Elavumthitta

Last updated

Elavumthitta
Elavinthitta
Town
Coordinates: 9°16′0″N76°42′0″E / 9.26667°N 76.70000°E / 9.26667; 76.70000
Country Flag of India.svg  India
State Kerala
District Pathanamthitta
Government
  BodyMezhuveli Panchayath
Elevation
46 m (151 ft)
Population
 (2001)
  Total32,399
Languages
  Official Malayalam, English
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
689625
Telephone code0468
Vehicle registration KL-03
Nearest city Kollam
Literacy 94.7%
Lok Sabha Pathanamthitta
Assembly Aranmula
Civic agencyMezhuveli Panchayath
The villagers watching the festival Crowd Aswathy.jpg
The villagers watching the festival
Ashwathy Festival Aswathy kettukazhcha01.jpg
Ashwathy Festival
Mooloor Memorial MooloorSmarakam2.jpg
Mooloor Memorial

Elavumthitta (also Elavinthitta, Elavanthitta) is a town (located near to the border of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta district) in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. The majority of its inhabitants are from Hindu and Christian backgrounds. The primary crops are rubber, coconut, black pepper and plantain. The terrain is hilly with plenty of paddy fields in between. It is the commercial centre of Mezhuveli and Chenneerkara panchayaths.

Contents

Geography And Transportation

Elavumthitta is nearly 12 km from the district headquarter Pathanamthitta.Other nearby Towns are, Chengannur (14.5 km), Pandalam (8 km), Kozhencherry (11 km) and Adoor (14 km).

[Other nearby Railway Stations: Cheriyanad Railway Station (19 km), Mavelikara railway Station (25 km), Thrivulla Railway Station (26 km), Kayamkulam junction (34 km).]

Two main roads passes through Elavumthitta. One is Pathanamthitta – Elavumthitta – Chengannur. KSRTC is running chain service through this road. The other road is Adoor – Elavumthitta – Kozhencherry road.

The average height of Elavumthitta is 150 feet (46 m) above mean sea level. The low lying water shed paddy fields around Elavumthitta is 100 feet (30 m) above mean sea level. There is a peak called Namakuzhy, 387 feet (118 m) above mean sea level 2 km. north of Elavumthitta. This peak can be considered as the highest spot in the area. There is a legend about this peak that the pandavas in exile visited this place and stayed here for a short while. There were giant size foot marks imprinted on rocks scattered above the hill believed to be of Bhima the mighty bare hand warrior of Mahabharat epic. And also there was a pit on the rock with perennial source of water; signs reinforcing the local beliefs.

Elavumthitta is the catchment area of two major rivers, the Sacred Pampa and Achankovil. The abundant rainfall in the region supplements these two rivers for keeping the river not drying in summer season, and in return the two rivers keep this region abundant in ground water and save Elavumthitta from droughts. Almost every house got open wells for its water requirement. People of Elavumthitta never experienced a drought or flood situation in their life. Pamba river is in the north, 8 km away and Elavumthitta is in a much higher elevation; hence there is no flood in this region. The same thing is with Achankovil river, which is 5 km away in the western side of Elavumthitta. Elavumthitta was abundant in Streams and lush green paddy fields. There was a time; one could stand on a higher spot and enjoy the sight of endless coconut tree tops spreading its leaves and swaying in gentle breeze, a very pleasant sight indeed.

Major townships around Elavumthitta

1. Geographic location.

2. Cites.

Rainfall

Elavumthitta does not have its own rain gauge, but the area is in the close proximity of Pathanamthitta, which is 12 km. away and has a Rain gauge. The rain fall data for the past few years is given below in mm .

yearJanFebMarAprMayJunJulyAugSepOctNovDec
20052017735827965267015542122037591
200627.70148.3135.6448.7452476271.3320.9480.4253.70
200701024.5313156.8632.8755.2325.6444.1456.2176.58.1
2008065.3158198.461.5287644.1346.1368.2345.9142.940.7
20095.5249115.4166.8378454227.4290.2222.7299.634.9
2010310.766.3210268.2502.5432.5402.2259.4454.9526.489.1
20114674.392.5269.7175.5591.2305.7286.2334.2165.7132.8176
20129.11384.6281.584.6179.5270.6451.6138.4158.9120.126
2013924.49247154728.7608.4281310.3268.4306.118

