Mavelikkara
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| Mavelikkara | |
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| Coordinates | 9°16′01″N 76°33′00″E / 9.267°N 76.55°E |
| Country |  India |
| State | Kerala |
| District(s) | Alappuzha |
| Population | 28,440 (2001[update]) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Website | alappuzha.nic.in |
Mavelikkara is a town in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. It is in the southern part of Alappuzha district on the banks of the Achankovil River. Mavelikkara is located on the Haripad - Pathanamthitta Road. Mavelikkara is close to NH 47, National Highway.
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[edit] Demographics
As of the 2001 Indian census,[1] Mavelikkara had a population of 28,440. Males constitute 47% of the population and females 53%. Mavelikkara 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 Mavelikkara, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Economy
Some of the industries in and around Mavelikkara are:
- Allind Steel (near Mannar)
- Travancore Oxygen (near Kunnam)
- Sangrose Laboratories (in Mavelikkara) 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).
[edit] Politics
Mavelikkara assembly constituency is part of Mavelikkara (Lok Sabha constituency).[2] This Lok Sabha constituency consisted of Chengannur, Mavelikkara, Kayamkulam, Pandalam, Thiruvalla, Kallupara until 2008. Since the Lok Sabha Delimitation in 2008, the assembly constituencies have comprised Changanassery, Kuttanad, Mavelikkara(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 Mavelikkara Parliament constituency since 2009. C.S. Sujatha of the (CPI-M) represented the Mavelikkara Parliament constituency from 2004 to 2009. M. Murali (INC) has represented the Mavelikkara Assembly constituency since 2006.
[edit] Interesting Facts
Mavelikkara was once part of the principality of Onattukara. As a testament to its link to that flourishing center of Buddhist culture, Mavelikkara 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".
[edit] PGN Unnithan - The Last Diwan of Travancore.
Sri 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 August 20, 1947 following the latters' resignation (subsequent to the attempt on Sir CP's life at the Swathi Thirunal Music academy on July 25, 1947). He chaired the Travancore Constitutional Reforms Committee. He relinquished office on March 24, 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.
[edit] Cultural Events
[edit] 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.
[edit] Mother Teresa Trophy Boat Race
The Mother Teresa Trophy Boat Race is one of the most important boat races on the Achankovil River. It is held during Onam every year, along the stretch between Mandapathu kadav ghat at Mavelikara and Prayikkara Bridge at Prayikkara. Many of the Snake Boats in Kerala participate in this regatta. In 2008, the Payippadan Snake Boat came in first and received the Trophy.th race held on 06th PRAYIKKARA WATER STADIUM
Mother Teresa Trophy Boat Race
[edit] Education
- Thekekkara Government UP School, near the major Koypallikaranma Temple
- Bishop Moore College, Mavelikkara
- Bishop Moore Vidyapith
- Seventh Day Adventist English Medium High School, Mavelikkara
- College of Applied Sciences(IHRD), Mavelikkara
- Raja Ravivarma Fine Arts College, Mavelikkara
- Infant Jesus ISC School, Mavelikkara
- TMVMHS, Vettiyar, Mavelikkara
- St. Mary's Cathedral Public School, Mavelikkara
- St. John's Higher Secondary School, Mattom
- Pope Pius XI Higher Secondary School, Kattanam.
- Govt. Boys' Higher Secondary School, Mavelikkara
- Govt. Girls' Higher Secondary School, Mavelikkara
- Govt. Higher Secondary School, Chettikulangara, Mavelikkara
- Bishop Hodges Higher Secondary School
- TTI School
- Mahatma Higher Secondary School for Boys, Chennithala, Mavelikkara
- Mahatma Higher Secondary School for Girls, Chennithala, Mavelikkara
- Navodaya, Chennithala, Mavelikkara
- Cherupushpa Central School, Chunakkara
- Amala LP School, Erezha, Mavelikkara
- Vathikulam L P School
- Mar Ivanious School
- CNPPM Vocational HS, Kattachira, Mavelikkara
- NSS High School, Kurathikad, Mavelikkara
- Govt. LP School Kurathikad, Mavelikkara
- S.N. Central School, Cherukunnam, Mavelikkara
- A.G.R.M.H.S.S Vallikunnam
- Govt. UP School, Varenickal, Mavelikakra
- A.O.M.M. L.P.School, Mavelikkara.
- Vikram Sarabhai I.T.E, Mavelikkara
- St.Mary's Central School, Vettiyar
[edit] Main Places
Kallumala - This is the place where you have one of the best schools around Mavelikkara, it also has a good college there. The schools name is, Bishop Moore Vidhyapith. They have ICSE,CBSE and SSLC syllabus. And then there is a college next to it, Bishop Moore College ( popularly known as Moore College ). This school and college was named after Bishop Moore, who stayed in Mavelikkara.
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 urbanization 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
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.
Chettikulangara is located about 5 km (3 miles) south-west of Mavelikkara. It is famous for the Bhagavathy 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.
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.
