AmieLearmonth67: corrected references for clarity

2026-03-23T09:53:34Z

corrected references for clarity

>Joyelpious: /* Governance */

2021-07-07T08:27:14Z

Governance

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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Irinjalakuda
| other_name =
| nickname = Varadanangalude Nadu
| settlement_type = [[Corporations, municipalities and taluks of Kerala|Municipal Council]]
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates = {{coord|10.33|N|76.23|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Thrissur district|Thrissur]]
| established_title = [[Municipalities of Kerala|Municipality]]
| established_date = 1936
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type = Municipality
| governing_body = Irinjalakuda Municipal Council
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 33.57
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 39
| population_total = 51585
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 680121<br /> 680125
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 0480
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#KL.E2.80.94Kerala|KL]]-45
| website = {{URL|http://www.irinjalakudamuncipality.in}}
| footnotes =
| official_name = Irinjalakuda
| native_name = ഇരിഞ്ഞാലക്കുട
| native_name_lang = ml
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Sree Koodalmanikyam Temple.jpg
| photo2a = CourtComplex2,IJK.JPG
| photo2b = Irinjalakudamunicipaloffice.jpg
| photo3a = St Thomas Church, Irinjalakuda.jpg
| spacing = 1
| space = 1
| position = center
| color_border = white
| color = white
| size = 225
| foot_montage = '''Clockwise from top:'''<br />[[Koodalmanikyam Temple]], Irinjalakuda Municipal Office, [[St. Thomas Cathedral, Irinjalakuda|St. Thomas Cathrdral]], Civil Station
}}
| leader_title = Chairperson
| leader_name = Sonia Giri
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 =
}}
[[File:Irinjalakuda-muncipality-map.jpg|thumb|right|Irinjalakuda Municipality Map]]
'''Irinjalakuda''' is a municipal town in [[Thrissur district, Kerala]], India. It is the headquarters of
[[Irinjalakuda Revenue Division]] and [[Mukundapuram (tehsil)|Mukundapuram Taluk]]. The place is well-known for [[Koodalmanikyam Temple]] and the [[Thachudaya Kaimal]]s <ref name="godubai.com">http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/articlearc.asp?aid=113418&section=asia</ref> who had princely status until 1971.<ref name="clr.kerala.gov.in">http://clr.kerala.gov.in/pdf/actsrules/KOODALMANICKAM_DEVASWOM_ACT.pdf</ref>

==Etymology==
The name Irinjalakuda has been derived from "Iru" and "Chaal", meaning two streams. According to another legend, the origin of the name Irinjalakuda came from 'Irinjalikoodal'. 'Koodal' simply means merge, merging of two rivers. So it shows that Irinjalakuda may have gradually developed, from 'Irinjalikoodal', that derived from 'Inangikoodal', means merge. At present there is no river in Irinjalakuda, only the myth of river.<ref name="koodalmanikyam1"/>

Irinjalakuda can be derived from 'iru njyaala koda' ( ഇരുഞാലകൊട) i.e., donation of two worlds, which is what Mahabali is said to have done in the story of the Vaamanaavataaram.

==Mythological history and legends==
According to Hindu mythology, Irinjalakuda was created by sage [[Parasurama]]. According to Keralolpatthi, out of the 64 gramas (villages) established in [[Kerala]] (Out of these 32 Malayala Gramas & half Thulu grama viz. Manjeswaram are in the present Kerala and 31 1/2 Thulu gramas in the coastal Karnataka.), Irinjalakuda was the head of some of them. Irinjalakuda was one of the most prominent among these Gramas (village societies). Boundaries of this grama extends up to Aloor in the east and Kakkathuruthi in the west and later extended to Koodapuzha in the east. Like the other Gramas this 'Grama' also followed Sankara Smruthi (a modified form of the 'Chathurvarnia' system of society with some Kerala model variations which lay upon caste system based on the 'Manusmruthi').<ref name="koodalmanikyam1">{{cite web
|url=http://www.koodalmanikyam.com/legend.htm
|title=The Legend
|publisher=Koodalmanikyam Temple
|access-date=2010-12-07
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305135301/http://www.koodalmanikyam.com/legend.htm
|archive-date=5 March 2011
|url-status=dead
}}</ref><ref name="aeoirinjalakuda1">{{cite web
|url=http://www.aeoirinjalakuda.org/
|title=A Short History
|publisher=AEO Irinjalakuda
|access-date=2010-12-07}}</ref><ref name="janasevanakendram1">{{cite web
|url=http://www.janasevanakendram.org/Content/M080500.htm
|title=Irinjalakuda
|publisher=Janasevana Kendram
|access-date=2010-12-05}}</ref>

