Goddess Parvathy

Chengannur

Chengannur, ചെങ്ങന്നൂര്‍ (in Malayalam), is a municipal town in Alappuzha district of the state of Kerala in South India. Chengannur (also spelled Chenganoor, Chenganur, and Chengannoor) is located in the extreme eastern part of Alappuzha district.

Location

It is 117 km north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on the MC Road. It is watered by the Pamba River. It borders Pathanamthitta district. The nearest towns are Pandalam on the south, Thiruvalla on the north, Mavelikkara on the west and Kozhencherry and Pathanamthitta on the east.

Demographics

As of the 2001 India census, Chengannur had a population of 25,391. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Chengannur has an average literacy rate of 88%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 88% and female literacy of 88%. 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Name

Nammalvar of the 1st millennium C.E., describes Chenkunrur or Chenganoor as a town where the smoke, emanating from the Vedic ritual yagna, fills the sky and as a place surrounded by rich lush vegetation (of bananas and coconuts). The name is derived from Chennu Ninne Uru which means "the place where they stopped". It was named after a temple of Shiva and Parvati was established here after a sage made them come and stop there.

Myth

Chengannur is famous for its Shiva temple Chengannur Mahadeva Kshetram, where thousands have darshan of aaratu festival goddess Parvathy. Here goddess Parvathy's abdomen part fell when Lord Mahavishnu used his sudharshana chakram to cut her body when Lord Shiva was dancing in anger with her body - after she fell in homa gundam of daksha yagnam. The devotees to the famous Temple in Sabarimala where Lord Ayyappa is believed to be present will do darshan in the Shiva temple in Chengannur as Shiva is supposed to be the father of Ayyappa. (Lord Ayyappa was brought up as an orphan in the Panthalam Palace.)

Places of pilgrimage

Mahadeva Temple-Chengannur
Thrichittattu Mahavishnu Temple (established and worshipped by Yudhishtira)
Sasthamkulangara Narasimha Murthi Temple (The only Narasimha temple in Central Travancore with beautiful ancient wooden mural sculptures adorning the Srikovil)
Sharngakavu Devi Temple-Venmoney (Famous for the Vishu Festival)
Gandharvamuttam Devi Temple - Mulakuzha,
Kozhuvalloor Devi Temple (Famous for Kumbha Karthika Festival)
Kuthiravattom Shri Dharma Sastha Temple
Divya Jyothi Temple of Narayana Guru at Kozhuvalloor
Parumala Church
Puthencavu Church
Mannar Juma Masjid, Aranmula Parthsarathi Temple
Cheriyanadu Balasubrahmanya Temple (famous for Pallivilakku, Kaavadiyaattam & Shashtivratham)
Elanjimel Vallikkavu Devikshethram, Puthukkulangara temple
Othara (famous for Padayani)
Azhakiyakavu Devi Kshethram
Neervilakom Ayyappa Temple (famous for Pallivilakku, Kaavadiyaattam, Velakakali & Ayyappan pattu)
Edanadu Mahadeva Kshethram
Puthancavu Devi Kshetram
Malakkara Vishnu Kshethram (anandashayanam)
Kotta Mahadeva temple (owned by Travancore Devaswom Board]])
Puliyur Krishna temple(Famous pancha pandava temple)
Vandimala Devasthanam
Nellikkal Devi Temple
Edanadu Devi Temple
Pennukkara Devi Temple
Neduvaram kodu Mahadeva Temple
Alakkavu Devi Temple
Thiruvanvandoor gosala krishna temple
Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Karakkad
Nediyathu Devi Temple, Karakkad
Pazhoor Devi Temple, Karakkad
Old Syrian Church(estd 1700years ago)
St Ignatious Orthodox Cathedral
Bethel aramana(Malankara Orthodox Church)
st. george orthodox catholicate simhasana church,piralassery

Important Locations in Chengannur

[Mudancavu]

Mudancavu is nearest place to Chegannur on the Bank of River Pamba.SREE VADASSERIKAVU BHADRA KALI TEMPLE IS ONE OF THE OLDEST TEMPLE WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED 1150 YEARS AGO.THRICHITTATTU MAHAVISHNU TEMPLE, KODAYATTUKARA SREEKRISHNA TEMPLE, ULIYANATTUSSERY LORD AYYAPPA TEMPLE(DRSTROYED), TWO PALLIYODAMS, VISWAKARMA HEAD OFFICE, N S S TALUK UNION, SO MANY COMPANIES ARE SITUATED IN THIS VILLAGE. OLD SYRIAN CHURCH,Firstly called as Devamatha Church one of the oldest church which was established 1700 years ago. St Ignatious Orthodox Cathedral is the Part of this church which is constructing beautiful new church.

