolonged discussions and deliberations, it was decided to retain the Holy Altar (Sanctum Sanctorum) and the room where the mortal remains of Parumala Thirumeni are entombed (Kabar Muri) and to construct the entire church a new.

Niranam Church

Niranam Church has a rich history of being the symbol of Christian faith in Kerala and a citadel of Orthodox Christianity since its inception in AD 54 by St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. St Thomas reached Kerala in AD 52 and started preaching the gospel. He founded 8 churches, which are called 'Ezhara Pallikal', meaning seven and half churches. These were at Kodungallur, Kollam, Niranam, Nilackal (Chayal), Kokkamangalam, Kottakkayal (Paravoor), Palayoor (Chattukulangara) and Thiruvithamkode (the half church). St. Thomas who had great respect for the Holy Virgin, named all these churches after St. Mary. At Niranam, St. Thomas baptised many people and ordained people with social eminence as priests, to administer the church

The church founded by St Thomas at Niranam was adjacent to Sri Thrikpaleswara Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva. Some adversaries of the new faith later took out the cross, founded by the Apostle and threw it into the neighboring river. When St Thomas returned to Niranam after two years (AD 54) he heard about this and went in search of the cross. He found it at a place in the down stream and again founded the church at that place, which is believed to be the present location of the church. According to the available records, the present building is the fourth, which was built in 1912. The third building was built in 1259.

St. Thomas was the apostle who chose to travel to the farthest and remotest areas for his missionary works. He was speared on December 19 (AD 72)
and he entered martyrdom on December 21.

Chakulathu Kavu (12kms) known as the ‘Sabarimala of Women’is famous for its Pongala. Thousands of women devotees line up on both sides of the street, cooking rice with jaggery in a earthen pot. The queue extents to an amazing length of nearly 20 kms.

Krishnapuram palace(15 kms) This18th century palace,noted for its typical Kerala architecture, is a museum of antique sculptures, paintings and bronze articles.

Amritapuri(16 kms) the abode of Mata Amritandamai, is the realisation of the ancient Indian ideal “the whole world is one family”.

Nehru trophy boat races(30 kms)World famous backwater boat races are held during the month of August-September.

Kumarakom bird sanctuary(35 kms)Migratory birds like Siberian stork, egret, darter heron and teal visit here. A cruise through the Vembanad Lake will be an exhilarating experience in watching the birds as well as to enjoy the scenic sight of the island pathriamanal.