The tourist spots in Mavelikkara
follows.1.The Budha Statue
The statues is in seated posture, resembling Padmasana. A feature common
to the idols is that hair has not been engraved on the head. Studies by the
Archaeology Department have not been able to explain the absence of hair
which is common in Buddha statues of the Gandhara and Mathura tradition. The
head has markings resembling a headgear. Though the department has made a
pagoda-like structure for the statue, no information on the idol is
available to tourists who visit the area. Local people in the area light
lamps before the idol. The idol at Mavelikara is four-foot high and is
perhaps, the biggest. The engravings on the head resemble a helmet of Greek
statues. The mark of a sacred thread is visible on the body. Another feature
is the marking of a shawl on one shoulder. Here the Archaeological
Department has put up a board specifying the age of the statue.
2.Chettikulangara Temple
Many followers of the theory of Kerala’s genesis by Parasurama firmly
believe that he had established 108 Durga temples, 108 Siva temples,
numerous Sasthatemples, besides 108 Kalaris (place to learn traditional
martial arts in front of the deity), Sakthi Kendras etc. Besides he had
established five Ambalayas. Jagadambika of Chettikulangara, the Goddess of
Oodanadu, is among the five Ambalayams. Though enough historical evidences
and authentic study materials are not available to support, it is believed
that this temple dates back to more than1200 years. This is the second
largest temple under Travancore devaswom board, next to sabarimala.
3.Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple
One among the Mahakshetras of kerala, is the oldest historical evidence
of the rich heritage of Mavelikara. This is also known as Dakshina Kashi.
There are 108 famous Siva temples all over the world. Kandiyoor temple is
one among them. Saint Mrikandu, the father and guru of famous Markandeya,
got a beautiful idol of Kiratha Moorthy, while taking abath in the holy
river ,the Ganges. He heard a divine voice (Assariri), that the idol must be
laid in a very holy and suitable place. The saint traveled far and wide and
reached Kandiyoor, which he realized as the apt place (Kandathil nallathe
Kandayoor). Thus the temple was established. From Kandayoor it became
Kandiyoor. This is the legend of the temple.
4.Saradamandiram
Saradamandiram is a house built by Keralapanini AR Rajarajavarma near
Sree Krishna swamy temple at Mavelikara. He spent his latter part of life
there.On 1918 june 18, one of the greatest lovers of Kerala passed away.
Kerala government acquired Saradamandiram and preserves it as a memorial.
Famous as KERALA PANINI, A.R was bourn on feb 20,1863. He is the first
grammarian of Malayalam and one of the best critics. He was instrumental in
bringing about drastic changes in the educational scenario by revising the
syllabus and reforming the KUDIPPALLIKKOODAM style. He himself prepared text
books to overcome the shortage .He was a reputed professor. His close
disciples includes SAHITYA PANCHANAN P.K. NARAYANA PILLAI and SWADESABHIMANI
K. RAMAKRISHNA PILLAI.
AR is the first ever Indian principal of The Maharajas college( now
University college ) at Thiruvananthapuram. He is the man who visualised a
university uniquely for Kerala. Rajaraja varma actively lead the reformist
group in the PRASAVADHA-which revitalised the craft and soul of Malayalam
poetry. MALAYAVILASAM written by AR is an absolute example of his talent as
a poet. By writing several introduction to renowned poetical works, he
proved himself as the pioneer of the modern critical approach in Malayalam
literature.
5.Arch Bishop Mar Ivanious's Residence
Born on September 21 ,1882 at the Panikkaru veettil in puthiyakavu.
Formerly known as P.T.Varghese ,he joined the M.D. Seminary at Kottayam. On
1899 January 18, he was converted into a brother by Pulikkottil Mar
Divannasiose. In 1908 he became a priest .He also became the first priest
with M.A.degree.He visited the Ramakrishna Ashram at Serampur and understood
the essence of Ramayana and Bagawad Gita. He was attracted by the Indian
tradition of the Sanyasis. In 1920, he accepted Sanyas .He was the anchor
man in reforming the Christian priesthood by using the scepter and the Holy
cross made of wood. In 1925 he became The Bishop. He founded the Bethany
movement. He gave due role to women in the movement. He died on July 15,
1953.