Posadi Gumpe Kasargode

Posadi Gumpe  is a tourist location in kasargode District.

The hillock of Posadi Gumpe, which stands 1060 feet high above sea level, is situated east of Manjeswaram and 15 kilometres south of Bekal. The hilltop offers a view of the Arabian Sea, Mangalore and Kudremukh.

As it is not a well-inhabited area, facilities are minimal. Hence, tourists who wish to trek to the hilltop in order to enjoy the lovely weather and the natural beauty of the place are advised to take food along. The nearest village is Paivalike.

Picturesque views
The journey to Gumpe is a thoroughly enjoyable experience owing to the picture-perfect scenery along the way. The stunning variety of the shades of green, the rivulets that cross the roads at various points and the pristine beauty of the region all combine to make for a sensual treat. 

A lake temple has a vegetarian crocodile

There is a temple in Kasargode, Kerala that is guarded by a vegetarian crocodile. Babia, the crocodile, is said to be the local guardian and messenger of the temple. This is the main attraction and uniqueness of Kerala's only lake temple, Ananthapura Lake Temple situated in the centre of the Ananthapura Lake, on a remote rocky hill in a calm isolated region. The Ananthapura Lake Temple (Sree Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple) is a ninth century shrine in the Kasargode district of Kerala. Sree Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu, The Preserver) seated on the serpent God Adisesha is the presiding deity here. It is said that Babia has been living in the pond for the past 60 or more years and lives in a nearby cave. After the worship, the feed offered by devotees is given to Babia at noon. The meal is a kind of gruel made of rice and jaggery. Babia does not eat anything else and eats what the temple officials offer.

     Temple authorities claim that the crocodile does not harm anyone, not even the fish in the lake. It is said that Babia is a total vegetarian and is feed daily after the noon worship conducted at the temple, it is given the prasads offered by the devotees and gruel which is prepared extra for Babia is feed like an elephant by putting to its mouth There is a belief that this crocodile is a messenger of God and always alerts temple officials when there is any unusual thing is going to happen in and around the temple premises. The legend goes that while the great mystic and devotee of Lord Vishnu Sree Vilvamangalathu Swami was doing penance, Lord Krishna in the form of a little boy kept disturbing his prayers. Irked by the behavior of the child, the saint pushed Lord Krishna aside with his left hand. It was only after the boy disappeared into a nearby cave that the truth dawned on the saint. The crevice into which Krishna is said to have disappeared is still there. The crocodile guards the entrance and the shrine. 

    The legend goes that there is only one crocodile in the lake at a time. When one crocodile dies, another one appears in the lake. The sanctum sanctorum, surrounded by a rectangular lake, is another architectural wonder of this temple. Another unique feature of the temple is that the original idols in the sanctum sanctorum were not made of metal or stone, but of a rare combination of more than 70 medicinal materials called `kadu-sharkara-yogam.' Although panchaloha metals replaced those idols in 1972, efforts are now on to reinstall the idols made with `kadu-sharkara-yogam.' The lake temple is open to all visitors regardless of caste or creed. The District Promotion Council has plans to preserve the temple and its surroundings for its uniqueness.

Happy New Year

Happy New year wishes to all

Kalathappam- Kannur

Kalathappam is a Kannur special tea time snack ,which is  usually made  in a pressure cooker but it can be  attempted in oven also

Ingredients

Rice - 1 1/4 cup
Cooked rice - 1/4 cup
Jaggery -5- 6 cubes( according to your sweetness)
Grated coconut - 1/4 cup
Shallots - 10 nos
Coconut cuts- 2 tbs
Ghee/coconut oil
Baking soda - 1/4 tsp(optional)
Cardamom powder - a pinch
Cumin powder - a pinch

Preparation

Soak rice for 5-6 hrs in water. Grind rice with cooked rice and grated coconut by adding enough water and prepare a loose batter. Add cumin powder and cardamom powder. Allow the batter to stand for 5-6 Hrs or if you want to use batter immediately add baking soda. Melt the jaggery by adding little water and add this to the batter.
In a thick saucepan add some ghee/coconut oil and saute the chopped shallots till light brown in colour. In a small pan add some oil and brown the coconut cuts. Add this to the sauted shallots. Pour the batter to the saucepan and gently warm the mixture by stirring continuously Pour the batter into a greased tin and bake in a preheated oven at 170 degree centigrade for 25- 30 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted comes out clean. Allow it cool down for another half and hour before you cut it.

Pakshipathalam, Wayanad

Pakshipathalam, Wayanad is 7 km northeast of Thirunelli , which is about 32 km from Mananthavady, and about 66 km from Kalpetta, Wayanad district, north Kerala.

