Pampady
Encyclopedia
Pampady is a small town 16 kilometres east of Kottayam
in Kerala
, Southern India
. It lies midway between the serene backwaters of Western Kerala and the misty mountains of Western Ghats.
. Unnuneeli sandesam written in 14th century AD describes Vennimala and Thiruvanchiyoor in Thekkumkoor. In AD 1749 King Marthanda Varma
of Venadu captured Thekkumkoor and thereafter it was portion of Travancore. After 1956, Pampady became part of Travancore-Cochin
State.
The old records, dating back to ME 352 (AD 1176), kept with Kaithamattom Illam in Velloor
, throws light on the history of Pampady. There was human inhabitation here about 1000 years back. The Subramanya
temple of the Illam
was old even at that time.
Up to middle of 16th Century, Pampady was under King of Thekkumkoor
. Thalikotta was the capital of Thekkumkoor. Pampady was owned by Kothala Madom and later by Ambazhathunkal Kartha. Pampady had three portions-Velloor, Pampady and Thekkan Pampady. Velloor was owned by Kaithamattom Illam.
The meaning of Pampady as per Malayalam Dictionary -"Sabdatharavaly" of Sreekandeswaram
- is "Ananthasayanan". (The Land of Lord Vishnu). The area where there was a Sreekrishna Temple by Valiyamadom Potty was called Pampady according to one school of thought.
The development of Pampady is closely connected to KK Road, which came into existence in AD 1038, as a graded road. Mr. Murphy- a far sighted Englishman and rubber planter should be remembered for extending this road to the high ranges during the 1st half of 20th century. Hundreds of labourers of backward classes from Puthuvelil, Kothala area lost their lives in this great task, especially the section between Peruvanthanam and Kuttikkanam
. This road is now a national highway, from Quilon
to Theni
at Tamil Nadu. There was a wayside inn at the site of present Bus stand. Kolathettu family donated the site. Later a vegetable and a cattle market- the only one between Kambam- Tamil Nadu and Alleppey, were started in Pampady. Pallivathukkal (MDLP) School was started in AD1879. This was started by Cheriyamadathil Yacoob Kathanar. Madathil Aasaan (C.G. Raman Nair) and Thanathukara Keralan Nair were the Teachers. Alampally School was started in 1880 and this was followed by MGM High School, a Private Management institution offering quality English education. Pampady Govt Dispensary was started in 1924. A Public Library was started in 1929 by Gandhian Kuzhiyidathara Kunjappan (K.I. Jacob). K.G College
was started in 1981 and Govt Engineering College in 1991. The college which was later renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology or RIT, Kottayam bought about major changes in the panchayat.
It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their period of exile visited this hillside. At that time numerous sages meditated in the caves of Vennimala. Upon the request of the sages Lakshmana killed many demons that were a threat and nuisance to the sages. Thus the place came to be called ‘Vijayadri’ in Sanskrit. The name means ‘hill of victory’ as Lakshmana won the battle with demons. Vijayadri in Malayalam became Vennimala. A detailed description of this place appears in the famous Malayalam work ‘Aitihyamala’ by Kottarathil Sankunni.
The legend goes that Cheraman Perumal constructed this temple as per the direction of Kapila Maharshi. The place name was Iravipuram originally. The king who reached this place by canal route as per astronomical directions, was shown the idol in this hill by a hunter named Iravi. Later on, the temple came under the suzeranity of Thekkumkoor¹ kings who ruled this region. The temple is more than thousand years old as judged from the mrgamala in the namaskara mantapa, even though the present structures may be of later period.
