Mala, Kerala

History

Mala is 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 Kudumbis from Goa.

It had a 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 were beetel leaves, cut stone (vettu kall), toddy, coconut, and wood. Today it does not have such importance because of the high network of roads.

In olden times, Mala used to be affected by floods in monsoons. Business were not very much affected because a major mode of transport was through the water itself.

It was attacked by Tippu Sulthan. His fort had passed through Kottamuri, Vattakotta. The fort was made by dumping soil to a height of 15 to 16 metres. After the defeat of Tippu Sulthan, this 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."

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 (established in 1893), St. Antony's High School, Carmel College for Women, St. Joseph's College, St. Theresa's College, Jesus BED college, Holy Child School, Holy Grace Academy, METS School of Engineering, St. Antony's College, Soccorso Convent School, and Al-Azhar School.

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, where St. Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ, is believed to have landed in AD 52.

The Jewish synagogue, Jewish cemetery, Neithakudy, Chumgam, KAMCO, and Karingichira are the beautiful spots worth visiting. It is also included in the Musris Heritage Project as it was a major inland port which had routes to Kochi and other financial ports.

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.

Religious

St. Stanislous Forane Church in Mala [2] 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 celebrated its centenary in June, 2010 (http://www.mukundakrishna.com/). "Muhyudhin juma masjid" is one of the ten oldest masjids in India.

The well-known Mahadeva Kshetram (Mahadeva Temple) is about 7 km from Mala town. This temple is famous for the "Panchaiswaryangal" (five 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 every day. 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. [3]

Pambummekkattu Mana is the most famous serpent worship centre in Kerala. The temple is about 3 km from Mala centre. The Pambummekattu illam 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) catch 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. Mala is famous for communal harmony; all people follows high socialists values and secular spirit.

Transport

The Ksrtc bus stand was the brainchild of former chief minister of kerala, Sri Karanakuran. It also has a private bus stand which has frequent schedules to Thrissur, Chalakudy, Kodungaloor, Aluva. The boat service was a traffic method before road transport was frequent.

Politics

With the redrawing of constituencies, Mala became part of the Kodungallur Assembly constituency and Chalakudi Lok Sabha constituency.Mala panchayath is ruling by Left Democratic front with huge majority. Seat share in Mala Panchayath( CPM-9,CPI-4,CONGRESS-4,BJP-2,INDEPENDENT-1).

Cinema

Cinema is a little part of people in Mala. Ganga Movies is the one and only theatre now. Jose theatre was notorious in Kerala for porn movies; Mala Jose Theatre has burned by a gentle man due to social nuisance. Mala Aravindan, Joju George, Justin John,Vinesh Kambli are the notable actors from Mala, also late Mohan Raghavan, who directed T.D dasan std.VI B is from here. In Mala there are some short film makers , who are hoping the entry to the industry. Ciril Cherian who was the director and actor of the short Film 'IF' got first prize in Manorama CSFF 2016 and also Tom John's short film 'Jose?' which came in the final round was widely appreciated for the script with the given topic MISSED CALL.

Personalities

1. K. Karunakaran-the former Chief Minister of Kerala, represented Mala constituency from 1965 to 1995.
2. Mala Aravindan-Malayalam Film actor.
3. Joju George-Malayalam Film actor and producer.
4. Mohan Raghavan-Film Director
5. M. A. Prajusha