Wayanad, the northern hill district of Kerala, is covered with dense, moist deciduous forests. Elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, civets, bison, peacocks, various other bird species can be seen here. In the sylvan solitude of this land, perched at a 1740 m above sea level is Pakshipathalam, a picturesque sleepy little place.

Pakshipathalam,1740m above sea level in the Brahmagiri hills at Thirunelli, is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure seeking tourist. Thirunelli is famous for its Lord Vishnu temple. To reach Pakshipathalam sixteen kilometres (to-n-fro) has to be covered through wild forest. The deep rock caves, formed among the thick blocks of rocks at the northern top end of the Brahmagiri, are the abode of various birds and wild beasts.

Pakshipathalam - the very name of the place refers to the richness of birdlife here. Here virgin forests, rivulets and steep hills together offer challenging avenues for trekking. A cave which rishis (saints) are believed to have used for meditation in ancient times, has become a major attraction for tourists.

.Getting there:

Pakshipathalam is about 7 km away from Thirunelli and trekking is the only mode of reaching this place. Thirunelli is about 32 km from Mananthavady.
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 106 km from Mananthavady.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.

Thirunelli- Wayanad

Thirunelli is about 32 km from Mananthavady and about 66 km from Kalpetta, the district Headquarters, Wayanad district, North Kerala.

Set in the idyllic backdrop of the Brahmagiri hills, Thirunelli charms you not only with its pristine, scenic beauty and the chattering streams of the Papanasini spring, but also the serene, calm ambience of the Vishnu temple in the valley.

It is believed that Lord Brahma, the Creator, himself installed the idol of the presiding deity of the temple - Sree Vishnu, the Preserver and the second member of the Trinity in Hindu mythology.

Even the very names of the hills and streams of Thirunelli bear a divine charm - Brahmagiri, the hills of Brahma; Papanasini, the destroyer of sins and so on. Considered a destination of immense beauty and drawn by the divine power of it's deity, visitors stream to Thirunelli throughout the year except during heavy monsoons

Tirunelli Temple

It is the only temple in the world where the devotees can perform all the rituals related to one’s life, starting from birth to death and life after death.

It is one of the most ancient temples in Kerala. It is believed that here the prathishta of Lord Vishnu was performed by Lord Brahma. It is also known as ''Sahyamala Kshetram'' and ''Kashi of the South''.

Thirunelli Temple draws pilgrims from allover, primarily for ancestral rites. The rituals are performed on the banks of the stream Papanasini which flows down from Mount Brahmagiri. It is believed that this stream has divine power to dissolve sins of all the mortals. Another major attraction of the temple is the holy rock where people pray for their forefathers.

On the western side of the temple is the cave temple Gunnika, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus Thirunelli becomes blessed by the unique presence of all the members of the trinity.

The beautiful Brahmagiri hills and the surrounding lush green forests have made the temple premises a valley of tranquility. So everybody feels completely relaxed after sitting in the sanctum of the temple. The temple is an embodiment of ancient temple architecture. Its ''Koothambalam'', is having one of the best and the rarest paintings of the state. The aquaduct that brings water to the temple is also a witness to hundreds of years of history.

How to Reach:- Wayanad is accessible only by road.
Nearest railway station : Kozhikode, about 70 kms from Kalpetta
Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town

Thirunavaya Temple

The Thiruvanaya Navamukunda Temple, located at 8 km south of Tirur, near Ponnani in Malappuram district on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha is popular for holding immense historical importance. In this place, Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala was held once in every 12 years in ancient times. This assembly was held for the last time in 1755 AD.

This 6000 year old temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is also well-known for the performance of last rites to the departed, as it is on the banks of Bharathapuzha. The temple has envying exquisite sculptures carved around the sanctum sanctorum. There are also the carvings of ten avatars of Lord Vishnu and sculptures narrating how Lord Shiva in his kirata or the tribal avatar blessed Arjuna with Pasupathi Astra, the powerful arrow.

There is a ten-day annual festival held at this temple which begins with Kodiyettam and concludes with Arattu. The last three days are the most auspicious and have grand celebrations.

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station is Kuttipuram 

Buses are available from Kuttipuram as well as Tirur

Nearest Airport is Karippur

Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple in Kannur

Kottyoor in Kannur District is famous for the Siva Temple and the Kottiyoor Festival celebrated during June every year. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every year during the festival period.   

History:-

Kottiyoor or Kottiyur is an ancient Hindu pilgrim center devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in Kannur district, Kerala. The temple is situated on the beautiful Sahya mountain range valley and is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The Bavali River with her medicinal waters flow from the Wayanad ghats on the banks of the temple. On the northern side of the river bank, there is a small lake known as 'Thiruvanchira' and here in the midst of this lake is this temple sans temple.

