Created by Goszei
Last edited December 15, 2025
No edit summary
 
Line 50: Line 50:
| official_name                  =  
| official_name                  =  
}}
}}
'''Vettikkavala '''is a village located in the [[Kollam district]] in the state of [[Kerala]], [[India]].<ref name="censusindia">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Village_Directory/Population_data/Population_5000_and_Above.aspx |title=Census of India : Villages with population 5000 & above |publisher=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=2008-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208044522/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Village_Directory/Population_data/Population_5000_and_Above.aspx |archive-date=8 December 2008 }}</ref> One point of interest within the village is a Shiva-Vishnu temple which hosts a special deity called Vathukkal Njali Kunju. An annual celebration of [[Pongala]] is held at the temple. The village is also well known for ''temple arts (kshetra kala)'' and a palace constructed by [[Sree Moolam Thirunal]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=കാലപ്പഴക്കത്തിൽ തലതാഴ്ത്തി വെട്ടിക്കവല കൊട്ടാരം|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/kollam/2020/09/17/kollam-kottarakkara-palace.html|access-date=2020-09-22|website=ManoramaOnline|language=ml}}</ref>  
'''Vettikkavala''' is a village located in the [[Kollam district]] in the state of [[Kerala]], [[India]].<ref name="censusindia">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Village_Directory/Population_data/Population_5000_and_Above.aspx |title=Census of India : Villages with population 5000 & above |publisher=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=2008-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208044522/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Village_Directory/Population_data/Population_5000_and_Above.aspx |archive-date=8 December 2008 }}</ref> The village is famous for Shiva-Vishnu temples which hosts a special deity called ''Vathukkal Njaali Kunju.'' An annual celebration of [[Pongala]] is held at the temple. The village is also well known for ''temple arts (kshetra kala)'' and a palace constructed by [[Sree Moolam Thirunal]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=കാലപ്പഴക്കത്തിൽ തലതാഴ്ത്തി വെട്ടിക്കവല കൊട്ടാരം|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/kollam/2020/09/17/kollam-kottarakkara-palace.html|access-date=2020-09-22|website=ManoramaOnline|language=ml}}</ref>
 
== Etymology ==
The village Vettikkavala derives its name from the origins of idol worship of the temple here. The initial worship was carried out on an idol beneath a ''Vetti( aporosa cardiosperma)'' tree that existed near the temple. According to local historians, this tree was roughly situated near the present-day government school.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{As of|pre=the| 2011}} India census, Vettikkavala has a population of 20,118 with 5,313 households. The majority of the population identifies as Hindu; Christians are a religious minority. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] make up 17.02% of the total population; 0.12% of the population are Scheduled Tribes.
{{As of|pre=the| 2011}} India census, Vettikkavala has a population of 20,118 with 5,313 households.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vettikkavala Village Population - Kottarakkara - Kollam, Kerala |url=https://www.census2011.co.in/data/village/628411-vettikkavala-kerala.html |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref> The majority of the population identifies as Hindu and Christians are the largest religious minority. [[Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes|Scheduled Castes]] make up 17.02% of the total population; 0.12% of the population are Scheduled Tribes.


== Administration and Politics ==
== Administration and Politics ==


Vettikkavala is a [[Gram panchayat]] in the Kottarakara [[Taluk]] of [[Kollam district]] in Kerala.
In [[Panchayati raj (India)|local self governance]], the village of Vettikkavala falls within the [[Block panchayat]] named Vettikkavala (one among the 11 blocks in [[Kollam district]]) and the is spread across [[Gram panchayat|Gram panchayats]] of Vettikkavala and Melila. In revenue administration it comes under in the Kottarakara [[Taluk]] of [[Kollam district]] of Kerala. Vettikkavala is part of the [[Mavelikara (Lok Sabha constituency)]] and in the state legislature, it forms part of [[Pathanapuram]] legislative seat.  
 
The administration of Vettikkavala consists of a three-tiered, local self-government consistent with the [[Panchayati raj (India)|Panchayati Raj System.]]  
 
The Kollam district is divided into 11 Block Panchayats, 69 Grama Panchayats, one corporation and four municipalities. Vettikkavala is one among the 11 Block Panchayats. The village has an executive head who is a [[block development officer]] and an elected [[Panchayat Samiti (block)]].
 