Another legend suggests that the origin of the name Irinjalakuda were traditionally associated as, "Irunnu Salayil Koodai", and "Virinja Alu Kuda". There is a huge Banyan tree still standing in the centre of the Irinjalakuda spreading the branches to the sky like an umbrella.

The [[Thachudaya Kaimal]] is a spiritual dignitary of Kerala Hindus and the temporal ruler of the Koodalmanikyam Temple and its Estates. The line goes back into antiquity and is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. The Arms of the Kaimal and that of the temple bear the insignia of a coiled conch-shell with the words 'Manikkam Keralar'.<ref>Who's Who in Madras 1934</ref> With the 26th amendment of the Indian constitution in 1971, the Princely order in India was abolished and the Thachudaya Kaimals lost their position in the temple and its estates.<ref name="godubai.com"/> It is now managed by a Trust managed by the District Collector although a vestige of former power lies in his being the chief trustee of the temple.<ref name="godubai.com"/><ref name="clr.kerala.gov.in"/>
The [[Devaswom]] was allotted land to accommodate institutions such as the [[Christ College, Irinjalakuda|Christ College]], and for public use to facilitate development activities in the region. Much land that belonged to Koodalmanikyam was subjected to encroachment.<ref>{{cite news|author=Girish Menon|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/05/stories/2010040553360400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409003709/http://www.hindu.com/2010/04/05/stories/2010040553360400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-04-09 |title=Recovery of temple lands bogged down |date=2010-04-05 |work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2014-01-18}}</ref>

==History==
In 1762 Maharaja [[Kingdom of Cochin]] formed Mukundapuram taluk by adding Mapranam nadu and parts of Nandilathu nadu to Mukundapuram nadu (Muriyanadu). In the last decade of the 18th Century the last Naduvazhi Nambiar of Mukundapuram nadu (Murija nadu) died and [[Sakthan Thampuran]] confiscated all the powers and properties of Mukundapuram Nambiar and Mapranam Nambiar. Sakthan Thampuran divided old Mukundapuram Taluk into six Proverties{{which lang|date=January 2021}} viz. 1) Thazhekkad 2) Areepalam, 3) Mukundapuram (Nadavarambu) 4) Mapranam 5) Palathungal (Nandikkara) 6) Pudukkad for administrative and revenue purposes. Five more proverties were added to Mukundapuram Taluk afterwards: Kodassery (Chalakudy), Thirumukkulam (Kuzhur)), Koratty (Adur), Pathinettarayalam (Edavilangu) and Malayattur. [[Tipu Sultan]]'s Army was based at Thazhekkad Proverty of Mukundapuram Taluk on 24 December 1789 to attack the [[Nedumkotta]] which is situated in the middle of Kochi Kingdom and was known as Travancore lines and attacked KonurKottavathil in January 1790.

When new [[Chalakudy taluk]] was formed in 2013 by bifurcating Mukundapuram taluk it lost more than 50% of its territory.

==Culture==

Irinjalakuda has a rich cultural history associated with the [[UNESCO]]- recognised classical dance form [[Koodiyattam]].
Natanakairali - Research Training and Performing Centre for Traditional Arts, Irinjalakuda, is a prominent institution that imparts training on this ancient art form. Government-aided [[Unnayi Warrier Smaraka Kalanilayam]] near [[Koodalmanikyam temple]] trains artistes on Kathakali. The town also has other institutions that give training on classical dance forms and theatre arts. Walden Pond House is another cultural space in the town where artists and movie makers gather for workshops and movie shoots.