The temple has a Shiva linga believed to be a 'swayambhu'. Swayambhu means born on its own or not man made. The small heap where this Shiva linga is worshipped is known as 'Manithara'. The abhishekam for the Shiva linga is with milk, ghee (clarified butter) and karikku (tender coconut water). In the same lake, there is another heap 'Ammarakallu' where Sree Parvati Devi is worshipped. This way, at Kottiyoor you get the blessings of both Shiva and Shakthi.

Kottiyoor is also known by the names Kudiyoor, Dakshina Kashi. Thricherumana, Vdakkumkaavu, Kizhakkumkaavu and Vadakeeswaram.

At Kottiyoor, there are two temples - Akkare Kottiyur and Ikkare Kottiyur, located on the opposite banks of Bavali river. Akkare Kottiyur is open during the Kottiyoor  Vaosakha Maholsavam only.

Kottiyoor temple mythology of Sri Kottiyoor Mahadeva temple

Daksha is son of Brahma and one of the Prajapatis. Sati, the consort of Shiva was the daughter of Daksha. Sati had married Shiva against the wishes of her father. The vain Daksha performed a great yagna/ yaga(with the sole aim of insulting Shiva), to which he invited all of the gods and goddesses except his son in law Lord Shiva. Against Shiva's wishes, Sati attended this yagna and was insulted by her father. Unable to bear this insult, Sati immolated herself in the yagna fire.

Enraged at the loss of Satidevi, Shiva opened his third eye. Then appeared Veerabhadra with a 1000 arms and carrying weapons in each hand. He destroyed Daksha's sacrifice and cut off Daksha's head.

Since the yaga was stopped, the Gods feared that many difficulties may arise in the future. The Gods along with Brahma and Vishnu went to Kailas and sought Shiva's help. Shiva was pacified and all of them reached the yaga place and restored the yaga. The dead were brought back to life. Daksha's head was destroyed in the yaga fire and was replaced by a goats head. Daksha pleaded to Shiva for his arrogance and was given Moksha.

After the yaga, every one went back and Lord Shiva took the form of the swayambhu linga next to where Sati immolated herself in the yagna fire. Since all the Trimoorthies or the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva met together at this place, it was known as Koodiyoor (Koodi in malayalam means meet or join). Koodiyoor became Kottiyoor.

So Kottiyoor is believed to be the spot of the ancient Dakshayaga. The auda flowers/ odapoo is considered as the beard of Daksha

Beeyem Kayal.

Back waters always invite  tourist attractions and famous back water attractions in Kerala are in Alapuzha and Kollam Districts. In North Kerala one of the famous back water attraction is Beeyem Kayal.  Beeyem Kayal is a spread of backwaters near Ponnani town Malappuram District Kerala.  It is famous for a boat race conducted annually, during Onam celebrations

Ponnani is the only port in Malappuram district and one of the oldest ones in Kerala. A tidal port at the mouth of Bharathappuzha, Ponnani is an important fishing center. Ponnani is a town of mosques and Khabaristans, popular as the ’Mecca of Kerala’. Though described as a place of 23a mosques, there are nearly more than 50 mosques. Malik Ibnu Dinar, the first Islamic missionary who cam to Kerala, was believed to have visited Ponnani. The Huma Ath mosque, the biggest mosque in the town was built by Sheikh Zainuddin Makhodum in the 16th Century. Zainuddin was proficient in Arabic and he wrote books. Zainuddin Makhodum-II was another scholar who wrote the early history of Kerala Muslims. The religions established by the Makhodum-I, is renounced all over the country.

Trikavu in Ponnani was one among the seats of the Zamorin, from where he controlled the trade and commerce. The famous Trikavu Durga temple here, celebrates Navarathri festival. Ten km southeast of Ponnani, is the legendary Mookuthala Bhagavathi Temple, one of the ancient Durga temples of Kerala. It is believed that Sankaracharya is associated with the foundation of the temple. The Karthika Mahotsavam, celebrated in Vrischikam (November-December) attracts thousands of devotees. The Mookkuthala stone, believed to be growing from below the idol every day, is considered sacred.

 Attractions -

At present DTPC - Malappuram is running boating facilities at Beeyem kayal. DTPC has got a pavilion, comfort station, boat shed and a few boats.

How to reach:


Beeyem Kayal is quite close to Ponnani town. Ponnani is connected by road from Kuttipputam railway station. National Highway – 17 passes through this town, which is divided by the Connolly Canal, adding to its beauty. The place can also be easily accessed from Chavakkad and Guruvayur–the temple town.

St.Theresa's church-Mahe

Mahe is one of the French colony which is now a part of Pondichery U.T. Mahe is situated on Northen part of Kerala between Calciut and Kannur Districts. Mahe is enriched with its heredity and culture. St.Theresa's church is the one of it which increases the beauty of this very small place.