Sources

  1. Agricultural Statistics – (Website Panchayat level statistics-2011; Pathanamthitta District)
  2. India Metrological Department

The average annual rainfall is calculated from the above data which comes to 2700 mm

History and Culture

Elavumthitta Market celebrated its centenary year in 2009. In the year of 1909 Mooloor S Padmanabha Panicker Who was a member of 'Sreemoolam Prajasabha' had established the Elavumthitta market in the 2 acres (8,100 m2) of land near the Elavumthitta Junction. He named the market as "Sreemoolam Rajagopalavilasam".

Aswathy Festival

The most important annual festival for the people of Elavumthitta is the Celebration of Aswathy in the Malayalam month of meenam. No doubt Onam is the biggest festival of every Keralite, but this Asawathy celebration is exclusively for the People of Elavumthitta. Every child in Elavumthitta will be waiting for this occasion; the tips he gets now and then- let the sum may be a meager one- is kept as his secret treasure; reserved for this great day. He has to buy many items. The seasonal crops of cashew is of great help; cashew picked up from here and there is sold and the amount may be a pittance in today's standard, but the thrill of spending it in the aswathy fair is something one will remember till his death.

Cattle market

A busy day at Elavumthitta cattle market. Elavumthitta cattle market.jpg
A busy day at Elavumthitta cattle market.
Cattle market is active on 9th and 22nd of every Malayalam month. Elavumthitta cattle market 2.jpg
Cattle market is active on 9th and 22nd of every Malayalam month.

Elavumthitta market popularly known as Elavumthitta Chantha (ഇലവുംതിട്ട ചന്ത) celebrated its 100th year in September 2009. The Cattle market is open on the 9th and 22nd of every Malayalam month.
There is an important landmark in the middle of Elavumthitta- a huge banyan tree. How old the tree is, nobody knows, eight hundred years or more that is anybody's guess. Some say it is more than that. One thing is certain, that it gave shelter to generations of weary travelers, it witnessed the political changes of Kerala, listening fiery speeches of politicians who make makeshift stage on its platform now and then; unaffected by either political speeches or religious sermons; stand there majestically giving shelter to birds on its long branches with thick green foliage and feeding its seasonal fruits to the needy birds.

First Sivagiri Pilgrimage

With the blessings of Sree Narayana Guru, five young bloods of Elavumthitta started the first 'Sivagiri Theertdhadanam' in the year 1932. In 1928 January 16 – the decision to start 'Sivagiri Theerdthadanam' was approved by Sri Narayana Guru
It was decided to start the first pilgrimage from Elavumthitta. The S N D P unit No.76 of Elavumthitta selected 5 youngsters for the pilgrimage. Those 5 'Manjakkilikal' were:

The team was led by Sri.P.K.Divakara Panicker. This was a historical journey that led to the famous Sivagiri pilgrimage conducted every year. Now thousands of devotees are following their path. The pilgrimage has become an occasion of unity and peace.

Elavumthitta manjakkilikal.jpg

Mooloor S. Padmanābha Panicker

Mooloor S. Padmanābha Panicker (Sarasa kavi Mooloor) was one of the great poets and a prominent social reform activist from Travancore. He was born at Panayannaarkavu, close to the town of Mannar in Central Travancore in 1869 (Malayalam year Kumbhom 27, 1044 ). He named his residence in Elavumthitta as 'Kerala Varma Soudham' as a mark of respect towards Kerala Varma Valiyakoyi Thampuran who was his close friend.

Arts and sports

People of Elavumthitta had no entertainment in earlier days other than the "Aswathi Maholsvam" celebrated once a year. Cinema halls are 10 to 20 km away. Convenient bus service to reach the cinema hall in time for the show or to come back from the show were not available then. Still some tough adventurists used to trek all the way to Pathanamthitta, Pandalam, Kozhencherry, or Chengannur wherever the popular pictures were shown.