Even though the main idol is that of Lakshmana Perumal, Sri Rama is also present in the srikovil by conviction. Reinforcing this conviction, there are two bronze dhwajastambhas (flagmasts) in the front yard. Previously the temple was a Mahakshetra with five poojas and three sreebalis daily. Now, only three poojas are performed. Earlier there was a 28 day festival from Rohini in Makaram to Rohini in Kumbhom culminating in the Arattu. For the arattu, during the forward journey Lakshmana was in front followed by Sri Rama while for the return after the aratt Sri Rama used to come in front. All the 28 days were punctuated by Chakyar Koothu. The koothambalam is part of Valiambalam. Pothiyil Chakyars had the hereditory rights of performing Koothu in this temple. Only Ramayanam story used to be played here. Koothu for 16 days followed by Koodiyattom for 12 days was the routine. Vennimala Koothu has been an integral part of the cultural scene of Kerala for centuries. At present, the festival goes on for reduced duration of ten days.
The valiambalam leads to the inner prasada (courtyard) containing the Srikovil and the namaskara mantapa. The namskara mantapa of medium size contains four pillars and has been reconstructed in teak quite recently with tiled roofing. On the south side of the namaskara mantapa, in between the two pillars is the ancient Kanikka Vanchi of Teak with brass locking system etc., a rare find.
Beyond the namaskara mantapa comes the unique srikovil only one of its kind in South India. It is the 'Ghata Prasada'² type with a pot shape, the Srikovil proper is in circular form with a neck shaped mukhamantapa in front. The srikovil has been constructed in stone and the mukhamantapa has ornamented wooden panels in between stone pillars. Both are roofed over by an integral copper roof supported by rafters. The exterior of the srikovil has beautiful daru silpas (wooden idols) at intervals along the periphery. Sopanam as well as pillars in the mantapa have been enclosed by brass membrane. Of the daru silpas special mention can be made of Siva, Venugopal, Ravana, Sri Rama and Mahalakshmi.
Among the subsidiary shrines, that of Sri Krishna is unique. Located in the North-West corner of the outer prakara, it is a small square srikovil abutted in front by a square mukhamantapa. The inside of the srikovil is hexagaonal shape. The srikovil and mukhamantapa are surrounded by pillars enclosing a small walk-way around and tile over. Ther is a namaskaramantapa and balikkal in front of the shrine. Other upadevatas are Ganapathy, Nagaraja and Yakshi.
The tantra rights of this temple are vested in the Thazhaman Matom. Balikarmas take place during Thulam and Karkidagam vavu days in the temple tank nearby with rocky outcrops. The temple comes under the administrative control of the Uranma Devaswom Board.
Outside the nalambalam are the flagmasts and the anapandal (the elephant portico) on the eastern side culminating in the dvara-sala. The Sastha shrine is located on the south-west side while Bhagavathi, Nagaraja and Yakshi are accommodated on the north-west side of the outer prakara.
The huge rock in Kattankunnu in Velloor is called "Pampurumpara" - the rock where snakes crawl. According to second school from this, the name Pampady was derived. Another view is that the name was derived from Payampady (area where water is available).
Vennimala SriRama-Laksmana temple, situated in 4th ward of Puthupally, is 2 km south to Vellor. This very old temple is on a hill 1500 feet high from sea level. There are a number of small wells and ponds around the temple. In the month of Karkidakam, people conduct Vavubaliritual here. "Vennimal Perumal" Bhaskara Revivarma, the Cheraman Perumal
built the temple. Famous sopana musician Shadkala Govinda Marar
, contemporary of Swathi Thirunal was born near the temple in Pulikkal house.
is a beautiful place, having a serene atmosphere in Changanacherry Taluk south to Pampady. Famous for the Mgdm hospital
one of the oldest multispeciality community referral hospitals in Kerala. The first Self Finance Nursing College in private sector in Kerala, Theophilis College of Nursing is also situated at Kangazha
. Other educational institutions at kangazha
are
Devaswam Board High School Kangazha,Muslim Higher Secondary School Kangazha,Govt. L.P. School Kangazha,
PGM college of Arts and Science, P Geevarghese School of Nursing, School of Laboratory Technology-MGDM Hospital, Baselios Higher Secondary School, St. Thomas School Kangazha etc.