Location:

St.Theresa church, Mahe is located in the northern part of Kerala near Thalassery  It is on the main road of Mahe ie. in NH.17. Pilgrims can easily reach here by means of bus or by train. Nearest Railway Station is Mahe and there are frequent buses from Calciut and Kannur

Historical Background:

The church is having two major myths.
In one of the myth it’s saying that a ship carrying the idol of St.Theresa stopped in the sea while reaching near Mahe. Then the crew of the ship had a thought that St.Theresa want to be in Mahe. and they placed her in Mahe which finally became Mahe Church.

The other myth is that a fisherman got a small St.Theresa,s wooden statue from Mahe river and this finally resulted in the formation of Mahe church.

About The Building:

*An Italian priest erected the church in 1736
*In 1956 entire church was renovated..
*Major modification of the church was done in September 2010.

Mahe's Church:

The church is considered as a common worship place of all Mahian (people in Mahe) irrespective of their cast or their religion. Every one of them considered the St.Theresa as Mahe's own god.

St.Theresa's Fest:

 

Its one of the greatest fest in mahe from october 5 - 22 of every year. In this Fest thousands of pilgrims visit Mahe from various places like Karnataka,Tamil Nadu and from all other parts of Kerala. The festival begins by raising St. Theresa's flag on midday of 5th  October. From 5th october itself Mahe will be full of dragon flies. The belief is that it is the soul of dead people of Mahe, who are visiting during this period. The church will be surrounded by hundreds of trade stalls and the church will glowing just like a star in presence of decorative lights Major prayers will be held on the church during evenings.
In 14th & 15th people take St.Theresa's idol and make a round in the entire Mahe town. On 15th when the idol procession starts it is believed that there will be heavy rain, which is one of the miracles of St.Theresa. The fest ends on October 22nd when Mahe will be crowded with people.

Kadalundi Kadavu

Kadalundi is famous for the recently declared bio reserve for birds and is a destination for migratory birds. Mangrove forest, Pulimoodu, lighthouse are some of the things you can go sightseeing. It is located around 25 km from Calicut. Kadalundi is famous for mangrove forests and as a bird sanctuary. We can visit this beautiful place in local boats.

Kadalundi Kadavu Bridge is another attraction in this place. There is a land strip extended to the sea and this form an attraction for this Kadalundi Kadavu. One can also see Sun set by standing in the bridge Kadalundi Kadavu. Also, in nearby Vallikkunnu you can visit Azhimugham where Kadalundi river joins Arabian sea and is popular for migratory birds.. You can visit temples like Niram Kaitha Kotta Temple of Lord Aiyappa and Mekkotta Bhagavathi Temple.

One can also see the Kadalundi railway river from the Kadlundi Kadavu bridge where a train accident happened many years back and many lives were lost.

Nearby you can visit the fishing harbour and port town of Bypore located at the mouth of Beypore River. It is located around 10 km from calicut.

Chaliyam near Bypore is a scenic place featuring an ancient Portuguese fort and Feroke bridge.

Pisharikavu Temple-Kollam-Calicut

Pisharikavu Temple is located at Kollam, (in Kozhikode district). This location is 30 Km from calicut thru NH-17. One can easily reach there by bus or train. The nearest railway station is Quilandy.                                     

Associated with every temple there would be a myth. Pisharikavu has no exception for this. The noted malayalam scholar Kottarathil Sankunni had mentioned a myth about the origin of Pisharikavu temple in his great work  'Eithihya mala'(collection of myths).

"The Pisharikavu temple was built here by Vaisya community who had came from southern Kerala. This community lived in Kollam (a southern district in Kerala) and trade was their main profession.. They built a temple there and the main idol of this temple was a sword (Nandhakam) which was presented by Sri Porkali Devi to a believer of this community. The presence of Sri Porkali Devi in this sword and her grace brought richness and prosperity to Vaisya community. The wealth changed the behavior and attitude of this community towards the King of their country and tried to challenge the authority. The angrier King expelled vaisyas from his Kingdom. The expelled vaisya community later came to Kurubranadu Taluk (Now Koyilandy taluk) and brought some land from the natives and settled there. They built a temple here and put the idol (nandhakam) that they had taken along with them, and start to worship. They named this place as Kollam to memorize their old place". Later this temple became famous as Pisharikavu Temple of Kollam (Calciut)

The utsav is celebrated every year during March/April. The date of the "Kodiyettu" is fixed by "Moossadu"(a subcast in Brahmins) and this is known as "Kaliyattam Kurikkal". The 7 days celebrations are concluded with "Kaliyattam". In this day the main idol ("nandhakam vaal") of the temple is taken out of the temple and believers pray for the grace of Devi in an atmosphere of Bhakti.

