| Bhoothathankettu | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Bhoothathankettu Dam |
| Location | Ernakulam District, Kerala |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Periyar river |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Bhoothathankettu Reservoir |
Bhoothathankettu is a dam and tourist spot in Kerala, India. It is situated in the village of Pindimana, about 10 km away from the town of Kothamangalam and 50 km away from the main city of Ernakulam. At the time of Malayatoor pilgrim season, travellers use the roads through the forest.
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Large blocks of unshaped stones are placed on both sides of the Periyar River to form the dam, making it look like a natural dam built by superhumans. The name Bhoothathan Kettu, means "monster dam"; past generations believed it was built by a Bhootham (monster). [1]
Some monsters planned to submerge the Trikkariyoor temple, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva by making a dam in the Periyar river and flooding the area. But, Lord Shiva, suspecting trickery, came up with a plan to deter them. He made it appear that dawn was approaching by making a sound like the crowing of the rooster. The demons fearing the arrival of light fled from their task. But there remains to this day the visible proof of their effort - the huge stones the demons were supposed to have rolled onto the riverbed, the Old Bhothathankettu. The Periyar flows on through the narrow space which the demons did not quite manage to dam up.[2]
Its been attributed to two great floods - one in the 4th century and the other in 1341, which threw open the port of Kochi. The massive landslides during the flood is believed to have caused gigantic rocks to roll down from the mountain and become entrenched in the Old Bhoothathankettu.
On 20 February 2007, total 18 people, including three teachers, nine boys and six girls of an excursion team from St Antony’s UP School in Elavoor, Eranakulam district of Kerala who drowned in Periyar Lake at Thattekkad. The tragedy occurred when water leaked into boat, causing it to overturn. The boat which was the cause of the accident was under repair and was overloaded. [3] [4] [5]