Libraries in and around Elavumthitta

Educational institutions

Temples and Churches in and around Elavumthitta

Writers / Litterateurs

Demographics

Elavumthitta is flanked by the area of 4 panchayats. Following data is from the book 'Panchayat level Statistics 2006' published by Department of Economics & Statistics Thiruvananthapuram.

PanchayatHouseholdsPopulationLiteracy rate
Chenneerkkara48341953894.27
Mezhuveli 37341522395.62
Kulanada60512449393.58
Elanthoor38091542595.33

Elavumthitta is spread in four Panchayats namely Mezhuveli, Chenneerkkara, Kulanada and Elanthoor. The total households in Elavumthitta is 7,988 and population is 32,399. The literacy of Elavumthitta area is 94.70%.

Dairy farming is common here.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pathanamthitta district</span> District in Kerala, India

Pathanamthitta District, is one of the 14 districts in the Indian state of Kerala. The district headquarters is in the town of Pathanamthitta. There are four municipalities in Pathanamthitta: Adoor, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvalla.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mavelikkara</span> Town in Kerala, India

Mavelikkara is a taluk and municipality in the Onattukara region of Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. Located in the southern part of the district on the banks of the Achankovil River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aranmula</span> Village in Kerala, India

Aranmula is a temple town in the state of Kerala, India. It is known as the cultural capital of Pathanamthitta district, located at a distance of around 116 km from Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, it is situated on the banks of the river Pampa. A centre of pilgrimage from time immemorial and a trade post of eminence, when the river was the chief means of transport, it is near Kozhencherry in Pathanamthitta District. It is easily accessible from Chengannur railway station (10km). It is one of the Fastest Growing Village.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maramon</span> Village in Kerala, India

Maramon is a small village on the Pampa River, in Thiruvalla Sub-District & Taluk of Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India. The nearest railway station is Chengannur (13 km). Maramon is about 16 km from the Thiruvalla Town headquarters, the town of Thiruvalla The M. K. Road connects the town to other major towns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adoor</span> Municipality in Kerala, India

Adoor is a municipality in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of the Adoor Taluk and Adoor Revenue Division. Adoor is located 13.2 km (8.2 mi) southwest of the district headquarters Pathanamthitta and 78.1 km (48.5 mi) north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chengannur</span> Municipal Town in Kerala, India

Chengannur is a municipality and Town in Alappuzha district, Kerala, India. It is also the headquarters of the Chengannur Taluk. Chengannur is located in the south-eastern part of the district, in the region known as Odanad, along the banks of Pamba River. Chengannur is 36 kilometres (22 mi) southeast of the district headquarters Alappuzha and 117 kilometres (73 mi) north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Both the NH 183 and Main Central Road pass through the town.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pathanamthitta</span> Town in Kerala, India

Pathanamthitta, is a municipality situated in the Southern Kerala, India, spread over an area of 23.50 km2. It is the administrative capital of Pathanamthitta district. The town has a population of 37,538. The Hindu pilgrim centre Sabarimala is situated in the Pathanamthitta district; as the main transport hub to Sabarimala, the town is known as the 'Pilgrim Capital of Kerala'. Pathanamthitta District, the thirteenth revenue district of the State of Kerala, was formed with effect from 1 November 1982, with headquarters at Pathanamthitta. Forest covers more than half of the total area of the District. Pathanamthitta District ranks the 7th in area in the State. The district has its borders with Allepey, Kottayam, Kollam and Idukki districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Nearest city Is Thiruvalla, located at a distance of 30 km. Thiruvalla railway station Is 30 km via Thiruvalla-Kumbazha highway. Buses ply every 5 Minutes from Thiruvalla To Pathanamthitta & vice versa.

Kulanada is a village in Pandalam, that is located in the district of Pathanamthitta bordering with Alappuzha district in Kerala state within India. Kulanada assumed its name from the combination of words "Kulam" and "Nada". Kulam meaning pond and Nada meaning the temple where the king of Pandalam worshiped.