Kozhikodan Biriyani

Kozhikodan Biriyani is very famous in Kerala It is a tasty food preparation and is available in hotels and restaurants in Kozhikode and nearby areas. It is also the favorite dish during festivals and marriages. Kozhikodan Biriyani is prepared as follows:-

For marinade:
Chicken – ½ kg
Curd – ½ cup
Coriander leaves – 25 gm
Curry leaves – 10 gm

Garlic – 20 gm
Ginger(chopped) – 2 tsp
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Lime juice – 1 tsp
Poppy seeds paste – 1 tsp
Cumin seeds(Jeerakam) – ½ tsp
Coriander seeds – 1 tsp
Aniseed(Perinjeerakam) powder – ½ tsp
Green chillies(chopped) – 25 gm

For rice:
ghee – 1 tbsp
Curry leaves – 4 – 5 nos
Cloves- 4 – 5 nos
Onion(chopped) – 1 no
Basmati rice – ¼ kilo
Cinnamon- 5 – 6 pieces
Bay leaf- 1 no
Cardamom seeds – 4 – 5 nos

Water – ½ litre
For Biryani masala:
ghee – 2 tbsp
Cinnamon- 5 – 6 pieces
Bay leaf- 1 no
Cloves – 4 – 5 nos
Cardamom seeds – 4 – 5 nos
Nutmeg – 1 no
Onions – 100 gm
Tomato – 1 no
(cut into 4 pieces)

For garnishing:

Boiled egg – 1 no
Cashews & Raisins- roasted in ghee

 

Preparation Method

Mix together curd, coriander leaves, curry leaves, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, aniseed powder, green chillies, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, lime juice and poppy seed paste and marinate the chicken in it. Keep aside for ½ an hour.

Heat ghee in a pan.
Add cinnamon, bay leaf, cardamom seeds, curry leaves and cloves.
Add onions and saute, till they turn translucent.
Add washed and cleaned rice.
Cook, till rice turns translucent.
Add water and allow it to boil.

When the water comes to a boil, lower the flame and cover the pan.

Cook on low flame for at least 15 minutes, after which the rice would be done.
Heat ghee in a pan.
Add cinnamon, bay leaf, cardamom seeds, nutmeg and cloves.
Add onions and sauté, till brown.
Add tomatoes and sauté`.
Add marinated chicken.
Cover the pan and cook for at least 5 minutes on a medium flame.
Remove the cover and cook on low flame for another 10 minutes to allow gravy to thicken.
Layer the serving bowl with alternating layers of rice and chicken.
Garnish the top with a boiled egg , roasted cashews and raisins.

Malampuzha -Palakkad

Being nurtured by Kerala's longest river, the Bharathappuzha, Malampuzha is blessed with lush green foliage and has been acclaimed as one of the most attractive tourist spots in the district of Palakkad, Kerala, India. It offers a variety of amusements with its natural and artificial amalgamation. The charm of the natural beauty and the creativity of the human mind make the people admire its wonderful works and mould ones' mind rosy

Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats, is located 10 km from Palakkad town and has in store a large number of amusement options - The Malampuzha Gardens - A fresh water aquarium( fish-shaped )- A snake park - A children's park - A Reservoir - A Garden House - A Japanese Garden - Hanging Bridge - Sculpture of Yakshi - Telescopic Tower - Rock Garden - Fantasy Park etc.

Malampuzha is a mini hydoro-electric project built across Malampuzha river (a tributary of Bharathapuzha) in Palakkad district of Kerala, South India. It is also the biggest irrigation project in Kerala with a large network of canal systems. It is also one of Kerala's major tourist spots. Malampuzha dam, the biggest irrigation reservoir in Kerala, is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year in October, starting with Tourism Week and Onam celebrations in September

Malampuzha Dam has brought prosperity to the district, making Palakkad the `rice bowl of Kerala'. Paddy is cultivated in 50,000 acres (200 km2) in two seasons each using waters from the Malampuzha dam.

The Malampuzha Garden and reservoir have a scenic setting with the forested hills of Western Ghats forming the backdrop, making it one of the foremost tourism centres in the State.

Mahe

Mahe is a tiny point in the Geographical map of Kerela, the million earner for the  distant Puducherry Government, 647 kms away from Puducherry.      In this former small  French Town which covers an area of 9 Sq. kms , over 40,000 inhabitants live in peace. This petit French Town is situated on the West Coast of the Indian Peninsula, just between Badagara and Thalassery, 58 kilometers from Kozhikode, 24 kilometers from Kannur in Kerela State and is a busy trade centre.

      A land that satiates an intelligent tourist, Indian, as well as foreign. For, this small land, its every nook and corner, has got its own wonderful story to tell, which keeps your eyes wild with awe and excitement.

If, as a French Tourist has once reveled in, there is any place in India that makes and keeps its own history as a beautiful legend, that is Mahe fantastic blend of Myth and Mystery.

