Chengamanad, Ernakulam district
|
Chengamanad ചെങ്ങമനാട് |
|
|---|---|
| town | |
| Coordinates: 10°09′54″N 76°21′44″E / 10.1650700°N 76.362340°ECoordinates: 10°09′54″N 76°21′44″E / 10.1650700°N 76.362340°E | |
| Country |
 India
|
| State | Kerala |
| District | Ernakulam |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 29,775 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Telephone code | 0484 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-41 |
Chengamanad is a small town in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, Aluva, India. It is situated on the banks of the river Periyar.
As of 2001[update] India census, Chengamanad had a population of 29,775. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Chengamanad has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 82% and female literacy of 78%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
According to legends the place derives its name from Jangama Muni who is said to have done penance in a cave in the munikkal Guhalaya. The place was initially called Jangamanad which later became chengamanad. Another account says that the name Chengamand is due to the special kind of soil .
The ancient scriptures record the arrival of three mysterious men to the village. Not much is known about these men, except that they were part of the growth and development of the villagers. They spend much time researching for unknown purposes and communicating with the local people only on occasions for various requirement. The names of these men are mentioned among the people even today. Sightings of these men have also been mentioned in various surrounding parts of Annamanada.
The Chengamand Mahadeva temple is the centre of attraction in Chengamanad and is one of the important Shiva temples in Ernakulam district. The main deity, Shiva is in the form of Kirata Murthi facing East. The shrine of Shree Parvathi and Ganapathi faces towards west and south respectively.
The temple is owned by 10 Brahmin families. They are "Thaliyal Mana, Makaramattathu Mana, Maliekkal Mana, Padamattathu Mana, Padappa Mana, Vaippan Mana, Edaprambilli Mana, Mozhully Mana, Valiyakodathu Mana, and Azhvanchery Thamprakkal". Since the members of these families are spread out in various places and the management of the temple became difficult, the administrative powers was transferred to the "Urazhma Devaswam Board". As of now, the temple administration is done by the "Urazhma Devaswam Board" with active guidance from a committee formed by the local people.
The annual festival of the temple comes in Dhanu. It begins with kodiyettu (hoisting of the temple flag) on Chathayam day, lasts for 10 days and ends on Thiruvathira nakshatra. Many temple art forms like 'Kadhakali', 'Ottamthullal', Paadakam', etc. are performed during the festival days. The most important vazhipaadu (offering) in the festival days is 'Ulsavabali'. On the last day of the festival called Aarattu, there is a fantastic ezhunnellippu (procession) with seven elephant accompanied by 'Panchavaadhyam' and 'Paandimelam'.
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