Mezhuveli Anandabhootheshawaram Temple is a famous Lord Shiva Temple situated at the heart of Mezhuveli village in Pathanamthitta District. This temple was built by the villagers under the leadership of famous social reformer and poet Sri. Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker and consecrated by Sree Narayana Guru. This century-old temple was built on a place called 'Tholekavu' which was surrounded by a small hill called 'Meenchirakkal Hill' on the southern side, 'Ambottimodi' also called 'Kailasam' on the east, a beautiful stream flowing on the western side near "Pottanmala" and at the north side "Padmanabhan Kunnu", a small hill. Tholekavu was a small forest, which is believed to be a part of the Pandalam Kingdom.

Mezhuveli is a village in Kerala, India, situated between the holy rivers of Pamba and Achankovil. It is located 16 kilometers south-west of Pathanamthitta and 12 kilometers east of Chengannur. The Ananda Bhoodeswaram temple in Mezhuveli is dedicated to the Lord Siva.It is famous for the Kettukazhicha during the Utsavam which starts on the Maha Sivarathri every year, linked to the Malayalam calendar. During kettukazhcha, the devotees bring different kinds of idol to the temple. Mezhuveli is also famous for the Padmanabhodayam Higher Secondary School, with a heritage of more than 80 years. Half a kilometer south-west of Mezhuveli is Pottan Mala, which was named in respect to the Appooppan, who once lived there. The Pottan mala Appoppan Devasthanam temple in dedication to the Appoppan is situated at the top. Everyday people worship inside and outside by lighting candles and lamps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muloor S. Padmanabha Panicker</span>

Mooloor S. Padmanābha Panicker (1869-1931) was a poet and a prominent social reform activist from the Travancore region of present-day Kerala.

Kidangannoor or Kidangannur is a town in the extreme west end of Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India. It is on the route between Aranmula and Pandalam. It is well connected to various places such as Thiruvalla(20 km),Chengannur (9.5 km), Pandalam (9.5 km), Aranmula (4 km), Kozhencherry (8 km), Pathanamthitta (18 km) by different roads. It is one of the fastest-growing villages in Kerala. It is about 2 km from the border of Pathanamthitta & Alappuzha districts( Elimukku junction). It is about 4.5 km east of Mulakkuzha from MC road.

Keezhvaipur is a village in the Mallappally Taluk which is one of five Taluks that makes up the Pathanamthitta district, in Kerala State, India.It Is Part Of Thiruvalla Constituency.Keezhuvaipur lies in the bank of river Manimala and is famous for its traditions, cultures, and customs. The town is located on the Kottayam-Punalur State Highway. Keezhuvaipur is 3 km away from Mallappally, 11 km from Kozhencherry and 13 km from Tiruvalla.

Perumkunnil Junction is a small village in Pathanamthitta district, Travancore region, Kerala, India. It is on the route between Aranmula and Pathanamthitta. The majority of its inhabitants are from Hindu and Christian backgrounds. It is well connected to various places such as Chengannur (9 km), Pandalam (8 km), Aranmula (5 km), Kozhencherry (8.5 km), Pathanamthitta (14 km) by different roads.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chengannur railway station</span> 3rd main station in alleppy

Chengannur railway station is an 'NSG 3 category' station located at Chengannur in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the busiest stations in the Thiruvananthapuram Central–Kollam Junction–Kottayam–Ernakulam route, primarily due to the Sabarimala pilgrims. The station is managed by Southern Railway under the Thiruvananthapuram railway division. Chengannur railway station mainly serves the people of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta district.

Most of the schools and colleges in Pathanamthitta district are in Pandalam Kozhencherry, Thiruvalla, Ranni, Adoor and Pathanamthitta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History and culture of Elavumthitta</span>

Elavumthitta Market celebrated its centenary year in 2009. In the year of 1909 Mooloor S Padmanabha Panicker Who was a member of 'Sreemoolam Prajasabha' had established the Elavumthitta market in the 2 acres of land near the Elavumthitta Junction. He named the market as "Sreemoolam Rajagopalavilasam".[1]

The Pathanamthitta district has four types of administrative hierarchies:

Vennikulam is a small town situated in the bank of Manimala River Near Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, South India. Town is located midway between Pullad and Mallapally towns. It Is Part Of Thiruvalla Constituency.

References