On examination of the history of Kerala no concrete evidence is available mentioning the place ‘Mahe’ other wise called by the natives "Mayyazhi". It is only after the settlement of the French, the name Mahe (Mayyazhi) got a place in the geographical map of India.

Early in the 18 th century, the French set up a trading post at the Calicut. In 1701, Mollandin the representative of French East India Company made idea for setting up an attractive place for French trading post. As a result, during the year 1721 Mr.Mollandin & Vazhunnavar of Badagara entered in to an agreement to install a trade center at the side of an estuary of the river now known as Mayyazhipuzha. Within a spell of two years the relation between Vazhunnavar of Badagara & the French were strained & French were forced to retire to Calicut in a state of defeat in the fight . By December 1725 a French troupe led by De Pardaillan recaptured the French post at Mahe. There was a young captain serving under De Pardaillan, whose skill & enterprise was mainly responsible for this recapture. As his name was Mahe De Labourdannais and as the local name had a close similarly to his name, De Pardaillan paid the handsome tribute to this Captain by naming the place after his name.

 
In 1761 the English captured Mahe and the settlement was handed over to the Rajah of Kadathanadu. The Hyderali from Mysore made siege over Kadathanadu. But during this time English restored Mahe to the French as a part of treaty made in Paris. In 1779 as a result of the Anglo-French war broke out, the French lost Mahe .In 1783, when the English agreed to restore the French their settlements in India , Mahe also was handed over to the French in 1785. The reign of Mahe changed hands before it came into the final possession of the French during the second decade of eighteenth century.

When the Independence of India from the British was accomplished on the 15 th August 1947, there were similar freedom struggle movements in Mahe also . On 20 th October 1948, large scale movements aroused. An enraged crowd paraded the streets of Mahe, raided Government offices and buildings and pulled out the burnt records and furniture. On 23 rd October 1948 the Union Flag was hoisted over the administrative Office in the presence of thousands of people. During 1954 the struggle intensified with sporadic incidents of violence and finally on 1.11.1954 Mahe was handed over to the Government of India de-facto . The Dejure transfer took place on 16 th August 1962.
 

Moidu Bridge - Kannur

Moidu bridge, which links Kannur town and Thalassery was constructed by the British in the year 1931. Located at Dharamadam, it is on the National highway 17. The bridge is named after a former Member of the State Legislative Assembly, Mr. Moidu. A remarkable feature of the bridge is that it is made of steel.

Close to the Moidu bridge is Dharmadam island locally known as Dharmadam thuruth or pacha thuruth (green island). This five-kilometer spread lies across Ancharakandy river and is 50 meters away from Muzhupilangad Beach. Full of palms and bushes, the island is located at the convergence point between the sea and the river. During low tide, one can walk from the island to Muzhappilangad beach.

MADHUR Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka temple, Kasargod

MADHUR 8 KMs north east of Kasargod Kerala-. Famous Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka temple is situated here.
The rich architecture, imposing structure of the temple, with its turrests and gables and the copper plate roofing rises majestically against the beautiful land scape of hills paddy fields and gardens with the river Madhuvahini flowing leisurely in front of it.

The Madhur Temple is a Siva temple with Srimad Anantheswara as its presiding deity. But importance is given to the deity Maha Ganapathi. The Sivalingam of the temple is said to have been found by a harijan woman, Madharu.

The special festival of the temple is Moodappa Seva, which is covering the large figure of Maha Ganapathi with appam made of ghee and rice. The festival is conducted only periodically in view of the huge expenditure involved. It was celebrated in April 1962, after a lapse of about 160 years, and recently in April 1992.

Namaskara Mandapam of the temple has been decorated with beautiful figures of puranic heroes in wood. A closer examination of the wood carvings would disclose the various episodes of the Ramayana, beginning with the Seethga Swayamvaram. The Mantapam in the interior of the temple building as well as the outside facade of the second and third storey of the main building are also profuse with attractive and exquisite wood carvings.

It is said that the temple was attacked by Tippu Sultan of Mysore during his invasion and he felt thirsty and drunk the water from the temple well, which changed his mind and left the temple without damaging it. There is a mask on the temple which is said to be made by Tippu with his sword.

Ramasseri Idli

Ramasseri’s claim to fame is a simple breakfast dish, soft flat breakfast cakes called Ramasseri idli. Idli is a staple breakfast dish all over south India. These soft, moist, steamed cakes are made with fermented batter made from rice and dal  They taste little salty with a hint of sourness. Various accompaniments served with it enhance its taste. Traditionally idlis are steamed in stacks of Idli plates. What makes Ramasseri idli special is its shape, feather light texture and an earthy aroma acquired from steam cooking in unglazed clay pots.