Six Gram panchayats are included in the block: Vettikkavala, Melila, Mylam, Kulakkada, Pavithreswaram and Ummannur. Vettikkavala Grama Panchayat includes 21 wards.
 
Vettikkavala is part of the [[Mavelikara (Lok Sabha constituency)]] and in the state legislature, it forms part of [[Pathanapuram]] legislative seat. The Panchayat's major political players are [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]], [[Indian National Congress]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lsgkerala.gov.in/pages/electiondetails.php?intID=5&ID=318&ln=en|title=Election Details {{!}} Local Self Government Department, Govt. of Kerala, India|website=lsgkerala.gov.in|access-date=2019-07-28}}</ref> and the Bharatiya Janata Party.


== Attractions and Notable Locations ==
== Attractions and Notable Locations ==
Line 71: Line 66:
=== Vettikkavala Sree Mahadevar temple ===
=== Vettikkavala Sree Mahadevar temple ===


http://www.vettikkavalatemple.com/
Vettikkavala Sree Mahadevar temple is one of the largest and most famous Shiva-Vishnu temples in Kerala. As per oral history there was an idol worship carried out beneath a ''vetti'' tree near the present day temple in olden times. The available records suggests that in around the 17th or 18th century, a temple was constructed near the tree by the queen of [[Elayadath|Elayadath Swaroopam]]. The Elayadath Swaroopam centered at [[Kottarakkara]] was brought under [[Travancore]] in 1742 by troops of [[Marthanda Varma]] as a result of [[Travancore–Dutch War]]. The temple remained in a dilapidated state for many years after the annexation. However, in 1900 ([[Malayalam era]] 1176), and under the insistence of palace manager [[Moolam Thirunal|Sankaran Thampi]] the king of Travancore, [[Moolam Thirunal]] renovated the temple into its current structure.<ref name="Koshy1989">{{cite book |author=M. O. Koshy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ro8SLhyAc9AC&pg=PA64 |title=The Dutch power in Kerala, 1729-1758 |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1989 |isbn=978-81-7099-136-6 |pages=64– |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref>
 
Vettikkavala Sree Mahadevar temple is one of the largest and most famous Shiva-Vishnu temples in Kerala region. Early forms of idol worship beneath a ''Vetti'' tree suggest an origin to the name of the village. According to local historians, this tree was roughly situated near the present-day government school. Based on available records, in around the 17th or 18th century, a temple was constructed near the tree by the queen of [[Elayadath|Elayadath Swaroopam]]. The Elayadath Swaroopam centered at [[Kottarakkara]] was brought under [[Travancore]] in 1742 by troops of [[Marthanda Varma]] as a result of [[Travancore–Dutch War]]. The temple remained in a dilapidated state for many years after the annexation. However, in 1900 ([[Malayalam era]] 1176), and under the insistence of palace manager [[Moolam Thirunal|Sankaran Thampi]] the king of Travancore, [[Moolam Thirunal]] renovated the temple into its current structure.


The [[Travancore Devaswom Board]] made a major investment in restoring the temple. In 1996, another round of maintenance was undertaken. During this work, a portion of ''kulikadavu'' around the temple pond was inadvertently damaged.
The [[Travancore Devaswom Board]] made a major investment in restoring the temple. In 1996, another round of maintenance was undertaken. During this work, a portion of ''kulikadavu'' around the temple pond was inadvertently damaged.
Line 91: Line 84:
* Assemblies of God in India
* Assemblies of God in India
*The Pentecostal Mission
*The Pentecostal Mission
*APA'''
*APA
*Kattalanchavarkavu pachoor
*Bethel Marthoma Church, Panavely
 
=== Tourist Attractions ===
=== Tourist Attractions ===


* Kallada Irrigation Project
* Kallada Irrigation Project
* KTDC Motel Aaram, Sadanandapuram
* KTDC Motel Aaram, Sadanandapuram
* Pinnacle View Point, Thalachira
* Pinnacle View Point
* Kazhuvudayan kunnu, Pachoor
* Kazhuvudayan kunnu, Pachoor
*Oachira Parabrahma Temple
* Muttamala