Cartoonist Yesudasan was born in Bharanikavu.
Thekkekkara Panchayath lies between Chettikulangara, Bharanicavu and Thazhakkara Panchayaths of Mavelikkara Taluk. Famous personalities from this place include Prof. R. Narendraprasad, Kandankara Krishnan Unnithan, Kadhikaratnam S.S.Unnithan, Varikkolil Kesavan Unnithan, Nadalayil Kunjukrishnan Unnithan, Magician Samraj and P Sankaran Unnithan. Varenickal
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, 7km to Mavelikara on the northwest, 18 km to Chengannur on the north, 10km 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".
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.
Vallikunnam is situated at the southern part of Mavelikkara. Thoppil Bhasi was born here, the founder of the K.P.A.C..
The Assemblies of God Church is an attraction of Olakettiampalam. There are also a lot of other churches.
Chennithala is located in the northern part of Mavelikkara. Chennithala Panchayath shares its border with the municipal boundary of Mavelikkara. Chennithala Chellappan Pillai, the famous Kathakali artist, and Ramesh Chennithala, the present President of the KPCC, were born here.
[edit] Religion
[edit] Temples
The Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple is famous, as it is believed that the deity of the Bhagawathy Temple has miraculous healing powers. In February and March, the temple is teeming with life as the Festival of Bharani takes place during this time. The temple comes alive with activities and grand feasts.
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 travveled far and finally reached Kandiyoor (derived from "Kandathil Nalla Ooru" meaning "the best place ever seen"). Thus, the temple was established and renamed Kandiyoor.
Situated in the middle of the town, Mavelikkara Sreekrishnaswami 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.
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 to Durga Devi.Many people attend the festival.
[edit] Churches
St.Mary's Orthodox Cathedral is an old church with a history going back to the 10th century.[4] It was visited by Archbishop Menezes in the 16th century and by Claudius Buchanan in the 19th. This is one of oldest institution in the town apart from the Hindu Temples. Orthodox Christians form the major Christian community in Mavelikara. The famous Mavelikkara Padiyola was held in this church in 1836.[5]. There are around 5,000 Orthodox families in and around Mavelikkara.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Diocese of Mavelikara is the sixth diocese of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church with 94 parishes and 37,000 worshipers. The Bishop is Abun Joshua Mar Ignathios. His house is situated in Punnamoodu, two kilometres from the heart of Mavelikara. The throne church of this Diocese is St. Mary's Malankara Syrian Catholic Cathedral, Punnamoodu. This is a suffurgan diocese of the Major Archiepiscopal Eparchy of Trivandrum.[6]
The Pentecostal Church of God was started by Reverend Kunnel G Varghese known as 'driver achayan'(1913-1999) in the 1950s. He ministered the word of God around all the costal areas of Kerala. Before he became a believer, he had worked as a bus driver.
Prayikkara Matha, also known as St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, is situated at Prayikkara. Founded on the name of the Holy Virgin Mary, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Virgin is celebrated on 8 December every year.
The C.S.I. Christ Church Mavelikara is 160 years old. It belongs to the Church of South India and was constructed in Gothic style by Reverend Joseph Peet, who was a missionary in the nineteenth century. The church campus currently houses a primary school, a higher secondary school, a teacher's training college, an auditorium with a couple of indoor badminton courts and a cemetery.
Marthoma Church Thazhakara, Mavelikara is 110 years old. It has a Kurishum Thotti (offertory with a huge cross). The Malankara Syrian Christian sect has played a vital role in the history of the land. Peedikayil Stephanos Malpan is the first priest of the Marthoma Diocese in Mavelikara. In 1898, 32 families belonging to the marthoma sect, forfeited all their rights on the Puthiyakavu church and started regular prayers at the temporary church. Initially, the diocese included the regions of Mullikkulangra, Gramam, Peringilippuram and Kallimel. Under the leadership of P.K. Jacob Kassisa (Kumbathittayil Achan) and with the co-operation of each and everyone of the diocese, the Marthoma Church of Thazhakara became a reality. On December 26, 1928, Titus II Metropolita and Abraham Suffragan Metropolita jointly performed the Koodasha. Now the Diocese with its over 335 families has a nursery, parish hall, shop building, parsonage, polachirakkal colony and Jyothis school( A school for mentally challenged children ).
[edit] See also
- Pathanamthitta
- Mavelikkara (Lok Sabha constituency)
- Onattukara
- Vettiyar
- Mavelikkara Bus Station
[edit] References
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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 2008-10-20.
- ^ "Monuments-peeping into the past" Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Kerala
- ^ footnotes of "Jornada of Dom Alexis de Menezes: A Portuguese account of the Sixteenth century Malabar" edited by Dr. Pius Malekandathil.
- ^ [1]
- ^ Mavelkara Diocese
[edit] External links
- Open Website for mavelikara(Users contributing the Content)
- Official website of Mavelikkara taluk
- More details of Mavelikkara
- Chengannur Mahadeva/Devi temple
- Mavelikara website
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