Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam
Village
Chendamangalam
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Ernakulam
Taluk	Paravur
Area
• Total	10.83 km2 (4.18 sq mi)
Population
• Total	28,133
• Density	2,477/km2 (6,420/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Malayalam, English
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	683512
Telephone code	0484
Vehicle registration	KL-42
Website	[1]

Chendamangalam (or Chennamangalam) is a small town and a panchayat in Paravur Taluk, Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is about 23 km from Ernakulam. It has three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and large expanses of green plain.

The Paliam Palace, residence of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the former Maharajas of Kochi, is one of the architectural splendours of Kerala. The Palace is over 450 years old and houses a collection of historic documents and relics.

The hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakom are unique as the site of a Hindu temple, a Syrian Christian church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all within 1 km of each other. The synagogue was built in 1614 AD and is in a peaceful wooded area. In the courtyard behind the synagogue, it is possible to find old Jewish graves, including one of a Jewish woman, dated 1264 AD.

The Jews arrived in Chendamangalam after the destruction of the second temple and the final desolation of Jerusalem in (AD 69) and founded a colony. They moved to Fort Kochi in 1341 AD after the Great flood. All the synagogues in Kerala - Chendamangalam, Mala, and Kochi - have similar traditional architectural features: a central bimah of brass or silver metal on a concrete or stone base, an ark on the western wall, a balcony above the eastern entry to the sanctuary that is used by the reader on certain holidays. Behind the balcony is the women's gallery, with a stairway leading up to it, usually from outside the building.

Also here are remains of the Vypeenakotta Seminary built for Syrians in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Adjacent to the seminary is an old Syrian Catholic Church built in 1201. It is also the site of the first printing press in India.

History

Chendamangalam was part of Kanayanur taluk, of the erstwhile Cochin State. The panchayat was formed in 1914. Bordered by rivers on the north, east and south, it is a meeting place of cultural diversity. Jews, Christians, Muslims and several of the distinct Hindu castes lived here harmoniously. The presence of immigrant communities like Konkinis (Gowda Saraswatha Brahmins) Moopans (Kudumbis) and the craftsmen categories viz. Kallasari (masons), Marassari (carpenters), Moosari (moulders), Kollan (blacksmiths), Thattan (goldsmiths), Chalian (weavers), and Kusavan (potters) to this day reminds of past industrial and business importance. The Jewish community migrated to Israel in the sixties. Their synagogue is presently maintained by the archaeology department.

Mar Sleeva Church was established in 1075. The special fortified construction of the old block of the church is believed to have been constructed at the time of Tippu Sultan's invasion of Malabar.

Paliyam satyagraha resulted in the temple entry proclamation in Cochin State. Mattachanda (Barter Market), an annual fair conducted every year on the eve of Vishu, is reminiscent of past history when people came from near and far to buy their domestic needs such as food ingredients, condiments, cutlery, pottery and furniture in exchange for their agricultural produce or hand made products, even though now all transactions are in cash.

From 1663 to 1809, Prime Ministers of Cochin, Paliath Achans, resided at Chendamangalam.

Places of Worship

Synagogue at Kottayil Kovilakam

Mosque at Kottayil Kovilakam

Temples

• Sree Venugopala Krishna Swami Dewasthan was established in 1900 AD at Chennamangalam (earlier known as Jayantha mangalam), the main deity is Venugopalakrishna Swamy. The main idol is Shila Vigrah of Venugopalakrishna Swamy. There is also an Utsav idol of the Lord and the idols of Garuda and Hanuman at His feet. The temple celebrates six day long annual festival in the month of Vaisakh. Sree Venugopla KrishnaSwami Dewasthan
• Sree Krishna Swami Temple, Kotayilkovilakam
• Kunnathu tali temple
• Paliam Dewaswom
• Arankavu temple

Churches

• Mar Sleeva Church, Kottayil Kovilakam
• St. Sebastian's, Gothuruth
• Little Flower Church, Kuttukad

Mosques

• Chendamangalam Juma Masjid

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Chendamangalam had a population of 28,133. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Chendamangalam has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 87% and female literacy of 85%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Education

• St. Sebastians HSS, Gothuruth
• Govt. HSS, Chendamangalam
• Dharmaposhani Sabha School, V P Thuruth
• DD Sabha School, Chendamangalam
• Santacruz LP School, Kootukad
• Govt. LP School, Chendamangalam
• St. Joseph's High school, Chathedam
• St. Mary's LP School, Chendamangalam
• O.L.M.S, Kurumbathuruth
• H.I.J.P School, Chathedam

Health

• Gothuruth PHC

Transportation

• Parur - Mala road via Pazhampillythuruth
• Parur - Mala road via Karimbadam, Malavana
• Parur(Munduruthy) - Kottayilkovilakom road
• Chendamangalam - Gothuruth road
• Chendamangalam - Kottayilkovilakom road
• Vadakkumpuram - Andypillykavu road
• Thattukadav – Karimbadam road

Ferries

• Kurumbathuruth
• Cheriya Pazhampilly Thuruth
• Kottayilkovilakom – Malavana
• Valiya Pazhampilly Thuruth- Station kadavu

Localities

Chendamangalam, Gothuruth, Kottayilkovilakom, Vadakkumpuram, Karimbadam, Kochangady, Kurumbathuruth, Valiya Pazhampilly Thuruth, C P Thuruth, Kizhakkumpuram, Thekkumpuram, Chathedam, Manakodam, Kootukad, Kadalvathuruth, Palathuruth, Kunjvarathurth,Bharanimuku,Kottatal.

Places of Interest

• Kottayilkovilakom
• Jew Market

The synagogue has been restored and has an exhibit which is open to visitors from 9:30 to 5:00 during the week. Chendamangalam Synagogue

See also

• North Paravur
• Ernakulam district