Mathankovilpatti and also known as Mathai (Tamil: மாதான்கோவில்பட்டி) is a dalit majority village situated in Virudhunagar district, Sivaksi taluk. The primary occupation of the people is making crackers and building constructions because of very poor rainfall rate. It is located at just 13 km from sivakasi town bus stand and 4 km from Tamil Nadu Cements, Alangulam (TANCEM). With large population of 4000+ people and a powerful literacy level of 88%, Mathankovill patti’s recent growth and development has been one of the most significant achievements of sivakasi taluk.
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Map of Mathankovilpatti, Tamil Nadu 626131
Many decades ago, the missionaries of Catholic established the Village, the Church and the School. The village is called after the Mother Mary of Blessing.(Upagara Matha). The RC church is 100+ years old.
With the blessing of Tamil Nadu Cements (TANCEM), (Thanks to the then TANCEM Officer Mr Paul Raj who had graciously deployed many of the people from Village) the Village has raised a bar.
Then many of the higher caste people visited for the business venture and established. Though the village is Dalit belt area (60+%), and literate (100%) there is a perfect Harmony in terms of mutli caste and multi religion.
This village is genuine example of diversity with many caste/community people live together with harmony.
Prominent (Catholic)Churches: The Holy Mother Mary of Blessing (Upakara Annai) (150 + years Old church), and the new Church coming up with vast area. St.Sebastian Kruz: Built 75+ years ago. St Michel Kruz St.Antony Kruz St.Joseph Kruz Mother of Health (Velankanni) Kruz.
All the above churches do not belong to any community.
Upakara Annai Church annual festival is celebrated on every May last week and it is being considered as re-union of many of the Nativities.
The Village is blessed with Prominent CSI Church with 75+ years old history.
There is also a Prominent Assembly of God Church in this Village.
Prominent temples are Angalaparameshwari Thirukovil (Mathangkovil), Vazhi Pillaiyar Kovil (at Village Entrance), Kaliamman Temple, RC Church of Mother Marry (Matha Kovil), Ondi Veeran Kovil, Sdachi Amman Kovil, Aandi Murguan Kovil, Manjana Mariamman Kovil, KNpatti Murugan Kovil, and Kamatchi Amman Kovil. Each temple belongs to respective community and each one has its own glorious celebrations at least once in a year especially during school annual vacation period (April–May). Thousands of devotes come to respective celebrations from respective communities from all over the world mainly from different parts of Tamil Nadu.
Mathankovil Patty is a key business hub for the surrounding villages. It is a stop over and transit (for the adjacent villages) in Sivakasi and Alangulam road route.
Places:
The Alamaram (Bus Stand):
A place to gather (Village Centre) for people belonging to different caste and religion. It reflects the true integrity of the village.
Kootakal: Red stone's Meeting
The red stones(rarely available in this area) grouping's is a still a landmark.
Odupalam : Bridge in Kayakudi stream.
Connects Mathankovil Patty and rest of the village towards Sivakasi/Satur road. There had been many times (till 80s) the buses had to halt on both the side stream due to over flow of the stream.
Chettiar Chevu Kadai (KFC's/McDonnell's/Haldiram of the surrounding areas), it was started 5 decades ago. It is very famous sweet & snack manufacturer and supplier in surrounding area (within 20 miles radius). The Chettiar Chevu Kadai of Mathankovil Patti is famous for their mouth watering sweets & snacks. Chevu, Cheeval, Mixer, Cheeni/Karpatti Mittai (Sugar and Jangari) attracts flocks of people from the neighboring villages.
Notable people
The Son of Soil raised to the covenant Principal position for the reputed St. Joseph's Trichy. Rev Fr has visited across the world for Religious, Community and welfare meetings and Summit. Rev Fr has published many books and composed many religious songs.
With his guidance and help there are around 300 + (still growing) graduates flourished from Mathankovilpatti and surrounding area.
Rev Dr Rajarathinam's unconditional love towards Mathankovilpatti and nearby villages is one of the main reason for the development for sivakasi.
From Thiru C. Mariappan Chettiar family, a clan from Priest family that established the Angalaparameshwari Kovil (Mathangkovil), Mr. M. Karuppasamy is highly recognized in the IT field living in Dubai; Dr. M. Manoharan has been working as a professor in USA and Mr. M. Chidambarakumar has been working in Packaging Development field in USA.
Mr M.Bowel and Mrs Arockia Mary (Mrs. Bowel) - (Retired Head Master/Mistress) in RC School Mathankovilpatti.
Their combined service/effort to Mathankovilpatti RC School, Village and the Church is around 100 years.
They had brought many students into limelight by their Moral values and English Vocabulary in and around Sivakasi area. They are credited for the educational development of Mathankovilpatti.
Mr. S.I.Muthu Top IAF officer (Retired)
The first person from Mathankovilpatti listed in top scorer tablet in nearby (catchment area) High School. He has raised to a respectable position in Indian Air Force. He still remains a roll model for many of the aspiring youth in Mathankovilpatti.