Muvattupuzha

This article is about the town Muvattupuzha. For the Taluk, see Muvattupuzha Taluk.

Muvattupuzha Moovattupuzha
—  town  —
Muvattupuzha Location of Muvattupuzha in Kerala and India
Coordinates	9°58′01″N 76°34′59″E
Country	India
State	Kerala
District(s)	Ernakulam
Nearest city	Kochi, Kottayam
Municipal Chairman	Mr.U.R BABU
Parliamentary constituency	Idukki
Population • Density	29,246 (2001) • 2,151 /km2 (5,571 /sq mi)
Sex ratio	1023 ♂/♀
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	13.7 km2 (5 sq mi) • 15 metres (49 ft)
Climate Temperature • Summer • Winter	Tropical monsoon (Köppen) •      32.5 °C (90.5 °F) •      20 °C (68 °F)
Codes • Pincode • 686661 • Telephone • +0485 • UN/LOCODE • INKOC • Vehicle • KL-17
Footnotes The town where three rivers merge to form Muvattupuzha river.
Website	www.ekm.kerala.gov.in

Muvattupuzha (Malayalam: മുവാറ്റുപുഴ) is a municipality in Ernakulam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a junction of three districts namely Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki. The town is bordered by Kottayam district on southern side and Idukki district on eastern side approximately 20 km from the town. Muvattupuzha is situated 42 km northeast of Kochi city on NH 49 (Cochin-Madurai-Rameshwaram national highway) and lies on the popular Cochin-Munnar hill station tourist route.

Holy Magi Forane Church

History

Muvattupuzha was part of the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom until it was captured by the Travancore Kingdom, now merged into the state of Kerala. Old documents show that the lands of Muvattupuzha belonged to ‘Edappally Swaroopam’, but were later transferred to ‘Manas’ (Brahmin Families).

According to tradition, St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ who introduced Christianity to India is believed to have visited this region. The St. Mary's Church of Arakuzha has a recorded history of over 1000 years, making it one of the oldest churches in Kerala. It is known for its paintings and sculptures. Muvattupuzha was also known as " Arakuzha Pakuthi"(half of arakuzha)

After Indian Independence, Muvattupuzha, as a village union, came under the control of a council of three members nominated by the Government. V. P. Govindan Nair was the first president of the village union. By 1953, Muvattupuzha was declared a Panchayat. Kunnappillil Varkey Vaidyan was the first president of the elected Panchayat Committee. Muvattupuzha was raised to the status of a Municipality in the year 1958. N. Parameshwaran Nair became the first Municipal Chairman. Muvattupuzha made history as the first Municipality where the Communist Party came to power in a general election.

N. P. Varghese was the first elected M.L.A. from Muvattupuzha Assembly Constituency. Later, K. M. George, founder of Kerala Congress represented Muvattupuzha. The first M.P. of Muvattupuzha (Lok Sabha constituency) was George Thomas Kottukapally. Of all the Municipal Chairmen of the town, P. P. Esthose deserves special mention. He was simultaneously an MLA and the Municipal Chairman of Muvattupuzha. He got state-level recognition as the Chairman of Chamber of Chairmen. In its entire history, he is the only Communist member elected to the Parliament from the constituency.

Politics

The place falls under Muvattupuzha assembly constituency, which is part of Idukki (Lok Sabha constituency). It was part of Muvattupuzha (Lok Sabha constituency) until 2004. The municipality is headed by the Municipal Chairman.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Muvattupuzha had a population of 29,230. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Muvattupuzha has an average literacy rate of 84%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 82%. In Muvattupuzha, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Religion

The region has Syrian Christians, Hindus and Muslims. It is traditionally known for the amity among all its different sections of people.

Syrian Christian Achayans include Syrian Catholics, Orthodox and Jacobite Christians. Kavumpady Road in the heart of the town contains major Agraharam of Kerala Iyers. Konkanis are also in lesser numbers. Mappila Muslims are also a major community in Muvattupuzha region. Kochangadi near Latha Bridge where Tamil Muslims resides together for many years . They are less in numbers and are called as Thulukkar.