Schools from Pampady, Kooroppada,Meenadom, Manarcadu and Ayarkkunnam(part)panchayath are under this BRC .B.P.O is the head of the institute
There are many high schools: MGM High School, Govt HSS Alampally, PTM High School Velloor, St. Thomas High School South Pampady, Technical High School Velloor, Crossroads School and a number of primary schools.You can also have quality higher secondary education at MGM hSS lakkattoor
For technical education, there is the famous Engineering College named Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (RIT).
about 9 km from Pampady town. Pampady having many other govt and semi govt institutions such as Police Circle inspector office, BSNl exchange,panchayath office, KSEB Sub station etc.
Kottayam
Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative capital of the Kottayam district. Kottayam Kottayam (Malayalam: കോട്ടയം) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 55.40 km2. It is the administrative...
in Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
, Southern India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It lies midway between the serene backwaters of Western Kerala and the misty mountains of Western Ghats.
History
Vennimala on the western boundary of Pampady was once the Capital of ThekkumkoorThekkumKoor
Thekkumkoor , also transliterated Thekkumkur or Thekkumcore, was a small independent kingdom that existed before 1749 in the southern part of Kerala in India and was ruled by a royal household known as Thekkumkoor Kovilakam, from a place called Thaliyilkotta near Thazhathangadi in the present day...
. Unnuneeli sandesam written in 14th century AD describes Vennimala and Thiruvanchiyoor in Thekkumkoor. In AD 1749 King Marthanda Varma
Marthanda Varma
Marthanda Varma , was the founder of the Indian Hindu feudal kingdom of Travancore from Venad SwaroopamHe ruled from 1729 till his death in 1758, having succeeded his maternal uncle Dharma Raja.King Marthanda Varma is usually credited as the "founder of Kingdom of Travancore" from...
of Venadu captured Thekkumkoor and thereafter it was portion of Travancore. After 1956, Pampady became part of Travancore-Cochin
Travancore-Cochin
Travancore-Cochin or Thiru-Kochi is a former state of India . It was created on 1 July 1949 by the merger of two former princely states, the kingdoms of Travancore and Cochin....
State.
The old records, dating back to ME 352 (AD 1176), kept with Kaithamattom Illam in Velloor
Velloor
Velloor is a village in the Vaikom Taluk of the Kottayam district in Kerala, India.-Location:Regular bus servies are available to the towns of Vaikom and Kottayam...
, throws light on the history of Pampady. There was human inhabitation here about 1000 years back. The Subramanya
Subramanya
Subramanya is a commonly used Indian name. It is also another name for the Hindu deity Murugan. Other common spellings are Subrahmanya, Subramania and Subramaniam. The name may refer to:People...
temple of the Illam
Illam
Illam is a malayalee lineage system used for classification and identification of castes in Kerala, South India. The House of Namboothiries are also called the Brahmaalayam or Mana...
was old even at that time.
Up to middle of 16th Century, Pampady was under King of Thekkumkoor
ThekkumKoor
Thekkumkoor , also transliterated Thekkumkur or Thekkumcore, was a small independent kingdom that existed before 1749 in the southern part of Kerala in India and was ruled by a royal household known as Thekkumkoor Kovilakam, from a place called Thaliyilkotta near Thazhathangadi in the present day...
. Thalikotta was the capital of Thekkumkoor. Pampady was owned by Kothala Madom and later by Ambazhathunkal Kartha. Pampady had three portions-Velloor, Pampady and Thekkan Pampady. Velloor was owned by Kaithamattom Illam.
The meaning of Pampady as per Malayalam Dictionary -"Sabdatharavaly" of Sreekandeswaram
Sreekanteswaram Padmanabha Pillai
Sreekanteswaram G. Padmanabha Pillai , popularly known as Sreekanteswaram, was a lexicographer and scholar best known for his Malayalam dictionary Sabdatharavali....
- is "Ananthasayanan". (The Land of Lord Vishnu). The area where there was a Sreekrishna Temple by Valiyamadom Potty was called Pampady according to one school of thought.