== Entertainment ==
There are a number of good cinema halls in the town. JK Cinemas with two screens (Located in Kizhuthani), Chembakassery Movies with three screens and MAS Movies with two screens are the major theatres in the town. Besides this, the town often hosts various cultural programmes organised by socio-cultural organisations.

==Population==

===Demographics===
{{As of|2011}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Irinjalakuda had a population of 51,585. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Irinjalakuda has an average literacy rate of 96% which is much higher than the national average of 74.65%. While male literacy stands at 97.12%, female literacy is 94.56%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

=== Religion ===
Its St. Thomas Cathedral is the episcopal see of the [[Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Irinjalakuda]] (Chaldean = [[Syro-Oriental Rite]]).

Before the arrival of Tipu Sulthan to Mukundapuram Taluk in December 1789 the headquarters of Padruado Archbishops of Cranganore (Kodungallur) of Nazranis (Padruado faction of [[Syro Malabar Catholic Church]] ) was at Pookkatt (Aripalam). (See [[Varthamanapusthakam]] of [[Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar]], Gobernador and ArchaDeacon of late eighteenth century). [[Sakthan Thampuran]] brought four [[Christians|Christian]] families for improving commerce and trade to the place known as ‘Chanthappura’. When they struck gold in this field, more of this community migrated from Kombara chantha and settled in the area and now it became one of the strongholds of this community. Besides [[Hindu]] and [[Christians|Christian]] communities this area consists of [[Muslims]].<ref name="koodalmanikyam1" /><ref name="aeoirinjalakuda1" />
Karukulangara Narasimhaswamy Temple, Irinjalakuda, north west side, about 1.5 km from the Irinjalakuda municipal bus stand, a famous and oldest temple of Irinjalakuda

==Celebrities==
The famous actor [[Innocent (actor)|Innocent]] was born here. Innocent is an Indian film actor best known for his work in [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam films]] who later went on to become Member of Parliament for [[Chalakudy (Lok Sabha constituency)]].

A prominent Kerala mathematician-astronomer [[Madhava of Sangamagrama|Madhava]] (Mādhava) who founded the [[Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics]] was from (Irinjalappilly, [[Aloor, Kerala|Aloor]]) [[Sangamagrama]] (Saṅgamagrāma), a town in medieval Kerala believed to be the town of Irinjalakuda. [[N. C. Vasanthakokilam|Nagapattinam Chandrashekhara Vasanthakokilam]] a carnatic singer and actress, was born as Kamakshi in [[Irinjalakkuda]], [[Cochin State]] of [[British India]], the present [[Kerala]][[File:Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary IMG 6944.JPG|thumb|Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary|alt=]]
[[File:Banyantreeijk.jpg|thumb|right]]

==Governance==

[[File:CourtComplex,IJK.JPG|thumb|right|Irinjalakuda Court Complex]]

Irinjalakuda is governed by Irinjalakuda Municipality. The municipality was formed on 8 February 1936 with an area of 11.24 square kilometres.
K.I. Varunny was the first municipal chairman and the municipality was divided into 22 electoral wards. Now, the Municipality has 41 wards.
<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://irinjalakudamunicipality.com/irinjalakuda/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=2
|title=History
|publisher=Irinjalakuda Municipality
|access-date=2010-12-07
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713055511/http://irinjalakudamunicipality.com/irinjalakuda/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=2
|archive-date=13 July 2011
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
Irinjalakuda is the headquarters of the Mukundapuram Taluk and is a Grade-I municipality.<ref name="janasevanakendram1"/>

[[Irinjalakuda Revenue Division]] was formed in May 2018. It is headed by a Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO). The office is situated in the Mini Civil Station Annexe building. The revenue division comprises Mukundapuram, Chalakudy and Kodungallur taluks.