[Old Syrian Church (Pazhaya Suriyani Pally)]

Chengannur is India’s gateway to the Sabarimala Ayyppa shrine, many miles away on the Sahyadris. And it is also the seat of one of Kerala’s most ancient Christian Churches withstanding the ravages of time. When one would look at the gawking structure with awe and wonder, he may also feel sorry that one of our great citadels of religious amity that could stand upto some of the great cathedrals of the world--the Canterbury Cathedral, the York Cathedral, both in the United Kingdom, the Notre Dame of Paris or the Cologne Cathedral--has been languishing in the backyard of India’s great past.

Pazhaya (ancient or old) Suriyani Pally in Chengannur, claiming to have a history of not less than 17 centuries is a beautiful structure blending the best of Christian and Hindu temple architecture, something fast disappearing from Kerala landscape for want of care and attention. Its gopuravathil, nadapanthal, kalluvilakku and doors adorned with carved figurines including a Hanuman holding a baton speak of a bygone era when the Christians and the Hindus lived and prospered as “manusharellarum onnu pole”.

Historians agree that Kerala is dotted with at such landmark centres of worship modeled on Hindu architecture. Take for example, the Muslim mosque at Kathiroor, near Chokli in Kannur district. It is almost a temple. Historians feel that it was originally a temple but converted into a mosque in the wake of Hyder Ali’s or Tippu’s march over Kerala in the last quarter of the 18th century.

The Pazhaya Suriyani Pally in Chenhgannur and the Cheriya Pally in Kottayam are unique with the same architectural splendor. And both the churches have Valiya Pally at a throw away distance with the Kottayam Valiya Pally belonging to the Syrian K’nanaya faction and the Chengannur Valiya Pally belonging to the Marthoma Church. Kottayam Cheriya Pally is a treasured possession of the Orthodox Syrian Church while the Chengannur Pazhaya Pally is co-owned by the local Orthodox Church and the local Mathoma Church, under a Trust formed over a century back, to be exact in 1878 with the right of worship shared by them on alternate Sundays.

Fiercely Independent: Suriyani Pally, shorn of written evidences of its hoary past except perhaps the words carved on the pillars of its nadapanthal, proudly recalls the stories of its tour de resistance against foreign machinations, both from the East and the West. Throughout the centuries the church proclaimed its independence as evidenced by the formation of a Trust ratified by Travancore Royal, Court and latest by the High Court of Kerala.

History has it that Ivanios Yuhanon, a metropolitan from Antioch, Syria, visited Malankara in 1751 and made the western ‘malika’ double storied building) of the Pazhya Suriyani Pally (this ‘malika’ is no more there) his home. Mar Ivanios, credited with the propagation the liturgy of Mar Yacob in Malankara, passed away in 1794 and was interred in front of the southern ‘thronos’ (alter) of the Church.

There is legend regarding Mar Ivanios’ arrival in Chengannur. When he reached Irapuzha kadavu on River Pampa by boat, his followers took him to the Church in a procession. But the Nair chiefs of the land did allow the procession to pass in front of the Vanchipuzha Chief’s palace and the procession had to take a different route. When the son of Vanjipuzha Chief fell ill, the royal astrologer found that the curse of a saint had fallen on the son. The Chief is said to have tendered an apology to Mar Ivanios whose prayer rid the boy of his illness. In return the Chief bestowed tax-free land and properties to the Church.

Tablets of History: Over 1200 tombs in the cemetery adjoining the Suriyani Pally, some of them belonging to eminent Christians, stand as mute witness to the bygone days when all Christians were united in Christ but fell apart for reasons purely temporal. George Joseph, who was once President of the Indian National Congress and his brother renowned journalist Pothen Joseph and Padmashri PM Joseph, once principal of the National Physical Education College, Gwalior, are among those buried here.

Two tombs conspicuous by their close proximity to the Church belong to two illustrious sons of the Marthoma Church—Kottooreth Valiachan and Kottarathil Thoma Kaseesa. Valiachan, Rev. M. Joseph Kottooreth, was the first translator of the Syrian liturgy and first Secretary of the Church. He was also the first editor of the Malankara Sabha Tharaka. He also successfully conducted the Suriyani Pally case. Thoma Kaseesa and 11 others founded the Marthoma Suvishesha Sangham, which has been organizing the renowned Maramon Convention for more than a century.

Unique Offering: The Church is famous for the Aval Nercha (offering of sweetened rice flakes) held on every Maundy Thursday, for the last four centuries. The current Trustee, V.A.Abraham Vaikkathethu, is one of the chief organisers of the Nercha at present.

Article By

Kurian Pampadi

Neervilakom

Neervilakom is a village situated between Aranmula and Chengannur. It is 5 km away from Chengannur and 7 km away from Aranmula. Neervilakom is a part of Aranmula panchayat and Pathanamthitta district. Neervilakom is the geographical border of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. Neighbour villages are Malakkara, Arattupuzha, Puthancavu, Kurichumuttam and Piralaserry.