Ramasseri is a small village in Palakkad District. People from distant places visit this village to taste the famous Ramassary idli. It special feature is that it has nmore shelf life than the normal idlis made at the homes. Hence, when people travel in trains for long distances, thery prefer to have Ramassari idli with them which can be served a good breakfast during journey. It can also be served during lunch also.

The Mudaliars of Ramasseri are the traditional cooks who prepare this idli. Today restaurants from neighboring towns arrive in this village very early in the morning to collect idlis to sell at their establishments. Somehow restaurants and professional chefs have not mastered the technique of preparing this dish. They still continue to buy them from local homes in this village.

We got an opportunity to visit Ramasseri recently We visited a home, which was also working as a hotel for supply of Idlis. The front yard of the house was swept clean. There was an open veranda in the front with terra cotta tiled floors and whitewashed walls.

A lady invited us to his house/restaurant. Right behind the veranda was a very small kitchen with three wood burning stoves across the back wall. A large pot of idli batter was kept on a small raised platform on one side of the stove. A woman was in the process of making idli. She covered eight-inch round clay containers with pieces of wet cotton cloth. Fire logs flickered as they burned under blackened steamer pots. She stirred a large pot of batter vigorously with a ladle. Then poured ladle full of batter on each of the prepared clay steamer containers. She stacked four of them, one over the other, and carefully placed the stack in the steamer. She covered it with another large blackened pot.

By then the idli steaming on the adjacent steamer was ready. She lifted the cover, and slowly removed the stack of clay containers and they had hollow bottoms. They were tightly stringed with twine, almost like a tennis racquet. And the piece of cotton cloth was spread over these strings. She placed a large flat jackfruit leaf over the idli and slowly turned it upside down. The idli slid

Family recipes are never secret in Kerala. People are only too happy to share them. But they firmly believe that the quality of a dish depends on the cook's kaipunyam (god given skill for preparing tasty dishes). House owner narrated the recipe from memory “Soak one kilogram of good parboiled rice and hundred grams of black gram in separate pots for several hours. Wash and remove the skin of gram, and grind it along with a large pinch of fenugreek seeds to a smooth thick batter. Wash and grind the rice separately and combine the two. Add salt to taste and stir well. Cover and set aside, and let the batter ferment overnight".

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 “Do not stack more than four idlis at a time, and steam till they are cooked. Cook them only on wood burning stoves, and always use wood from tamarind tree" “And when they are ready, do remove them from the clay steamers with a large leaf from jack tree".

Kalpathy Ratholsavam -Palakkad

Kalpathy Ratholsavam or Kalpathi Ratholsavam is an annual chariot festival held at Sri Viswanatha Swami Temple(also known as Kalpathy Temple in the Kalpathi village of Palakkad District inKerala The deities of the Kalpathy Viswanatha Swamy Temple are Lord Shiva (Lord Viswanatha) and his consort Visalakshi, another name forGoddess Parvathi One of the most remarkable festivals of Kerala, this week-long Palakkad Kalpathy Chariot Festival is celebrated during the month of November, every year. +

The Festival

Dedicated to Lord Viswanatha or Lord Shiva, the Kalpathy  Chariot Festival is based on Vedic Tamil Brahmin culture. Vedic recitals are held daily and cultural programs are held in the evening. The recitals are believed to be over 700 years old. On the last three days, the temple chariots are ceremoniously taken in procession by large numbers of devotees through the streets. Major attraction of the festival is the three magnificent chariots, decorated with flowers and flags, in which one can feel the presence of the lord.

On the fifth day night is the Rishabha Vahana procession. The deities from all the temples are taken out in beautifully adorned chariots and after their meeting at western end of new Kalpathy village ground at midnight, they disperse after two hours. The deities of Viswanathaswamy Temple are taken out and installed in the three cars, one for the main deity Viswanathaswamy and consort Goddess Parvathi; the second for Vigneshwara and third for Lord Subrahmaniya Swamy.


The deities of Old Kalpathy Temple and Chathapuram Temple are taken in procession on the chariot and procession is made through all villages. By sun set, all the chariots return to the original place. Abhishekams (offering with rituals) are then performed to the deities who are decorated again and taken out on procession in floral palanquins during midnight.


The Viswanatha Swamy Temple, popularly known as Dakshin Kasi Viswanathaswamy Temple or Kalpathy Temple, is located on the banks of the Kalpathy River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River. Dating back to 1425 A.D., Kalpathy Viswanatha Swamy Temple is regarded as the oldest Shiva temple in Malabar and in Kerala. The village, Kalpathy, is also known as Dakshin Kasi or the ‘Varanasi of the South’. It is an early Tamil Brahmin settlement (agraharam) in the Palakkad District.