''' Irinjalakuda Courts & Judicial Offices '''

* Additional District and Sessions Court/ Motor Accident Claims Tribunal
* Family Court
* Fast Track Special Court (POCSO cases)
* Principal Sub Court
* Additional Sub Court
* Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-1
* Principal Munsif Court/Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-2
* Additional Munsif Court/Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-3
* Taluk Legal Services Committee
* Mediation Sub Centre

A new judicial complex is under construction near the civil station to house all judicial offices in the town.

Irinjalakuda has a special sub jail, which is function ing near the civil station complex. A land tribunal to provide land deeds and to dispose of land transfer disputes is functioning at the civil station. The tribunal started functioning in 2019.

At present the chairperson of the municipality is Smt Sonia Giri. The MLA of the Irinjalakuda legislative constituency is Dr. [[R. Bindu]]. Irinjalakuda assembly constituency was a part of [[Mukundapuram (Lok Sabha constituency)]] till 2009 [[Lonappan Nambadan]] was the last Loksabha MP of Mukundapuram. From 2009, Irinjalakuda is now a part of [[Thrissur (Lok Sabha constituency)]].
The MP of Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency is [[T. N. Prathapan|T.N Prathapan]]

[[File:Irinjalakudamunicipaloffice.jpg|thumb|right|Irinjalakuda Municipal Office]]

'''Important government offices'''

* Revenue Divisional /Sub Divisional Magistrate Office (RDO/SDM)
* Mukundapuram Taluk office
* District Education Office
* Rural District Treasury
* KSEB Circle & Division offices
* KSEB Transmission Division
* Excise Circle office
* Excise Range office
* Postal Division office
* Water Authority PH Division
* GST Assistant Commissioner's office
* Factories and Boilers office
* Central Excise Range office
* PWD Roads Subdivision
* PWD Buildings Subdivision
* PWD Special Buildings Section
* State Lottery Sub-office
* Land Tribunal office
* Koodal Manikyam Devaswam Board office
* Sub Registrar's office
* Cashew Workers Welfare Board Inspector office
* Headload Workers Welfare Board office
* Mukundapuram Sub Treasury
* Dairy Development office
* Labour office
* Sub Regional Transport office
* KSRTC Operating Centre
* Taluk Statistical office
* Taluk Industries office
* Taluk Welfare Office
* Assistant Registrar (General) & Assistant Director (Audit) of Cooperative Societies
* Assistant Director of Agriculture
* Agmark Laboratory
* Parasite Breeding Station
* Employees State Insurance Corporation
* Taluk Supply Office
* Minor Irrigation Sub Division
* BSNL Sub Division
* Legal Metrology
* Employment Exchange
* Irinjalakuda Block office
* Irinjalakuda Village Office
* Manavalassery Village Office
* Veterinary Poly Clinic

Besides, most nationalised banks, new generation private banks and old private-sector banks have branches in Irininjalakuda. Both South Indian Bank and Federal Bank have their regional offices here.

'''Police offices'''

* DYSP office
* Irinjalakuda Police Station
* Thrissur Rural Vanitha Police Station
* Thrissur Rural Cyber Crime Police Station
* Thrissur Rural Command and Control Centre
* Thrissur Rural Dog Squad

As part of shifting the Thrissur Rural police headquarters to Irinjalakuda, new buildings are being constructed at police station premises in Kattungachira

==Transportation==
===Road===
Irinjalakuda is located on [[State Highway 22 (Kerala)]], which links to major national highways [[National Highway 47 (India)|NH 47]] and [[NH 66]] in the State. Two main roads [[State Highway 22 (Kerala)]] ([[Kodungallur]]-[[Shornur]]) Road and [[State Highway 61 (Kerala)]] (Potta-Moonupeedika) criss-crosses Irinjalakuda town.
KSRTC bus station is situated behind the Koodalmanikyam temple.

