Mala, Kerala
Kodungallur | |
---|---|
Town | |
Kodungallur Location in Kerala, India | |
Coordinates: 10°42′58″N 76°18′18″E / 10.7160099°N 76.3050726°ECoordinates: 10°42′58″N 76°18′18″E / 10.7160099°N 76.3050726°E | |
Country | India |
State | Kerala |
District | Thrissur |
Languages | |
• Official | Malayalam, English, Konkani |
Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
Telephone code | 0480 |
Vehicle registration | KL-45 |
Nearest city | North Paravur |
Lok Sabha constituency | Chalakudy |
Website |
www |
Mala is the name of a small town in Thrissur district of Kerala, south India. There is a Jewish synagogue at Mala town ). At the moment it is in ruins. Mala is also famous for the parish forane church named after St. Stanislous Cosca. It's the only church in Asia named after the saint. The famous Pambu Mekkattu Mana (temple) is located here and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
History
Mala as a Multicultural society. Migrants from different parts of the world settled in Mala, especially noteworthy are the Jews from Palestine, Brahmins from the Konkan and Kudumbi's from Goa.
It had major inland port and people from Ambazhakad, Kuzhur, Kadukutty, and other people used to bring their goods to Mala so as to transport it to Kottapuram or Kochi. The major items of trade was beetel leaves, cut stone (vettu kall),Toddy,coconut, wood and other goods. But it now do not have such importance because of high network of roads.
In olden times, Mala used to be affected by flood in monsoon. Business were not that affected because major made of transport was through water itself.
It was attacked by Tippu Sulthan . His fort had passed through kottamuri, Vattakotta. The Fort was made by dumping up of soil to height of 15 to 16 metres. After the defeat of Tippu Sulthan, these fort was leveled gradually ,but now also as you move towards south of mala ,you will experience many ups and downs. And names also derived due to presence of fort. Kottamury And Vattakota are example of that. Literally, in malayalam Kottamury means "where fort is cut"(kotta = fort; mury=cut) and Vattakotta means "round fort"
Personalities
K. Karunakaran, the former Chief Minister of Kerala, represented Mala constituency from 1965 to 1995. The famous Malayalam film actor Mala Aravindan is also a native of Mala. Mala used to be one of the pet constituency of the former Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. K. Karunakaran and he has made his way to the State Parliament a number of times. Also, the famous Malayalam film comedy actor Mala Aravindan is from Ambazhakadu area of Mala.
Education
Mala is a major educational hub consisting of four Higher Secondary Schools, six English and Malayalam Medium High Schools, two Engineering Colleges, a BEd College, an MBA College, a Government Industrial Training Institute, a medical college and many other professional institutions. Some of the famous Educational institutions are: Government Model LP School(ESTD:1893), St. Antony's High School, Carmel College for women,St.Joseph's College(Ph.0480-2893226), St. Theresa's College, Jesus BED college,Holy Child School, Holy Grace Academy, METS School of Engineering, St. Antony's college, Soccorso Convent School, Al-Azhar School etc.
Tourism
Mala is very scenic. Its proximity to the 'back-waters' connected to Arabian sea, makes it a unique small town between Chalakkudy and Kodungallur Kodungallur, where St. Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ, is believed to have landed in AD 52). Jewish synagogue, Jewish Cemetery, Neithakudy, Chumgam, KAMCO, Karingichira etc. are the beautiful spots worth visiting.It is also included in Musris Heritage Project as it was major inland port which had route to Kochi and other financial port. One of the oldest Carmelite Monasteries, St. Theresa's, is located near this town, in a village called Kottackal. This monastery was built by Blessed Chavara Kuriakose, founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, in 1867 AD. Mala is also famous for the parish forane church named after St. Stanislous Cosca. It's the only church in Asia named after the saint.
Religious
St. Stanislous Forane Church in Mala is a famous landmark in this town. It is the only church in Asia named after this Polish saint. Perhaps, the Missionaries from Poland, who were residing at Ambazhekad founded this church. There is also a 'Mukunda Krishna Swami Temple' of Goud Saraswat Brahmin near Malakulam. This temple is celebrated its centenary in June, 2010(http://www.mukundakrishna.com/). "Muhyudhin juma masjid" is one of ten oldest masjids in India.
The well known Mahadeva Kshetram (Mahadeva Temple) is about 7km away from Mala town. This temple is famous for the "Panchaiswaryangal" (5 miracles) and the unique brahmani pattu - a ritual in Kerala for praying to the goddess Parvati by brahmani people. In this temple the ladies from Vadakke pushpakam, Mala Iranikkulam|vadakke pushpakam houses do the ritual everyday. Important festivals here is in Thiruvathira days. Unmarried girls from across Kerala come here to pray to the goddess Parvati for successful marriages and for long life for their families. [Website :- http://www.iranikulamtemple.com/]
Pambummekkattu Mana is the most famous Serpent worship centre in Kerala. The temple is about 3 km from Mala centre. The Pambummekattu lllam stands in Vadama village, in Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur District of Kerala. When we reach Mekkattu Mana, we can see a wall with Figures of Serpents painted on it. To the north is an arch-shaped entrance inscribed with Serpent figures. As one goes further, thick, tall trees and small temples (Kavu) snatch our attention. That leads to the 'Sarpakavu'. The Serpent gods Nagaraja (male god) and Naga yakshi (female god) reside in the eastern portion of Mekkattu Mana. There are no idols of these gods but daily poojas are conducted in their honour.
Populations
The People of Mala have high social and secular values. Different communities live in peace with each other in spite of very diverse beliefs. Mala panchayath population is 40% Hindus, 35% Christian and 25% Muslims.
Major families in Mala are Vadakkans, Padamadan, Athapilly, Akkarapatty, Mampilly, Srambiakkal.Vadakkans are christain converts from hindu brahmin family. They acquired their name as their "illam" was named "Vadkkel Illam". They migrated from Kodungallur in early second century. Edattukarans are Christian converts from Hindu fishermen of the Araya community who migrated from Edat, a coastal area between Guruvayur and Chavakkad.
Transport
The KSRTC BUS STAND was the brainchild of former chief minister of kerala Sri Karanakuran.It also has private bus stand which has frequent schedules to Angamaly,Chalakudy,Thrissur,Kodungaloor,Aluva. The Boat service was a traffic method before road transport was frequent.
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Politics
With the redrawing of constituencies, Mala became part of the Kodungallur Assembly constituency and Chalakudi Lok Sabha constituency.[1]
Needed Developments
- Construction of Parur - Mala road between Mala-Pallipuram and Manalikkad.
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mala, Kerala. |
- ↑ "Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies" (PDF). Kerala. Election Commission of India. Retrieved 2008-10-19.