Vandamattom

Location

Vandamattom is situated in the bank of a small river(Thodu) which runs from Chilavumala to Kaliyar River, in Kodikulam Grama Panchayath, Thodupuzha taluk, Idukki district, Kerala, India.

History

The name Vandamattom came from earlier inhabitants, Vandanakara family of the area as the paddy fields (mattom) on the banks of the river belonged to Vandanakara family. Major families living in Vandamattom are Vandanakara,Vattakkunnel, Panthackal,Puthiyaveettil, Kalluvelil, Kottoor,Thekkel, Vaniyekizhakkel,chelapurath,kunnathu, and Parachalil.

Religion

Vandamattom is a place of great communal harmony where people respect and value each other. Inhabitants of vandamattom are mostly Roman Catholics, Hindus belonging to Vellala & Ezhava castes. About 700 years ago the place where the present St.George Church stands was a graveyard for Christians and there was a cross: Vandamattom cross (Vettukallel Kurisu).The descendants of the deceased gathered near the cross to celebrate their death anniversary and conducted oottu (feast). St.George Catholic Church, under Kothamangalam diocese & St.George Forane church, Muthalakodam is the religious institution of Christians. The Church feast conducted in January 24–26 every year. The church is supported by a FC convent, which runs a Nursery school(Kindergarten) and a tailoring institute for young women. Elambilakattu Devi Temple is the place of worship of Hindu community. Ulsavam is conducted every year and is a major event of religious gathering in Vandamattom. People from neighboring villages also comes for Poojas and various Offerings.

Culture

Kerala Public Library and Arts & Sports Club is the cultural headquarters of vandamattom. The library was started in 1960's. It has a huge collection of books of various genres. Library has a reading room attached to it, with all major Malayalam daily newspapers and various magazines. The club takes initiative of the cultural events during Onam and Christmas. The Church feast(Perunnal) conducted in January 24–26 every year is another major cultural event which is participated and co-operated by people irrespective religion and castes. The Ulsavam in Elambilakattu Devi Temple is celebrated every year. Onam celebrations conducted by 'Vandamattom Paurasamithy', give the whole village a festive mood.

Government Services

Krishi Bhavan (Agriculture Office) of Kodikulam Grama Panchayath in Shappumpady, Post Office near FC convent, Public Library opposite Post Office, Primary Health Centre in Shappumpady, Government UP School, Nedumattom Co-operative Bank (Nedumattom Service Co-operative Bank, Head office),BSNL tower for Vandamattom with broadband lines covered 100% of entire area.