=== Educational Institutions ===
=== Educational Institutions ===
Line 107: Line 103:
*Govt Higher Secondary School Sadanandapuram
*Govt Higher Secondary School Sadanandapuram
*Govt high school chakkuvarakkal
*Govt high school chakkuvarakkal
*High School Kottavattom
*D Krishnan Potti Memorial High School Kottavattom
*Travancore Devaswom Board School Vettikavala
*Travancore Devaswom Board School Vettikavala
*Mar baselios ocean star public school Chirattakonam
*Mar baselios ocean star public school Chirattakonam
Line 118: Line 114:


===Road===
===Road===
State-run [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation|KSRTC]] buses are the primary form of transportation. The village is well connected to [[Kottarakkara]], Kokkadu, Thalachira, Chakkuvarakkal and [[Punalur]] through frequent bus services. Two daily KSRTC Fast Passenger bus services ensure connectivity to neighboring districts of [[Pathanamthitta]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]].
State-run [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation|KSRTC]] buses are the primary form of transportation. The village is well connected to [[Kottarakkara]], Kokkadu, Thalachira, Chakkuvarakkal and [[Punalur]] through frequent bus services. Three daily KSRTC Fast Passenger bus services ensure connectivity to neighboring districts of [[Pathanamthitta]] and [[Thiruvananthapuram]].


* Kollam - Tirumangalam [[NH 744]] passes through Chengamanad which is situated 2&nbsp;km away.
* Kollam - Tirumangalam [[NH 744]] passes through Chengamanad which is situated 2&nbsp;km away.
Line 126: Line 122:
* Kadakkal-Chengamanad road is another important road passing through Vettikkavala that connects Vettikkavala with [[Anchal]].
* Kadakkal-Chengamanad road is another important road passing through Vettikkavala that connects Vettikkavala with [[Anchal]].


===Rail===
===Rail and Air===
The Kottarakara and [[Avaneeswaram railway station|Avaneeswaram]] railway stations, located on the [[Kollam-Sengottai railway line]], are the nearest stations. Both of them are 8 km from Vettikkavala. However, Vettikkavala is better connected with Kottarakkara railway station through public transportation.
The Kottarakara and [[Avaneeswaram railway station|Avaneeswaram]] railway stations, located on the [[Kollam-Sengottai railway line]], are the nearest stations. Both of them are 8 km from Vettikkavala. However, Vettikkavala is better connected with Kottarakkara railway station through public transportation. The nearest airport is [[Trivandrum International Airport]] (68&nbsp;km).
 
===Air===
The nearest airport is [[Trivandrum International Airport]] (68&nbsp;km).


== See also ==
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 12:40, 15 December 2025

Vettikkavala
Village
Vettikkavala is located in Kerala
Vettikkavala
Vettikkavala
Location in Kerala, India
Vettikkavala is located in India
Vettikkavala
Vettikkavala
Vettikkavala (India)
Coordinates: 8°59′0″N 76°49′0″E / 8.98333°N 76.81667°E / 8.98333; 76.81667
Country India
StateKerala
DistrictKollam
Area
 • Total18.71 km2 (7.22 sq mi)
Elevation
72 m (236 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total20,118
 • Density1,100/km2 (2,800/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationKL-24

Vettikkavala is a village located in the Kollam district in the state of Kerala, India.[1] The village is famous for Shiva-Vishnu temples which hosts a special deity called Vathukkal Njaali Kunju. An annual celebration of Pongala is held at the temple. The village is also well known for temple arts (kshetra kala) and a palace constructed by Sree Moolam Thirunal.[2]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The village Vettikkavala derives its name from the origins of idol worship of the temple here. The initial worship was carried out on an idol beneath a Vetti( aporosa cardiosperma) tree that existed near the temple. According to local historians, this tree was roughly situated near the present-day government school.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2011 India census, Vettikkavala has a population of 20,118 with 5,313 households.[3] The majority of the population identifies as Hindu and Christians are the largest religious minority. Scheduled Castes make up 17.02% of the total population; 0.12% of the population are Scheduled Tribes.