The development of Pampady is closely connected to KK Road, which came into existence in AD 1038, as a graded road. Mr. Murphy- a far sighted Englishman and rubber planter should be remembered for extending this road to the high ranges during the 1st half of 20th century. Hundreds of labourers of backward classes from Puthuvelil, Kothala area lost their lives in this great task, especially the section between Peruvanthanam and Kuttikkanam
Kuttikkanam
Kuttikkanam, is a village in Idukki district, Kerala, southern India. It is above sea level and surrounded by lush green tea plantations. It is within the territory of Peermade-History:...
. This road is now a national highway, from Quilon
Kollam
Kollam , often anglicized as ', is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city lies on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake on the Arabian sea coast and is situated about north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram...
to Theni
Theni
Theni is a town in the Western Tamil Nadu state of South India. It is the headquarters of Theni District. It is known for the large-scale trading of Cardamom, Cotton, Grapes, chilli and Textiles. It hosts the second largest weekly market in Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest in South India...
at Tamil Nadu. There was a wayside inn at the site of present Bus stand. Kolathettu family donated the site. Later a vegetable and a cattle market- the only one between Kambam- Tamil Nadu and Alleppey, were started in Pampady. Pallivathukkal (MDLP) School was started in AD1879. This was started by Cheriyamadathil Yacoob Kathanar. Madathil Aasaan (C.G. Raman Nair) and Thanathukara Keralan Nair were the Teachers. Alampally School was started in 1880 and this was followed by MGM High School, a Private Management institution offering quality English education. Pampady Govt Dispensary was started in 1924. A Public Library was started in 1929 by Gandhian Kuzhiyidathara Kunjappan (K.I. Jacob). K.G College
KG College Pampady
The Kuriakose Gregorios College, Pampady is situated in Pampady, 16 km from Kottayam. It was started in 1981 and is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India.-Degree Courses:...
was started in 1981 and Govt Engineering College in 1991. The college which was later renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology or RIT, Kottayam bought about major changes in the panchayat.
It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their period of exile visited this hillside. At that time numerous sages meditated in the caves of Vennimala. Upon the request of the sages Lakshmana killed many demons that were a threat and nuisance to the sages. Thus the place came to be called ‘Vijayadri’ in Sanskrit. The name means ‘hill of victory’ as Lakshmana won the battle with demons. Vijayadri in Malayalam became Vennimala. A detailed description of this place appears in the famous Malayalam work ‘Aitihyamala’ by Kottarathil Sankunni.
The legend goes that Cheraman Perumal constructed this temple as per the direction of Kapila Maharshi. The place name was Iravipuram originally. The king who reached this place by canal route as per astronomical directions, was shown the idol in this hill by a hunter named Iravi. Later on, the temple came under the suzeranity of Thekkumkoor¹ kings who ruled this region. The temple is more than thousand years old as judged from the mrgamala in the namaskara mantapa, even though the present structures may be of later period.
Even though the main idol is that of Lakshmana Perumal, Sri Rama is also present in the srikovil by conviction. Reinforcing this conviction, there are two bronze dhwajastambhas (flagmasts) in the front yard. Previously the temple was a Mahakshetra with five poojas and three sreebalis daily. Now, only three poojas are performed. Earlier there was a 28 day festival from Rohini in Makaram to Rohini in Kumbhom culminating in the Arattu. For the arattu, during the forward journey Lakshmana was in front followed by Sri Rama while for the return after the aratt Sri Rama used to come in front. All the 28 days were punctuated by Chakyar Koothu. The koothambalam is part of Valiambalam. Pothiyil Chakyars had the hereditory rights of performing Koothu in this temple. Only Ramayanam story used to be played here. Koothu for 16 days followed by Koodiyattom for 12 days was the routine. Vennimala Koothu has been an integral part of the cultural scene of Kerala for centuries. At present, the festival goes on for reduced duration of ten days.
