Glimpses of History

The ancient archives up to the 15th Century brings a historical light that brighten the dark corners of the origin of the name - Irinjalakuda. It transparently points out that 'Irinjalikoodal' was the old name of Irinjalakuda. 'Koodal' simply means merge together, merging of two rivers. The golden rays of history brighten the murky depths and the disappeared routes of rivers.

According to the documents, two streams that start, one from Kurmalipuzha and the other from Kudapuzha, that belongs to Chalakudypuzha, and move through Konthipulam at North whereas, the other one through Velukara at South. Then these two streams merge together in the west. So it shows that Irinjalakuda may have gradually developed, from 'Irinjalikoodal', that derived from 'Inangikoodal', means - merge together. At present there is no river in Irinjalakuda, only but the myth of river.

Irinjalakuda was the rather important and prominent village among all other villages, which is believed that created by Parasuraman. It was promoted in to municipality in 1936, which has been in the zenith of cultural and social movements of Kerala. History says, Irinjalakuda was the first blessed village in the region with a bus service (during the Kochi dynasty) where the horse carts had been used for extensive traveling.

Look.......
When roaming through the heart of Irinjalakuda we can see that the busstand surroundings which acts as the centre point. Let's start from bus stand and move to west. If you eye straight ahead, there you can see and enjoy the classical façade of old and renowned temple - Koodalmanikyam. Have you noticed a shopping complex just before on the right side of the temple?

You know, there was an old 'Tharavadu' (Ancestral House)and in front of it there was an aged and weak but loving and soothing mango tree stood, extending its branches and giving shade and shelter. It is "Paliyam", the house of Jayachandran, one of the blessed and well-known Indian playback singers.
Haven't you seen a walled pool just on the left side of the temple? Yes! This is 'Kuttamkulam'.

If you eye from the north gate of the temple, you can see the "Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kala Nilayam". Okey, now you can have a recollection of Unnayi Warrier. It is believed that "KalaNilayam" situated on, where, once up on a time, 'the Purathara ' stood rather proudly. Have you ever experienced "Koodalmanikyam" temple festival ? People celebrate the festival with zest and zeal, that continues 10 days. And it is the last temple festival in the middle Kerala, which gives a great deal of interest in classical programs like Kadhakali, Ottanthullal, Koothu, Koodiyattam and so on.

If you move to the north, before the temple, you can reach at "Mahatma Ghandi Library which is the oldest library in Irinjalakuda; originally 'Victoria Jubilee Memorial Library' was changed to above after Mahatma Gandhi. From here you can go to Pathmasree Ammanur Madhava Chakyar's residency.

Then, suppose you are going from bus stand to eastward, there you can see a gigantic Banyan tree that provides a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere where people can gather and listen to the political speeches what make them politically aware. It is very rare to come across a politician who doesn't deliver a speech, at least once, in the shade of that aged tree.

Again straight to eastward, there you can see some old but lively buildings, where the court, Taluk office and the Treasury situated, which provide a discipline to the municipality.
Again to eastward, on the left-hand side you can see Model Boys High School. Near by it, on the right side is the Catholic Centre , which combines together charitable activities, along with advanced education.

Move a little and there is Little Flower Convent. Have you noticed a house with a board on gate written "Moorkancheril house ? This is the residence of M. C. Joseph who was a logician. If you proceed on the same way you can see a little scramble in a building , don't be pacing, you are just a witness of a problem unemployment, which has been very severe in kerala for a long time . Yes! You are infront of the employment Exchange.

Tana is another important centre of irinjalakuda which has a historical importance . Tana means the barracks. Irinjalakuda police station was in Tana, which was changed into Kattungchira . Tana is also blessed with the taluk hospital, from where you have to go eastward to reach at Viswanathapuram temple , Which has been pretty famous for its Shashti mega festival .

Suppose you are moving to southward from Tana, you can reach at glorious St. Thomas Cathedral . Resume your moving, two minutes of walking take you to an old business center Chanthakunnu. Again straight, then you will see an illustrious woman's college St.Joseph's . Continue as the same way, there you can see Shanmugham Canal, which was made suitable for sailing in June 1940, that links Irinjalakuda to the Kochi harbor. Now it's out of usage.

If you are moving to eastward from Chanthakunnu you can reach at the market, whereas to westward, you will be attracted by the healthy fragrance from Kesavan Vaidhyar's famous Chandrika Soap Factory. On the same way is Municipal Office, Municipal park and a historically prominent ground -Ayyankavu Mithanam

Again you proceed , and you will see the Govt.: Girls Highschool and from there you can reach at Kerala Solvent Extraction LTD Company, a dominant firm in cattlefeed production which is situated around 1 km away forward.

Let's move from Tana through Thrissur road, that blessed with the presence of the individuals like, Pattathu Kunjunni Nambyar, a great poet, who rejuvenated and adorned the Darbar Hall of Sree Swathi Thirunal and Uthram Thirunal, with his great presence, has possessed a prominent place in Uloor's Kerala Sahithya Charithram (The history of Kerala literature ), the men of letters like V.Kamalakara Menon, Kunjikrishna Menon, Nambyaru Veetil Narayana Menon, K.Rama Pisharady, Sebastain Joseph (a musician and dramatist), Subhadra parameswaran, Narayani Pothuvhal and so on.

Madhavan Namboothiri a Tharananellur Villager (written by a research prodigy of kerala University) who invented the equivalent value of pie. (a mathematical term), parted the 'Kollavarsham' into 27 Njatuvelha and helped the farmers to keep an agricultural schedule for a better a harvest.

There see the board that shows the way to Christ College . Lets turn to left hand side. One of the illustrious and Many people like Anand (modern novelist who is the author of Aalkoottam , Abayarthikal and so on), Olympian Chandhra Sekhran, Adv.K.V.K Variyar, film Director K.R.Mohan, Cine artist Innocent , Writer K.V.Ramanadhan Master,

George Nellai , Dr. K.N Pisharady, Dr.C.S.Venghidesan, Prof.C.I.Antony, Prof: C.I.Varghese an erudite, J.D Thottan (the man who was a film director, Payikkttu Parameswaran Namboothiry, Varghese Thekkethala, (the man who designed mf 24 bomber), Parambi Lonappan, (the man who was a minister in TamilNadu ministry), and E.A Bushara, (a teacher who was honored with the National award for the best teacher), have contributed their lives to up lift Irinjalakuda's glory is to zenith of fame and prestige

Now you are infront of the Christ College which is famous for its peaceful and gentle campus that situated on Mangadikunnu. If you move again and the same way you will reach at the only one Ayurvedic hospital of Irinjalakuda, which is close to A.K.P metals another important industrial spot.

Koothuparambu is the slice gate of Irinjalakuda's water supply, where you can see a gigantic water tank. Now you are infront of civil station, all Govt. offices, now scattered are going to be consolidated.

Lets wish all the best to the civil station and step into the luminous and wonderful indoor of Irinjalakuda.