Vazhappilly Church

Geography

The town is situated on highland regions. Essentially, the regions of Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam were called "Keezhmalanad" of erstwhile Vadakkumkoor Kingdom indicating these as lands with fertile soils deposited by Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers over a period of time due to floodings of the banks. The town is 20m above mean sea level (MSL).

Muvattupuzha River

The town is named after the Muvattupuzha river (Muvattupuzha Aar) which flows through it. The name is made up of three Malayalam words: 'Moonnu', which stands for 'three', 'aaru' - small river, and 'puzha', which also means river. 'Aaru' is a word that is usually used for rivers in the southern half of Kerala, while the term 'puzha' is used in the northern parts. The three rivers in this case are the Kothamangalam river or Kothayaar, Kaliyar and Thodupuzha, which merge to form a single river. This place is called 'Thriveni Sangamam' in Malayalam which means `the point of confluence of three rivers'. Muvattupuzha River was practically free from Pollution which slowly is changings due to the growth of small towns on the river's banks as well as industrial endeavours.

Muvattupuzha river (Malayalam: മൂവാറ്റുപുഴയാര്‍) which starts and flows through Muvattupuzha town runs for 121 km. The major source of water is the Thodupuzha river which starts in the Idukki district and provides water throughout the year, enabled by the supply of water from Idukki arch dam. Idukki dam is the largest arch dam in India and it is used for hydro-electric power generation. Muvattupuzha river is the prime victim of river pollution nowadays. Green People, people for socio-environmental works, an environmental organization is now leading a campaign to save the Muvattupuzha river.

Muvattupuzha River

Suburbs

The town consists of two regions separated by the Muvattupuzha bridge. Kacherithazham is the main centre of the town to the east of the Muvattupuzha bridge. Velloorkunnam, Vazhappilly and Kadathy are to the southwest of the bridge. Kavumkara is a old market which lies to the northeast of the town after the bridge on the Muvattupuzha - Kothamangalam road.

The Thodupuzha bridge is over the Thodupuzha river, which also flows through the southeast portions of the town before merging with Muvattupuzha river near Kacherithazham.

Kizhakkekara and Randaattinkara (Randarkara or Randar) lies on the eastern part of the town on the banks of the Muvattupuzha river. After Thodupuzha bridge comes Adooparambu, Anikkad and Avoly. This area has a large pineapple cultivation and has pineapple-based agro industries. Adooparambu is also known for its timber industries. Avoly is abutting Muvattupuzha municipality.

From the olden times, south of Marady (മാറാടി) panchayat towards Kottayam was sparsely occupied and still has rubber plantations and a hilly terrain till Koothattukulam. Aaroor (ആറൂര്‍) (near Meenkunnam) was a forest until 5-6 decades ago. While every direction from Muvattupuzha is populated and almost urbanized, the southern direction towards Kottayam via M C Road is not so well developed in terms of infrastructure. At a distance approximately 8 km southwards, Muvattupuzha Town is covered by a curve-like hilly region of 40-60 MSL in the whole southern side which crosses Kottayam and Piravom routes. Most of these hills are rubber plantations. KSTP's second phase project of straightening of the Muvattupuzha - Chengannur MC Road is proposed.

Rubber trees in a plantation

The old Muvattupuzha bridge built over the Muvattupuzha river was the first concrete bridge in Asia. It was completed in 1914. This serves as the connection between Nehru Park and Kacherithazham.

Pezhakkappilly and Vazhakulam are satellite towns of Muvattupuzha. The nearby Panchayaths are mostly into agriculture, small- and medium-scale industries. Pineapple and rubber plantations are the common agrarian efforts. Match box industries, plywood factories, saw mills, paper, plastic and wood carton making are the main industries in this area. KINFRA's Small Industries Park at Nellad is 9 km from Muvattupuzha on SH41.

Nearby towns

The nearby towns are Kothamangalam, Vazhakulam, Thodupuzha, Vazhithala, Piravom, Koothattukulam, Kolenchery, Perumbavoor, Nellikuzhi and Kalloorkad.