Architecture
The temple is facing West. The entrance to the temple is through a dwara gopura in Kerala style followed by an Anappandal. Then come the two dhwajastambhas followed by the Agra Mantapam or Balikkalpura. This is followed by the Valiambalam with an in-built koothambalam. The Nalambalm is of wood and tile and on the exterior there is a Vilakkumadom as well.The valiambalam leads to the inner prasada (courtyard) containing the Srikovil and the namaskara mantapa. The namskara mantapa of medium size contains four pillars and has been reconstructed in teak quite recently with tiled roofing. On the south side of the namaskara mantapa, in between the two pillars is the ancient Kanikka Vanchi of Teak with brass locking system etc., a rare find.
Beyond the namaskara mantapa comes the unique srikovil only one of its kind in South India. It is the 'Ghata Prasada'² type with a pot shape, the Srikovil proper is in circular form with a neck shaped mukhamantapa in front. The srikovil has been constructed in stone and the mukhamantapa has ornamented wooden panels in between stone pillars. Both are roofed over by an integral copper roof supported by rafters. The exterior of the srikovil has beautiful daru silpas (wooden idols) at intervals along the periphery. Sopanam as well as pillars in the mantapa have been enclosed by brass membrane. Of the daru silpas special mention can be made of Siva, Venugopal, Ravana, Sri Rama and Mahalakshmi.
Among the subsidiary shrines, that of Sri Krishna is unique. Located in the North-West corner of the outer prakara, it is a small square srikovil abutted in front by a square mukhamantapa. The inside of the srikovil is hexagaonal shape. The srikovil and mukhamantapa are surrounded by pillars enclosing a small walk-way around and tile over. Ther is a namaskaramantapa and balikkal in front of the shrine. Other upadevatas are Ganapathy, Nagaraja and Yakshi.
The tantra rights of this temple are vested in the Thazhaman Matom. Balikarmas take place during Thulam and Karkidagam vavu days in the temple tank nearby with rocky outcrops. The temple comes under the administrative control of the Uranma Devaswom Board.
Outside the nalambalam are the flagmasts and the anapandal (the elephant portico) on the eastern side culminating in the dvara-sala. The Sastha shrine is located on the south-west side while Bhagavathi, Nagaraja and Yakshi are accommodated on the north-west side of the outer prakara.
The huge rock in Kattankunnu in Velloor is called "Pampurumpara" - the rock where snakes crawl. According to second school from this, the name Pampady was derived. Another view is that the name was derived from Payampady (area where water is available).
Vennimala SriRama-Laksmana temple, situated in 4th ward of Puthupally, is 2 km south to Vellor. This very old temple is on a hill 1500 feet high from sea level. There are a number of small wells and ponds around the temple. In the month of Karkidakam, people conduct Vavubaliritual here. "Vennimal Perumal" Bhaskara Revivarma, the Cheraman Perumal
Cheraman Perumal
Rama Varman Kulashekhara was the last King of the Later Chera Dynasty and the first ruler of the independent Venad state from 1102 A.D to 1122 A.D, according to the Rameswarathukoil Inscription. Kotha Varman Marthandam succeeded him as the ruler of Venad.-The end of the Chera dynasty:Rama Varman...
built the temple. Famous sopana musician Shadkala Govinda Marar
Shadkala Govinda Marar
, or was a Carnatic Musician from Kerala, India. He was a contemporary of Saint Tyāgarāja and Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. He was also adept in playing musical instruments like Chenda, Edakka and Thimila...
, contemporary of Swathi Thirunal was born near the temple in Pulikkal house.
South Pampady
- St. Thomas Church, S.Pampady
- St. Thomas High School, S.Pampady
- Cheruvallikkavu Temple, S.Pampady
Kangazha
KangazhaKangazha
Kangazha is a panchayath and village in the Changanacherry Taluk of the Kottayam District of Kerala State in India. It is a beautiful place with a serene atmosphere and is situated 26 kilometers east of Kottayam. It lies midway between the backwaters of Western Kerala and the misty mountains...
is a beautiful place, having a serene atmosphere in Changanacherry Taluk south to Pampady. Famous for the Mgdm hospital
Mgdm hospital
Mar Geevarghese Dionysious Memorial Hospital is a hospital established in 1964 in Kangazha under the Manohar Hill Charitable Trust. MGDM has a prominent place in the health sector of Kerala especially Kottayam District. From its humble beginning as a small dispensary to cater to the health care...
one of the oldest multispeciality community referral hospitals in Kerala. The first Self Finance Nursing College in private sector in Kerala, Theophilis College of Nursing is also situated at Kangazha
Kangazha
Kangazha is a panchayath and village in the Changanacherry Taluk of the Kottayam District of Kerala State in India. It is a beautiful place with a serene atmosphere and is situated 26 kilometers east of Kottayam. It lies midway between the backwaters of Western Kerala and the misty mountains...