Thidambu Dance - Kannur

Thidambu dance is a ritual temple art form performed in the temples of North Malabar and Kasaragod District. Thidambu denotes the decorated replica of the deity in a temple that is usually taken outside for the purposes like festivals and poojas. Thidambu dance is usually associated with the annual festivals of temples. The crew contains a team of ten members. The thidambu of the Devi (goddess) is carried on the head. The dancers make rhythmic footwork based on the music of the drums.
Thidambu dance  is a ritual dance performed in Temples of This is one among many rich art traditions of North Malabar. It is mainly performed by Namboothiris, and rarely other Brahmin communities. North Malabar is well renowned for its deep  rooted culture and tradition. This northern part of present Kerala State is home for several prominent religious destinations that make it a heaven for several unique religious and ritual art forms including Theyyam. Thidambu Nritham is one such ritual art form.

 

History

This ritual art form is believed to be over 600–700 years old and follows the principles of dance laid down in Natyasasthra the ancient treatise on performing arts compiled by Sage Bharatha in the second century B.C.

The origin of Thitambu Nritham cannot be easily traced. Tulu Brahmins who had migrated to the North Malabar during Kolathiri might have introduced this dance from Karnataka where a form of "Nritham" called "Darsana Bali" was in vogue. Replicas are made of bamboo with which a beautiful frame with intricate designs is created. The priestly dancer, clad in the traditional style after performing the usual rituals, comes out of the sanctorum, and standing under the flag, holds aloft the replica weighing about 10 kg on his head and starts the divine dance. Another legend goes like this : A Namboothiri used to sit in meditation under a nux vomica tree. He had sores all over his body. The fruit that occasionally fell on his body gave him excruciating pain. In agony he cried out a curse : "Let this tree bear no fruit any longer". Even today the tree bears no fruit, though it has leaves. It is interesting that during the festival, the dancing Namboothiri priests place the idols of various gods in a small "Mandapam" under the tree. People pay obeisance to the deities here.

Performance

The dancer wears a striking costume a skirt of pleated cloth, a silk vest, earrings, bangles, necklaces and a decorated turban called ushnipeetam. There are various stages in the performance like Urayal, invoking the deity, Thakiladi adantha, Chembada, Pamchan etc. The dancer is usually accompanied by a group of artistes, five of whom play the percussions and two hold aloft the lamps. Kotti-Urayikkal (drumming in different rhythm) marks the beginning of the Thidambu Nritham. This would persuade the performer and the viewer to an equal extent. The performer will dance with the rhythm holding the “Thidambu” on his head and will create a holy atmosphere. This unique ritual art form has undergone changes over the period of time.

Thidambu nritham is commonly performed by Namboodhiris upper caste Hindus. This art form is staged both inside and outside the temple.

Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple

This temple is located at Parassinikadavu, 20-km from Kannur town, besides the River Valapatanam. The deity is Muthappan, Siva.

The mighty deity is very powerful to solve the problems of the devotees. People intending to start new business come here before starting it for blessings for success and give offerings. Large number of devotees visits the temple.

The rituals have variations as compared to other temples. Theyyam is a cardinal ritual here. In fact it is the only place in Kannur district where you can be almost guaranteed a glimpse of the theyyatam, enancted twice daily(6.30-8.30a and 5.45-8.30pm)before the assembled worshippers by the resident priest. The Theyyam dancer manifests as the presiding god, dances and utters like the god. During the ritual dance the dancer possesses the powers to solve the problems of the devotees and he announces solutions.

Theyyam begins in early morning. There are two Theyyams or Thiruroopanas (sacred appearance) as some call. One represents Thiruvappana and the other Vellatom. During Kalasam (a specific ritual performed in Muthappan and Chathan temples with related musics) the Madayan (chief priest designate) accepts Roopam (image). Thereafter the performer gears toThiru Nritham (sacred dance). The two hour ceremony culminates with the peak stage where the Theyyam performer transforms himself as the deity and the devotees are called one after one to listen to their grievances or demands. After hearing, solutions are prescribed. 

Kanyarkali -Palakkad Disrtict, Kerala

 

It is a ritual art based on Tamil literature Chilappathikaram, practicing in Palakkad and surroundings in Kerala

Kanyarkali is a ritual art form, popular among the Nair community of Palakkad district in Kerala,India. Kanyarkali owes its origin to the pursuit of martial arts by the local people in the region. The place was under threat of attacks from nearby Konganadu.
The performance is accompanied by folk songs and percussion instruments. The dance combines the agile movements of martial arts with the rhythmic grace of folk dance.
Kanyarkali is performed in at several places in Palakkad district during March-April. The performance starts with a ritual kanyarkollal on the auspicious day of Vishu, the first day of the month of Medam, according to the Malayalam calendar

The venues are usually temples or places called Tharas, local venues for informal gatherings.Kanyarkali is played in two styles; Vattakkali and Porattu. While Vattakkali is ritualistic, the latter is for played as an entertainer.