Neighbouring cities & towns

Culture

Muvattupuzha has a rich cultural tradition. Shadkala Govinda Marar was born on the banks of the Muvattupuzha river. In the new era, the formation of Mela (Muvattupuzha Enlightened Lovers of Arts) - a registered fine arts society which was established in 1968 plays the lead role in the cultural life of this town.

Notable people

• K. M. George was a veteran politician and former Minister. He was the founder of the Kerala Congress Party and former Muvattupuzha M. L. A. His son Francis George is former M. P. of Idukki.
• Fr. Varghese Payapilly Palakkappilly was the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Destitute (SD). He had served as the parish priest of Arakuzha Church and had also purchased 12 acres (49,000 m²) of land in M.C.Road for constructing the famous Meenkunnam Church during his tenure in Arakuzha.
• Johnny Nellore is a veteran politician and former M.L.A of Muvattupuzha from 1991-2006. He is the chairman of Kerala Congress (Jacob)
• P. C. Thomas is former Union Minister and M. P. of Muvattupuzha. He is the son of P.T. Chacko who was the former Home Minister of Kerala.

Places of interest

Churches

Holy Magi Forane Church

Holy Magi Forane Church a Syrian Catholic Church situated in the center of the city. The Church is under Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Kothamangalam

The grand Catholic Church aloft proudly at Post Office Junction is known as Holy Magi Church. In the first quarter of 19th century after circuit to the northern region the King’s administrators were returning to south in ‘Manchal’ accompanied by the pedestrian forces. When they reached Muvattupuzha it was getting dark. They had to reach Koothattukulam , the nearby Inn for their stay. The team was upset for want of adequate lamps. Geevarghese achan of Arakuzha Pittapillil family helped them by arranging torches made of dry coconut leaves. As an expression of gratification for this, the ‘Adhikari’ recommended Achan to the king. Achan was invited to the palace and honoured with a ‘Vadi and Pidi’ (Stick with a Grip). Considering of goodwill of Achan, king allotted some land for the construction of a church. In July 27, 1820 the ancient form of the present church, a small chapel, came into existence. With timely repairs, renewals and renovations the church attained its present growth tremendously showing it’s blessing on to well educational institutions on both sides. apart from the native Christians who mainly hails from Arakuzha and Mylakompu foranes, who are the majority of the Church Laity, Syrian Christians from Palai, Mannathoor ,Veliyannoor, Kizhakkambalam,Nediyasala and other places migrated to this land and a powerful catholic community made its roots here.

Temples and Ashramas

Puzhakkarakavu Bhagavati Temple

Puzhakkarakavu temple is dedicated to the Divine Mother. It is situated at the confluence of the three rivers and is the oldest temple in the town. The town grew around it.Sangharakshita gives some details about this place in his book.

Puzhakkarakavu' on which the beauty, glory and fame of Muvattupuzha are founded requires particular mention. Even people from distant places come to worship here. The idol or ‘Vigharam’ in this temple is ‘Swayambhoo’, self made, naturally born. With the joint efforts of the king’s servants and local chiefs the temple was constructed at ‘Thriveni Sangamam’, point of harmony of the rivers, where the deity was discovered. The ‘Chirappu Maholsavam’ here is grand and colorful. It was started during the rule of the king, which is still celebrated with all devotion and glamour by the people of muvattupuzha irrespective of the cast and the religion. Colorful cultural programs, rituals and prayers are the specialities of this age-old festival. There is an ‘Aanapandal’ ( A canopy for the elephant) in this kavu which also bears a historical story. As the predecessor to the concrete Thodupuzha Bridge, there was a bridge made of wood, pillars been made of granite stones, constructed in the year 1917. Chattanathakaralayar of chenkottai was the contractor for the work. The stone pillars failed to stick well to the ground and become firm despite all the engineering skills. A perplexed god fearing contractor made an offering to the goddess by donating the ‘anapandal’ when everything was made all right. This historical fact is inscribed in the stone laid in the temple.

Pallikavu Bhagavati Temple

Pallikavu Bhagavati temple is situated on the banks of muvattupuzha river. The temple is dedicated to 'Pallikavilamma.' It is situated off the Muvattupuzha-Arakuzha road.

Sri.Krishna Temple

Sri. Krishna temple is dedicated to lord Krishna . It is situated on the banks of muvattupuzha river , off the Muvattupuzha-Arakuzha road .