<ref name="koodalmanikyam2">{{cite web
|url = http://www.koodalmanikyam.com/locale.htm
|title = How to reach
|publisher = Koodalmanikyam Temple
|access-date = 2010-12-07
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120206122018/http://www.koodalmanikyam.com/locale.htm
|archive-date = 2012-02-06
}}</ref>
KSRTC operates services to Trivandrum, Eranakulam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Palakkad and Mananthavady.

There is a private bus station in Irinjalakuda which serves local and inter-district travellers.

===Railways===
The nearest railway station is the [[Irinjalakuda Railway Station]] which is about 8 km east of the town at [[Kallettumkara]]. Irinjalakuda Railway Station is managed by the [[Southern Railway Zone (India)|Southern Railway]] of [[Indian Railways]]. A total of 44 trains (22 pairs), including superfast, express and passenger trains, have stop here. [[Thrissur Railway Station]] is the nearest major railhead with stop for all trains, which is just 22 km from Irinjalakuda.<ref name="koodalmanikyam2"/>
Irinjalakuda Sorting (Railway Mail Services) also functions at Kallettumkara in the premises of post office.

===Nearest Airport===
The nearest airport is the [[Cochin International Airport]] at [[Nedumbassery]], which is 38 km away. The airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to [[Chennai]], [[New Delhi]], [[Mumbai]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Kolkata]].<ref name="koodalmanikyam2"/>

==Healthcare==
[[File:Co-operativeHospital,Irinjalakuda.JPG|thumb|right|Irinjalakuda Co-operative Hospital]]
Irinjalakuda has several hospitals and health clinics. Most important among them are Government General Hospital (Tana), Irinjalakuda Cooperative Hospital (Nadavaramba), Lal Memorial Hospital (Mapranam), Sacred Heart Mission Hospital (Pullur), Government Ayurveda Hospital (AKP Junction) and Marina Hospital (Tana). Another prominent healthcare facility is the National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (NIPMR) at Kallettumakara.

==Educational Organizations==

[[File:Christcollegeijk.jpg|thumb|right|Christ College]]
Between the 14th and 16th Century, it was a center of learning. [[Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics]] which was believed to be founded here, made major contributions in Algebra, Arithmetic, Astronomy, Calculus, Geometry, Infinite Series and Linguistics.

'''Colleges'''
*[[Christ College, Irinjalakuda|Christ College]]
*[[St. Joseph's College, Irinjalakuda]]
*Tharananellur College of Arts and Science, Thanissery
*Christ College of Engineering
*Universal College of Engineering, Vallivattom

''STATE''
*[[Don Bosco High School (Irinjalakuda)|Don Bosco Higher Secondary School]]
*[[L. F. C. H. S. S., Irinjalakuda]]
*[[S. N. H. S. S., Irinjalakuda]]
*National Higher Secondary School
*St Mary's Higher Secondary School
*Govt Boys' Higher Secondary School
*Govt Girls' Higher Secondary School

''CBSE''
*[[Bhavan's Vidya Mandir, Irinjalakuda]]
''ICSE''

Christ Vidya Nikethan

==Notable residents==
Irinjalakuda has been the home of many notable people, including
*[[Innocent (actor)|Innocent]]
*[[Tovino Thomas]]
*[[Madhava of Sangamagrama]] (Sangamagrama believed to include parts of Irinjalakuda)
*[[Unnayi Warrier]]
*[[K. Radhakrishnan]]
*[[P. Jayachandran]]
*[[Idavela Babu]]
*[[Anupama Parameswaran]]
*[[Anand (Writer)|Anand]]
*[[Dr. James Pazhayatil]]
*[[K V Ramanathan Master (Children's story writer)]]

==See also==
*[[Vallakkunnu]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://irinjalakudamunicipality.in/ Irinjalakuda Municipality : Official Website]
* [https://irinjalakudatimes.com/ News Portal of Irinjalakuda]

{{Kerala}}
{{Municipalities of Kerala}}
{{Thrissur district}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Irinjalakuda| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Thrissur district]]

Irinjalakuda - Revision history

AmieLearmonth67: corrected references for clarity

>Joyelpious: /* Governance */