History of Grama Panchayat
The ruler of prosperous and happy Kunnathunadu was once defeated in a deceitful game of gambling by a clever foreigner and his servant, who then took control of the land. In Tamil, “Ayyavu” means master and “Ezha” means servant. The conquered land of Kunnathunadu was divided between “Ayya” and “Ezha.” The portion received by Ayya came to be known as “Ayyaykkaranadu,” which later evolved through common usage into “Aikkaranadu.” Today, no place exists with the exact name Aikkaranadu. However, the place called Aykkanachira in Peringole ward may have originated from the old name Ayakkaranadu Chira. If this assumption is correct, the original Ayakkaranadu might have existed near this pond.
Before the military campaigns of Marthanda Varma, the areas up to Peruvanmoozhi belonged to the Kochi royal family. During the festivals of Thrippunithura Poornathrayeesa Temple, ceremonial processions traveled up to Peruvanmoozhi. Since the journey was long, the king or his representative accompanying the procession stayed at Vadayampadi Palace. The place where their attendants stayed later became known as Pariyaram. During the journey, the ceremonial idol was brought down from the elephant at noon for पूजा, food, and rest. Places where such resting occurred were called Elanadu or Elur, which later became Eloor. In those days, ritual bathing was considered important, and the pond where the procession members bathed became known as Elamkulam.
The region is blessed with many places of worship. Important Christian churches include Kadamattom Church, Pazhanthottam Church, Valamboor Church, and Pancode Church. Hindu temples and sacred groves are found in Kadamattom, Thonnikkara, Kadayiruppu, Mangattur, Ezhipram, and Pancode. Traditional art forms such as Margamkali, Chavittunadakam, Kolkali, Parichamuttukali, and Thappum Thudiyum, once popular among different communities, are now disappearing and need revival.
The people of the region continue religious practices such as ancestral offerings at Aluva Manappuram during Shivaratri, pilgrimages to Sabarimala, Malayattoor Church, Kothamangalam, and Manjanikkara. Most wards of the Panchayat also have clubs and libraries active in cultural, social, sports, and arts activities.
Place Name History
Kadamattom, the first ward of Aikkaranadu Panchayat, lies safely between the Muvattupuzha River and the Peruvanmoozhi stream. To its east lies the forest region called Vittur, meaning a forest abandoned by settlements; over time, Vittur became Veettur. The word “Mattom” refers to elevated agricultural land. The famous church here is believed to be over 1,600 years old. Thonnikkara Temple and Poomattom are major worship centers of the Panchayat. The land around Thonnikkara Mahadeva Temple once belonged to a Chakyar family. A part of Kolenchery also falls within this Panchayat, where the renowned Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church hospital is located.
“Moozhi” refers to a strong water current. During the rainy season, when water overflows and becomes powerful, the place became known as Peruvanmoozhi. Mangattur may have been associated with the Mangattu family or the historical figure Mangattu Achan; through language changes, Mangattur became Mangattur/Mangattur. The vast Pancode village spreads across wards 5, 6, and 7, mostly consisting of muddy paddy fields. The Sanskrit word “Pankam” means mud, and “Kodu” means region, giving rise to the name Pancode. Pazhanthottam was once famous for fruit cultivation. Ezhipram got its name from “Ezhippuram,” meaning raised land. The famous Vettikkal Devi Temple is located there. “Ambu” means water, and Valamboor refers to a land surrounded by water. Part of Valamboor lies within this Panchayat and contains a century-old church. Areas like Ezhipram and Mangattur also have good potential for traditional industries such as mat weaving using screw pine plants.