Vettikkavala

Vettikkavala
Village
Vettikkavala Location in Kerala, India Vettikkavala Vettikkavala (India)
Coordinates:8°59′0″N76°49′0″E
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Kollam
Area
• Total	18.71 km2(7.22 sq mi)
Elevation	72 m (236 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	20,118
• Density	1,100/km2(2,800/sq mi)
Languages
• Official	Malayalam,English
Time zone	UTC+5:30(IST)
Vehicle registration	KL-24

Vettikkavalais a village located in theKollam districtin the state ofKerala,India.The village is famous for Shiva-Vishnu temples which hosts a special deity calledVathukkal Njaali Kunju.An annual celebration ofPongalais held at the temple. The village is also well known fortemple arts (kshetra kala)and a palace constructed bySree Moolam Thirunal.

Etymology

The village Vettikkavala derives its name from the origins of idol worship of the temple here. The initial worship was carried out on an idol beneath aVetti( aporosa cardiosperma)tree that existed near the temple. According to local historians, this tree was roughly situated near the present-day government school.

Demographics

As of the 2011India census, Vettikkavala has a population of 20,118 with 5,313 households. The majority of the population identifies as Hindu and Christians are the largest religious minority.Scheduled Castesmake up 17.02% of the total population; 0.12% of the population are Scheduled Tribes.

Administration and Politics

Inlocal self governance,the village of Vettikkavala falls within theBlock panchayatnamed Vettikkavala (one among the 11 blocks inKollam district) and the is spread acrossGram panchayatsof Vettikkavala and Melila. In revenue administration it comes under in the KottarakaraTalukofKollam districtof Kerala. Vettikkavala is part of theMavelikara (Lok Sabha constituency)and in the state legislature, it forms part ofPathanapuramlegislative seat.

Attractions and Notable Locations

Vettikkavala Sree Mahadevar temple

Vettikkavala Sree Mahadevar temple is one of the largest and most famous Shiva-Vishnu temples in Kerala. As per oral history there was an idol worship carried out beneath avettitree near the present day temple in olden times. The available records suggests that in around the 17th or 18th century, a temple was constructed near the tree by the queen ofElayadath Swaroopam.The Elayadath Swaroopam centered atKottarakkarawas brought underTravancorein 1742 by troops ofMarthanda Varmaas a result ofTravancore–Dutch War.The temple remained in a dilapidated state for many years after the annexation. However, in 1900 (Malayalam era1176), and under the insistence of palace managerSankaran Thampithe king of Travancore,Moolam Thirunalrenovated the temple into its current structure.

TheTravancore Devaswom Boardmade a major investment in restoring the temple. In 1996, another round of maintenance was undertaken. During this work, a portion ofkulikadavuaround the temple pond was inadvertently damaged.

On the southern side of the temple lies a palace constructed by Travancore kings during the reign ofMoolam Thirunal.This palace was designed for kings and royal family members who were visiting the adjacent temple. Presently, weather and encroaching vegetation are leading the temple into further ruin.

Other Religious Places

• Ancient Sadananda Ashram, Sadanandapuram
• Kannamcode Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple
• Edamana Madom Sree Bhagavathy Trust Raktheshwari Kudumba Paradevatha Temple
• Koikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
• Villur Vaikuntanatha Temple
• Chirattakonam Church
• Thalachira Mosque
• India Pentecostal Church of God
• Assemblies of God in India
• The Pentecostal Mission
• APA
• Kattalanchavarkavu pachoor
• Bethel Marthoma Church, Panavely

Tourist Attractions

• Kallada Irrigation Project
• KTDC Motel Aaram, Sadanandapuram
• Pinnacle View Point
• Kazhuvudayan kunnu, Pachoor
• Muttamala

Educational Institutions

Vettikavala Government Model High School is a high-tech, high-achieving secondary school. Another higher secondary school is in Sadanandapuram and is also high achieving academically. High schools are situated in Thalachira, Chakkuvarakkal, Kottavattom and are at a good level. Some lp, up, and welfare schools are also run by the government. Sector and some aided schools are also run by the private sector. There is also a polytechnic college in Thalachira.

• Govt Model Higher Secondary School Vettikavala
• Govt High School Thalachira
• Govt Higher Secondary School Sadanandapuram
• Govt high school chakkuvarakkal
• D Krishnan Potti Memorial High School Kottavattom
• Travancore Devaswom Board School Vettikavala
• Mar baselios ocean star public school Chirattakonam
• SDA school Karickom
• Karickam international public school
• Aala achan memorial English medium school Thalachira
• Younus polytechnic college Thalachira

Transportation

Road

State-runKSRTCbuses are the primary form of transportation. The village is well connected toKottarakkara,Kokkadu, Thalachira, Chakkuvarakkal andPunalurthrough frequent bus services. Three daily KSRTC Fast Passenger bus services ensure connectivity to neighboring districts ofPathanamthittaandThiruvananthapuram.

• Kollam - TirumangalamNH 744passes through Chengamanad which is situated 2 km away.

• Pathanapuram-Valakom(Mc road)Sabarimala Bypasspass through Vettikkavala.

• Kadakkal-Chengamanad road is another important road passing through Vettikkavala that connects Vettikkavala withAnchal.

Rail and Air

The Kottarakara andAvaneeswaramrailway stations, located on theKollam-Sengottai railway line,are the nearest stations. Both of them are 8 km from Vettikkavala. However, Vettikkavala is better connected with Kottarakkara railway station through public transportation. The nearest airport isTrivandrum International Airport(68 km).

See also

• Kollam