Sivankunnu Temple

This temple of Shiva, situated at a great height, is almost as old as the one at the confluence. Sangharakshita mentions this place too in his book.

Ramakrishna Math

This Math is known locally for long as Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama. It is situated on a little hillock called Ashramam Kunnu and was founded in 1931 on behalf of Ramakrishna Mission by Swami Nirmalananda who was one of the Direct Disciples of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Though some renovation work was done between 2006 to 2008, this Math still exudes an old world charm. This Math has paid host to a number of noted monks of the Ramakrishna Mission starting with Swami Nirmalananda. They include Swami Niranjanananda (Junior), Swami Sailajananda (both disciples of Swami Nirmalananda)and others.Swami Chitswarupananda (1948–78) and Swami Purushottamananda (1978–1997) managed the Ashrama as instructed by Ramakrishna Mission. Here stayed and worked for about fifteen months in 1947-48, the future Sangharakshita and Buddharakshita as Angarika Dharmapriya and Angarika Satyapriya. In his books `Thousand Petalled Lotus: The Indian Journey of an English Buddhist' and `The Rainbow Road' (both having many common chapters) - Sangharakshita devotes three very informative chapters to the sights he saw and experienced here. This began as a branch of Tiruvalla centre of Ramakrishna Mission and at present is a sub-center of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math under the direct administrative control of its branch center at Kalady

Velloorkunnam Shiva Temple

‘Velloorkunnu’ means the hill of light. With the grace of Vellorkunnam Temple situated at the hilltop on the bank of the river a strong and affluent Nair Society developed in Vazhappilly-Kadathi areas.Among the Hindu temples the Velloorkunnam temple is the oldest and most traditional. Old peoples say that during the period of invasion of Tippu terrified with the attack at any time the flag mast of this temple was removed and deposited in the river by the devotes.Still one can find the basement of this staff at the temple courtyard. Stories also live as to the hiding of the flag mast and valuables of Narasimha Temple at the pond in the temple compound. The ‘Sreekovil’ (sanctum sanctorum) of this temple which is round in shape is so beautiful incomparable with anyone of its kind. Narasimha Temple is also an old and traditional one owned by various ‘Manas’

Education

Colleges in Muvattupuzha are affiliated to the [[Mahatma Gan dhi University]] of Kottayam.

The Nirmala Group of Institutions which includes

• Nirmala College
• Nirmala Pharmacy College
• Nirmala Public School
• Nirmala Higher Secondary School
• Nirmala Junior School
• Nirmala Sadan
• Nirmala School of Nursing

These are run by the Syrian Catholic Diocese of Kothamangalam. Nirmala College founded in 1953 by Mar Augustine Kandathil is the oldest college in the town.

Apart from the Nirmala institutions the Syrian Catholic Diocese of Kothamangalam also runs Vishwajyothi College of Engineering And Technology.

Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology and Ilahia Arts and Science College are colleges run by Ilahia Trust.

Town U.P. School is the oldest school in the town.

St. Thomas Public School is the first CBSE school in Muvattupuzha. It was established in 1990.

St.Augustines Girls Higher Secondary School at Muvattupuzha is the only girl’s high school here.

Transporation

KL-17 is the RTO code for Muvattupuzha Taluka including Muvattupuzha town. Muvattupuzha KSRTC depot is located on MC Road south of the town. KSRTC operates few long distance services as well as mostly catering to the Ernakulam to Thodupuzha route. Private bus services run into several neighbouring towns. Rickshaws are commonly used for small distances.

There is frequent bus services to Ernakulam, Thodupuzha, Kakkanad, Koothattukulam, Piravom, Aluva, Angamaly, Kothamangalam, Perumbavoor, etc. The nearest railway station is Aluva 34 km away. The Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery is only 32 km away from the town.

Muvattupuzha is surrounded by few small, populous commuter villages, connected to the town by bus. The notable ones are Paipra, Avoly, Valakom, Cheruvattor, Mannoor, Marady, etc. Vazhakulam town is one of the main interchange points for public transport.