The main access to Neervilakom village is the Chengannur-Pandalam parallel road. Other accesses are the Arattupuzha-Neervilakom road, the Malakkara-Neervilakom road, the Chakkittappadi-Neervilakom road and the Aranmula-Chengannur parallel road. Limited bus service, auto rickshaws and taxis are available.

The meaning of Neervilakom is “The land, surrounded by water”. The name is derived from Neeru vilakom. On the other hand Neervilakom may also mean “neeru kurutha idam” (i.e., this land gives 100% profit in agriculture). This name is established, during Thiruvithamcore ruled under Cheravamsha. The special attraction of Neervilakom is the more than 100,000 acres (400 km²) of paddy fields surrounding it. Ninety-five percent of the villagers are farmers. The main products are rice, coconut, rubber and vegetables.

Places of pilgrimage in Neervilakom include:

Sree Dharmashastha Temple
Peringattukavu Devi Temple
Nilakkal Mahadeva Kudumba Temple
Kuttamthu Murthi Temple
Neervilakom Chapel of Puthecavu ST MARYS Orthodox Cathedral
More than ten “Nagraja kavus”

Cutural organisations

Tagore Library
Tagore Arts & Sports Club.

Edanadu

Edanadu is a village situated on the bank of river Pampa. It is part of the Chengannur Municipality. Edanadu is an island that shares its border with the river Pampa on one side and with Varattar on all other sides. The place is located 3km away from Chengannur and 10 km away from Aranmula, the land of God Krishna. Edanadu is situated in the extreme eastern part of Alappuzha district. It is the geographical border of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta district. It shares its border with Othara, Arattupuzha, Puthancavu, Koipram and Mangalam villages.

Mulakuzha

Mulakuzha panchayat is situated around 6 km from Chengannur on the MC Road. It is blessed with beautiful nature. It borders on Pathanamthitta district.

The famous "Century Hospital" is in this panchayat. It is the biggest corporate hospital in Central Kerala, and is owned by Central Travancore Specialists Hospital Ltd.

Other attractions include "Mulakuzha Gandharvamuttam Devi temple" which is famous for legends besides 'Juma Masjid'. St. Thomas Marthoma Church and St Mary's orthodox church are famous pilgrim centres. Temples, mosques and churches are situated nearby showing brotherhood among all communities.

Important educational institutions are MMARS, GVHSS Mulakuzha, St. Gregorios Public School, and Christian College. It borders Pathanamthitta district.

Kozhuvalloor

Kozhuvalloor is a village in Mulakkuzha panchayat. It is the site of Kozhuvallor Devi Temple and Kuthiravattom Ayyappa Temple, which are famous for their legends. Kozhuvalloor Devi Temple's "Kettukazha" during the Kumbha Kaarthika festival is very famous. The "Changappadam Chal" separates Mulakkuzha Panchayat and Venmony Panchayat on the south side. Divya Jyothi Sree Narayana Guru temple is a pilgrim centre. The famous Bible school is also in this village.

Cheriyanad

Cheriyanad (ചെറിയനാട്)is a village situated 8 k.m south-west of Chengannur. It comes under Chengannur taluk.

Puliyoor

Puliyoor is 4 km away from Chengannur and comes under Chengannur taluk, famous of Puliyoor temple (famous of Kavadiyattam) one of the panchambalam temples.10 days festival. Makaram Thiruvathira aarattu. it is believed that darsan in these five (Pancha Pandava ) temples in a day is very auspicious. and famous of Puliyoor Mahaganapathy temple and Malankara Catholic church situated in Puliyoor hill it can be see from anywhere near the town. There is also St. Mary's and St. George Orthodox Church and St. Thomas Marthoma Church. All the communities live here in perfect harmony, partaking in inter-religious functions in full spirit. Ahead of palachuvaddu is a vast area of paddy fields spread on both sides of Chengannur-Mannar Road. Puliyoor, kavadiattam is celebrated by all with full grandeur. The holy pilgrimage to Parumala goes through Puliyoor, wherein the devotees take rest, pray, and get refreshed at the Orthodox Church (Puliyoor Palli) and move forward to the THIRUMENI's shrine. N E S Block office is also situated in Puliyoor. Puliyoor is a beautiful place with greenery, cultural centres and religious centres. Puliyoor is well connected with public transport system and centrally / equally located to chengannur, mannar and mavelikara.

Pennukkara

Pennukkara is a small village, 5 km away from Chengannur. It is under Ala village. This place is quite green.

Pandanad Muthavazhy==

Pandanad panchayath belongs to chengannur Taluk and just 3 kilometers away from the town. Muthavazhy is extreme east of pandanad, at the southern bank of holi pampa river. Muthavazhy is famous with its palliyodam and kumaramangalam shree subrahmanya swamy temple, which is very peculiar with its construction, which cannot be seen at any other temples of same era. Muthavazy palliyodam is also very ancient which can accommodate 65 to 80 people at a time.