Uliyannur Temple by Perunthachan

The Uliyannur Temple, said to be built by the famous carpenter Perunthachan is one of the most historical landmarks in the town. It is said that he had an important part in Aluva’s history.

The temple is located on an island called Uliyannur which was connected to Aluva with a bridge. The way to reach there is a bit twisted as it is a small one-way bridge with a large number of turns as it goes across Periyar. It is too narrow that my friend’s Accent managed to hit its side and damage the bumper.

St. Joseph’s Seminary at Mangalapuzha, on the outskirts of the town is a famous institution for the candidates for Priesthood under the the Syro-Malabar Church. This place also has a long history and a large number of students attend the classes here. The seminary got a large amount of area inside it and it got a fair amount of natural beauty inside along with a big, well-built church in it.

Now, coming back to the air port, it is only ten minute drive from Aluva (well, the air port area is still comes under Aluva, I think). It is one of the best international airports in India, not only because of the size, but also because of the style in which it is built.

The air port has got a special look, something different from the usual air ports which we happen to see anywhere. We can see the planes flying close to the tallest buildings in Aluva showing the fact that the terminal is not too far away.

Kuthambalam by Perunthachan

Kidangoor Subramanya Swamy Temple

Kidangoor Subramanya Swamy Temple 10 kilometers southeast of Ettumanoor.

This temple is one of the ancient temples of Kerala. The Kidangur Subramanya Swami temple is situated in Kottayam District. It is a kilometer away from the Ettumanur-Punjar Highway by the south side of Kidangur- Manarkad road. It is believed that the idol of Subramanya Swami came out of the 'Kamandulu' or pot carried by Maharshi Gauna when it tilted and the water flowed out. Along with the flow of the water, the vigraha was carried away to the Vishnukshetra in Kidangur. Inside the temple where a new Sree Kovil was built for Lord Vishnu, the temple officials felt the presence of Subramanya Swami and so they kept the Subramanya Vigraha there instead of Vishnu. So along with the Vishnu Vigraha on the northern side the Subramanya vigraha was also consecrated in the new Sree Kovil.

Kidangur is historically one of the 64 villages of the Namboodiris. It was the boundary of the Thekkumkur- Vadakkumkur kings. The 14 Brahmin families of Kidangur were the owners of this temple. Out of the 14 Brahmin families some did not have male discendents, so those who had male members became the sole owners of this temple even to the present day.
Koothambalam -Bharata Muni's concept of Natya Shastra is evident in the sculptural work inside the Kuthambalam. So this is different from all other Kuthambalams of various temples of Kerala. It is believed that the Kuthambalam was constructed by Perunthachan. The scenes from Ramayana and mahabharatha are beautifully sculpture

tured on the Rangamandapam of the Kuthambalam. There is a huge pillar curved out of the wood of "Kurumthotti" - a medicinal plant. Inside the hall there is a vigraha of Devi Bhuvaneswari. Women are not allowed to enter the Kuthambalam and the 'Na/amba/am'. 'Koothu' and 'Koodiyattom' are perfonned inside the Koothambalam. A special perfonnance of 'Brahmachari Koothu' is conducted only in this temple and this is for the benefit of those who have no childfen. Mahamaya Devi, enshrined in the Kuthambalam facing south is well known as Kuthambalathil Amma. 'Guruthi' is perfonned for the Devi inside the Kuthambalam by devotees for the removal of all their problems and for the destruction of enemies. During the Annual Festival Chakiyar Koothu is conducted regularly.

Festivals - The main festival is in the month of 'Kumbha' (Feb. March). It starts on the day of 'Karthika' and lasts for 10

days. The 'Trikarthika' of the month of 'Vrichika' (Nov-Dec) and the 'Thaipooyam' of the month of Makara (Jan-Feb) are other important festivals. Many people come to the temple to perform 'Shastivrata' on the 6th day after the 'Amavasya' this is considered auspicious.