Kaduthuruthy

Kaduturuthy has an average elevation of . Its name derives from Kadal thuruth, meaning "near to the sea," as it is believed that several centuries ago, the Arabian Sea extended inward into this area, but later receded due to a tsunami. Kaduthuruthy has a picturesque nature and ecosystem. It is a transit point between the hilly middle region of Kerala and backwater coastal land. The nearest railway halt is Vaikom Road Railway Station and the main railway station is Kottayam. Another story regarding the origin of name "Kaduthuruthy" is Demon Khara got three "Shiv lingas" for his severe penance from lord Shiva, Khara started a journey by carrying three Shiv Lingas, two Lingas in each hand and one in his mouth. After a while he got tired as well the Lingas are heavy, he placed his right-handed Linga in Vaikom, left-handed Linga in Ettumanoor and from mouth is placed in Kaduthuruthy (in Malayalam, this act was called "kadichiruthy"). == History ==

It was the Capital of erstwhile kingdom of Vadakkumkoor which was annexed to Travancore in 1754 by Marthanda Varma. The first Sandesha Kavyam (Message in Poetry) in Malayalam called "Unnuneeli Sandesham" gives an insight into the history of the town. The author is believed to have been a member of one of the Travancore Royal Families. The work describes the grand harbour of the town in great detail, although the sea is now several miles away, having receded some time in the 14th century possibly following an earthquake or a tsunami. ==Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple==

Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple (Malayalam:തളിയില്‍ മഹാദേവ ക്ഷേത്രം) is one of the best known Shiva Temples in Kerala. It is believed that the consecration at Vaikom and Ettumanoor temples was done at the same time as that of this temple, by the same person. There are also replicas of Vaikom & Ettumanoor Shiva Idols in the temple, thus it is believed that visit here is as good as visiting all three noted Shiva temples (Vaikom, Ettumanoor and Thaliyil Mahadeva) on the same day before noon. The temple sits adjacent to the Ernakulam-Ettumanoor Road. Legends According to legend, the Shivling (symbolic representation of the deity) was installed here by a demon named 'Khara'. This demon (of the Khara Dhooshana demon duo) featured in the Ramayana, worshipped Shiva at Chidambaram and obtained from him three Shivalingams. He travelled holding one Shivalingam in each hand and one in his mouth. Kadichiruthy Prathishitta later became Kaduthuruthy. The remaining two shivlings were installed at the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple and Vaikom Mahadevar Temple. The name Kaduthuruthy, also believed to have emanated from this temple and its etymology suggests that Kadichu (bite) Irutthy (make some one sit) combine to form the name. Temple complex The Mahadeva Temple, otherwise known as the Thali Temple, is dedicated to the Hindu god shiva. There are several other well-known temples in the area. Mahadeva temple is one among the famous three temples which Khara (of the Khara Dhooshana demon duo in the Ramayana) is believed to have built, along with Ettumanoor and Vaikom. A visit to three temples on the same day is believed to be very auspicious. Kaduthuruthy is the smallest of these three temples. The Annual Festival at the Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Shiva Temple is a ritualistic way of paying obeisance to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the temple. The annual festival celebrated for ten days in the Malayalam month Medam. The event is marked by various rituals and ceremonies. Dress code- Men: White, Dhoti without shirt. Women: Saree with Blouse, Panjabi dress with dupatta, Churidhar with dupatta. ==Holy Ghost Forane church, Muttuchira==

Holy Ghost Forane church, Muttuchira is one of the oldest churches in India and is located 1.5 km from Kaduthuruthy town. The church belongs to the Palai Diocese of the Syro-Malabar church. There is an ancient Pahlavi inscribed granite bas-relief cross found in Muttuchira. According to the local tradition, the Church at Muttuchira was founded in AD 510. Muttuchira Church is historically important. Archdeacon Jacob of Muttuchira was a native of Muttuchira and was based in this church until his death. He was buried in the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, Muttuchira. He was appointed Archdeacon by Mar Simon, the Chaldean Bishop who arrived in Malabar in 1576 AD, during the time of Mar Abraham, as a rival. Mar Simon was sent to Rome but Archdeacon Jacob had followers until his death in 1596. Bishop Alexander de Campo alias Palliveettil Chandy Metran, belonged to Muttuchira Parish. He was consecrated Titular Bishop of Megara in Achala and Vicar Apostolic and Administrator of the Archbishopric of Cranganore on 31 January 1663, at Kaduthuruthy and celebrated his first Pontifical Mass at Muttuchira Church on 1 February 1663. Saint Alphonsa of India spent her early years in Muttuchira as she was brought up in her aunt's house, at Muricken family of Muttuchira. ==Sun Temple==

The famous Adityapuram Sun Temple is 3 kilometers away from Kaduthuruthy, and is known to be the second sun temple in India. The Mahavishnu Temple, Devarthananam, is 3 kilometers away from Kaduthuruthy (Kaduthuruthy-Piravavam Road). The Kailasapuram Sreekrishna Temple and Mangattukavu Bhagavathy Temple are also in the area. ==Kaduthuruthy Valiya Palli==

Kaduthuruthy Valiya Palli (കടുത്തുരുത്തി വലിയ പളളി) / Ave Maria (ആവേ മരിയ) of Knanaya Community was established in AD 400. The present Kaduthuruthy St. Mary's Valiya Palli is the third building in the name of Virgin Mary known as Kaduthuruthy Muthiyamma (കടുത്തുരുത്തി മുത്തിയമ്മ). Kaduthuruthy Valiya Palli has a glorious history linked to its supreme position with the Vadakkumkur (present-day Vaikom) Kingdom. The history of this church is intertwined with the history of the Knanaya community, the Persian refugees known as Southist Syrian Christians (തെക്കു൦ഭാഗർ), now commonly termed Knanites (ക്നാനായക്കാ൪). The present building is the third building in Kaduthuruthy, built in AD 1456, and it once had a strong fort, as mentioned in the church's traditional songs. The current church structure is built with artistic splendour and the characteristics of Gothic art, designed to proclaim and celebrate the gospel of Jesus Christ in worship and to honor the heritage of biblical faith, tradition, liturgy, and the rich variety of customs and traditions in Knanaya community as preserved by their forefathers. This church belongs to the Archdiocese of Kottayam and is considered as the Head Church (തലപ്പള്ളി) for both knanaya Catholics and Knanaya Jacobites. == Government and politics ==

Kaduthuruthy assembly constituency is part of the Kottayam (Lok Sabha constituency). Adv. Monce Joseph currently represents Kaduthuruthy in Kerala Legislative Assembly. Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, who was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, is a native of Kaduthuruthy (Poozhikol). == References ==