History of Grama Panchayat
History of Toponymy (Origin of Place Names)
Rich in natural beauty and fertility, this region was considered second only to the Elayadathu Swaroopam (the royal kingdom). Recognizing this, it was given the name Elamad, incorporating the name of Elayadathu Naadu. Elders say that Elam Naadu over time evolved into Elamad.
In the past, there were load-bearing stone rests (Chumadutaangi) for head-load porters to lower and reload their burdens, as well as wayside rest houses (Vazhiyambalam) for travelers to rest. One such load-resting stone and wayside rest house were located at Elamad Ambalammukku, built 200 years ago by an elder from the Vallari family near the Elamad temple. Because it was a rest house/temple constructed by Vachari (a master carpenter/craftsman), the area was initially named Vachariketti Ambalam. Over time, this name was corrupted into the present-day Ambalammukku.
The area formerly known as Aarukkunnu Muri is today’s Arkannoor. The path extending from present-day Ilavinmoodu to Madavoor Arukanjiram was known as Karithattittheruvu. The Koomballoorkavu Shree Dharma Sastha Temple is over 300 years old and has a large sacred grove (Kavu) adjacent to it.
Elamad Panchayat also holds unique place legends:
Kadappallikonam: To the west of the Kadappallikonam Temple in Paramcode Ward, there is a perennial water spring that fascinates visitors. Water spouts upward from the bottom like a fountain, bringing along conches, sea shells, various mother-of-pearl shells, and seashore sand together with air bubbles. According to legend, this area was once part of the sea, which retreated because the presiding Goddess faced westward. The name Kadappallikonam is believed to be derived from Kadal-palli-konam (meaning the place where Lord Varuna, the sea deity, resides).
Socio-Cultural History
Elamad was a prosperous region under the Elayadathu Naadu kingdom, named Elamad to signify its standing next to the primary Elayadathu Swaroopam. Elders hold that Elam Naadu gradually became Elamad. It is said that Ramayyan Dalawa had a six-foot-wide pathway cut through here while traveling from Desinganadu to his home country in Pandi. Until the early 1980s, a milestone marking the distance from Kollam to Ayoor as 18 miles could be seen where the road from Elamad joins the M.C. Road. This path later branched into the Ayoor–Keralapuram Road and the Ayoor–Eravipuram Road.
Elamad came to be known to the outside world mainly through the Elamad Bhagavathy Temple, which is around 800 years old. The Pullunni Temple is estimated to be nearly 1,200 years old, though no documented historical or legendary records regarding its origin exist.
Infrastructure & Transportation
Until the 1960s, Elamad lacked vehicular transportation, and people traveled primarily on foot. Porters rested at stone rest spots (Chumadutaangi) and wayside inns (Vazhiyambalam). The resting structure at Ambalammukku was built 200 years ago by a Vallari family elder, giving rise to the name Vachariketti Ambalam, which eventually became Ambalammukku. The route spanning from present-day Ilavinmoodu to Madavoor Arukanjiram was known as Karithattittheruvu. An ancient temple once existed in Thozhikode under the authority of the Nedumon Matham; its ruins can still be seen in the area.
Local Traditions & Festivals
The festival at Elamad Bhagavathy Temple involves rich community traditions:
The eldest member of the Kurava community is bestowed with the title of Oorali (ruler/guardian of the land).
During the procession, the Oorali acts as the protector, walking ahead with lighted torches (Chootu) and a cane (Chooral), accompanied by oil lamps (Kuthuvilakku), flags, and traditional percussion.
After a day-and-night procession around the village, the Oorali and his family are honored with betel leaves and tobacco.
On the night before the main festival, the Oorali’s community and other Dalit communities perform traditional music, dance, drumming, and Kurava art forms.
On the day of the festival, before the ceremonial pulling of the wooden horses (Kuthira Yeduppu), the Kathirukaala (straw-bull figures) presented by the Dalit community are paraded to traditional beats. The horse structures are released only after the straw-bull structures are dismantled.
Religious Harmony & Places of Worship
Elamad is a region marked by communal harmony, where Hindus, Christians, and Muslims live together peacefully.
Thevannoor Jama-Ath Masjid (located in Thevannoor Ward) began congregational prayers on April 16, 1966.
Mayyattinkara Mosque (Karalikkonam): Around 400 years ago, a holy man came and resided beneath a banyan tree at the site where the mosque stands today. When he passed away in the dense forest area, local residents buried his remains there. They built a small thatched hut over the grave and lit an oil lamp placed on a stone for light. Muslim prayers began at this site, which came to be known as Mayyattinkara Palli—the first mosque in Karalikkonam.
Christian Places of Worship: Key centers include Karalikkonam Church, Kannamcode Church, St. George Church (Cheruvakkal, Elavoor), and St. Stephen's Orthodox Syrian Church in Thevannoor (built on October 20, 1930, named after St. Stephen, the first martyr of Malankara Church history).
Art, Education & Libraries
Kathakali Kalaris: Classical Kathakali training centers flourished in Arkannoor and Thevannoor. Prominent Kathakali artists who trained here include Kalamandalam Prof. Rajasekharan, Arkannoor Prabha, Arkannoor Gopalakrishnan, Arkannoor Gangadharan, Kesavan Namboothiri, Unnikrishnan Namboothiri, and Mangalathu Krishna Pillai.
Ottamthullal: Thevannoor Gopalakrishnan and Vadamon Devaki Amma brought renown to the region through their performances in Ottamthullal.
Educational History: Early education followed the Gurukula system, later shifting to basic ground-writing centers (Nilam Ezhuthu) under local masters. Ink was prepared from burnt marking-nuts mixed with water on spade heads, while bird quills served as pens and dried palm leaves (Panayola) as writing sheets.
Over 150 years ago, a Gurukulam operated at the chieftain household of Nedumon Matham, serving students from all communities, including Muslims.
An elementary school built at Arkannoor was handed over to the government in 1948 and became today's Government L.P.S. Arkannoor.
The name Thevannoor is said to be derived from Devanmaaru-ude-oor (the abode of deities). The ancient Thevannoor Thalimankunnu Devi Temple initially funded the establishment of Thevannoor L.P.S., the local high school, and the village library.
Established in 1103 (M.E.), Thevannoor High School was the first school within a 15-km radius to offer classes up to 7th grade. It was handed over to the government on Thulam 1, 1123 (M.E.) and remains the only Government High School in Elamad Panchayat.
Libraries:
Arkannoor Bapuji Memorial Library (established May 5, 1945) is the oldest library in the panchayat and served as a meeting place for national freedom movement activists.
Other prominent libraries include Netaji Memorial Reading Room (Thevannoor, 1949), Cheruvakkal Public Library (1952), Cheriya Velinalloor Sahrudaya Library (1955), Parakote Library, Elamad Panchayat Public Library, and Muttaramkunnu Reading Room (Nettayam).
Agricultural Cooperation
Farmers in the region worked with high mutual cooperation long before formal padasekhara (paddy field cluster) and irrigation schemes were introduced. Farmers met to collectively decide on seed varieties, sowing schedules, and water-management timing.