Health

Major Hospitals in Muvattupuzha are Muvattupuzha Medical Center, Nirmala Medical Centre run by Franciscan Clarist Sisters under the Syrian Catholic Eparchy of Kothamangalam. and Nedumchalil Trust Hospital.There is also a Government Taluka Head Quarters Hospital Which is raised to District Hospital recently.

Sabine Hospital and Research Centre is an advanced referral centre for Infertility,Laparoscopic surgeries,High risk pregnancy and Neonatology run by Dr Sabine S, a renowned infertility specialist in Kerala.

The Referral Hospitals near to Muvattupuzha are Kolenchery MOSC Medical College 13 km from the town. AIMS,Ponekkara is 40 km from Muvattupuzha. Kottayam Medical College lies 51 km from the town.

Economy

Ernakulam and Muvattupuzha are culturally and geographically different as Muvattupuzha Taluk is Midlands with agriculture and small scale industries as its primary economic base, while Ernakulam has coastal regions for which fishing is an important industry. Muvattupuzha was an important commercial centre and a prominent town till about 1975. Two decades back a separate Muvattupuzha district was to be carved out of the districts Ernakulam, Idukki and Kottayam. Demand for Muvattupuzha District still exists. but the new district formation is not yet supported from Kerala government. the assumption of assimilating Northern Travancore Region of Muvattupuzha,Kothamangalam to Kochi Urban limits may have prevented the Muvattupuzha district formation. Census of India, 2011 noted a new, separate and distinct urban agglomeration including parts of Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam Talukas. Lately, Kerala Government is supporting and considering the formation of Muvattupuzha district; but faces opposition from a regional party Kerala Congress (M) Foreign remittances also contribute a lot to Muvattupuzha's contemporary economy as many Syrian Christian Achayans from this region have emigrated all over North America, Europe and the Middle East pursuing greener pastures.

Infrastructure

Muvattupuzha is a part of Central Kerala. It lies between Angamaly and Kottayam on the Main Central Road which runs along the length of the old Travancore, from Thiruvananthapuram to Angamaly.

The first and second longest state highways of Kerala, Main Central Road (Angamaly - Thiruvananthapuram / SH-01 / 240 km) and Main Eastern Highway (Muvattupuzha - Punalur / SH-08 / 154 km), meet here. The Kochi - Madurai NH 49 passes through.

The Muvattupuzha - Theni Highway (SH 43) starts at the Chalikkadavu Bridge and goes through Randattinkara, Kotta Road, Udumbannoor, Nedumkandam and Cumbum before ending at Theni. This is a shorter route to Madurai in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

A bypass has been planned from Kadathy to Puthuppady in NH 49 to avoid traffic from the Kochi - Madurai NH 49 highway which is also the route to Munnar, a popular hill station.^{[citation needed]}

A bypass to Thodupuzha Road and MC Road is planned from Kadathi on NH49 via the proposed new bridge at Murikkallu. Later the road will join MC Road towards Kottayam at Marady.

A Muvattupuzha-Kakkanad-Palarivattom four-lane highway project is at discussion levels. Proposed route is by Vazhappilly, Pattimattom, Kizhakkambalam, Infopark to Reach Vyttila Central Bus Terminal in 30 minutes over 31 km.

Chalikkadavu bridge helps long-distance travelers from being caught in traffic, particularly during the rush hour.^{[citation needed]} The bypass will go through Kizhakkekara to Marady to link the SH-8 to Thodupuzha and to the MC Road.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Will Muvattupuzha District be formed?
• Kalloorkad
• Vazhakulam
• Arakuzha
• Memadangu
• Paipra
• Nellikuzhy
• Marady
• Meenkunnam
• Main Central Road
• NH 49
• Main Eastern Highway
• Ayavana

References

1. Syne International Film Festival, Muvattupuzha
2. Kerala PWD
3. Statehighways in Yahoo Maps
4. State Highway list

External links

• Official Government page for Muvattupuzha in Malayalam
• Muvattupuzha Website
• Map of Eurnakulam in Kerala
• Muvattupuzha on Wikitravel
• Nirmala College Website
• Nirmala College Social network
• Airapuram Rubber Park Farmers Action Council
• Thodupuzha website