. Other educational institutions at kangazha
Kangazha
Kangazha is a panchayath and village in the Changanacherry Taluk of the Kottayam District of Kerala State in India. It is a beautiful place with a serene atmosphere and is situated 26 kilometers east of Kottayam. It lies midway between the backwaters of Western Kerala and the misty mountains...
are
Devaswam Board High School Kangazha,Muslim Higher Secondary School Kangazha,Govt. L.P. School Kangazha,
PGM college of Arts and Science, P Geevarghese School of Nursing, School of Laboratory Technology-MGDM Hospital, Baselios Higher Secondary School, St. Thomas School Kangazha etc.
Pampady Dayara
The famous Christian pilgrim centre is situated near Pampady. His Holiness Pampady Thirumeni is resting there in the Dayara Chapel.This is a famous Orthodox Church. Under this chapel, a lot of institutions are functioning.They are K.G.COLLEGE, B.M.M.SCHOOL, ITC, ABHAYA BHAVAN AND BALA BHAVAN.Education
Block Resource Centre Pampady, SSA, near Pampady at 8th mile Velloor.Schools from Pampady, Kooroppada,Meenadom, Manarcadu and Ayarkkunnam(part)panchayath are under this BRC .B.P.O is the head of the institute
There are many high schools: MGM High School, Govt HSS Alampally, PTM High School Velloor, St. Thomas High School South Pampady, Technical High School Velloor, Crossroads School and a number of primary schools.You can also have quality higher secondary education at MGM hSS lakkattoor
For technical education, there is the famous Engineering College named Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology (RIT).
Cultural
The famous Malayalam writer Ponkunnam Varkey hails from this village. 'Navalokam', is an active cultural forum functioning from Pampady. There was the 'Pampady Arts Society' an arts society set up by the art lovers of Pampady. They used to arrange a cultural programme at the Community Hall every month. Deepa Arts Club, Pothenpuram was a very active club during 70's. It was affiliated to the 'Manorama Balajanasakhyam'. They used to participate in the famous 'Balalokam' program of All India Radio. Deepa Arts Club used to organize All Kerala Native Ball Tournament every year at Alampally Govt High SchoollllHealth care
There is a Govt Taluk Hospital at Pampady which is well maintained and conveniently located near Alampally. There are many clinics, medical labs and ayurvedic dispensaries also functioning.Govt Institutions
The Pampady Block situated at [Pallickathodu] PallickathodePallickathode
Pallickathode, which includes Anickad village, is a panchayath in eastern Kottayam district, Kerala, India.-Economy:Pallickathode has a predominantly agricultural economy...
about 9 km from Pampady town. Pampady having many other govt and semi govt institutions such as Police Circle inspector office, BSNl exchange,panchayath office, KSEB Sub station etc.
External links
- Pampady Community in ORKUT
- Official Site of Pampady Dayara
- Pampady(Pothenpuram) Dayara, Pampady thirumeni
- Pampady Engineering College
- MGDM Hospital, Devagiri, Kangazha, Kottayam.
- Theophilus College of Nursing, Devagiri, Kangazha, Kottayam.
- P Geevarghese School of Nursing, Devagiri, Kangazha, Kottayam.
- P G M College, Devagiri, Kangazha, Kottayam.
- Baselios Higher Secondary School, Devagiri, Kangazha, Kottayam.
- School of Laboratory Technology MGDM Hospital, Devagiri, Kangazha, Kottayam.