Administration and Politics[edit | edit source]

In local self governance, the village of Vettikkavala falls within the Block panchayat named Vettikkavala (one among the 11 blocks in Kollam district) and the is spread across Gram panchayats of Vettikkavala and Melila. In revenue administration it comes under in the Kottarakara Taluk of Kollam district of Kerala. Vettikkavala is part of the Mavelikara (Lok Sabha constituency) and in the state legislature, it forms part of Pathanapuram legislative seat.

Attractions and Notable Locations[edit | edit source]

Vettikkavala Sree Mahadevar temple[edit | edit source]

Vettikkavala Sree Mahadevar temple is one of the largest and most famous Shiva-Vishnu temples in Kerala. As per oral history there was an idol worship carried out beneath a vetti tree near the present day temple in olden times. The available records suggests that in around the 17th or 18th century, a temple was constructed near the tree by the queen of Elayadath Swaroopam. The Elayadath Swaroopam centered at Kottarakkara was brought under Travancore in 1742 by troops of Marthanda Varma as a result of Travancore–Dutch War. The temple remained in a dilapidated state for many years after the annexation. However, in 1900 (Malayalam era 1176), and under the insistence of palace manager Sankaran Thampi the king of Travancore, Moolam Thirunal renovated the temple into its current structure.[4]

The Travancore Devaswom Board made a major investment in restoring the temple. In 1996, another round of maintenance was undertaken. During this work, a portion of kulikadavu around the temple pond was inadvertently damaged.

On the southern side of the temple lies a palace constructed by Travancore kings during the reign of Moolam Thirunal. This palace was designed for kings and royal family members who were visiting the adjacent temple. Presently, weather and encroaching vegetation are leading the temple into further ruin.[5]

Other Religious Places[edit | edit source]

  • Ancient Sadananda Ashram, Sadanandapuram
  • Kannamcode Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple
  • Edamana Madom Sree Bhagavathy Trust Raktheshwari Kudumba Paradevatha Temple
  • Koikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple
  • Villur Vaikuntanatha Temple
  • Chirattakonam Church
  • Thalachira Mosque
  • India Pentecostal Church of God
  • Assemblies of God in India
  • The Pentecostal Mission
  • APA
  • Kattalanchavarkavu pachoor
  • Bethel Marthoma Church, Panavely

Tourist Attractions[edit | edit source]

  • Kallada Irrigation Project
  • KTDC Motel Aaram, Sadanandapuram
  • Pinnacle View Point
  • Kazhuvudayan kunnu, Pachoor
  • Muttamala

Educational Institutions[edit | edit source]

Vettikavala Government Model High School is a high-tech, high-achieving secondary school. Another higher secondary school is in Sadanandapuram and is also high achieving academically. High schools are situated in Thalachira, Chakkuvarakkal, Kottavattom and are at a good level. Some lp, up, and welfare schools are also run by the government. Sector and some aided schools are also run by the private sector. There is also a polytechnic college in Thalachira.

  • Govt Model Higher Secondary School Vettikavala
  • Govt High School Thalachira
  • Govt Higher Secondary School Sadanandapuram
  • Govt high school chakkuvarakkal
  • D Krishnan Potti Memorial High School Kottavattom
  • Travancore Devaswom Board School Vettikavala
  • Mar baselios ocean star public school Chirattakonam
  • SDA school Karickom
  • Karickam international public school
  • Aala achan memorial English medium school Thalachira
  • Younus polytechnic college Thalachira

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Road[edit | edit source]

State-run KSRTC buses are the primary form of transportation. The village is well connected to Kottarakkara, Kokkadu, Thalachira, Chakkuvarakkal and Punalur through frequent bus services. Three daily KSRTC Fast Passenger bus services ensure connectivity to neighboring districts of Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram.

  • Kollam - Tirumangalam NH 744 passes through Chengamanad which is situated 2 km away.
  • Kadakkal-Chengamanad road is another important road passing through Vettikkavala that connects Vettikkavala with Anchal.

Rail and Air[edit | edit source]

The Kottarakara and Avaneeswaram railway stations, located on the Kollam-Sengottai railway line, are the nearest stations. Both of them are 8 km from Vettikkavala. However, Vettikkavala is better connected with Kottarakkara railway station through public transportation. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (68 km).

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Census of India : Villages with population 5000 & above". Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2008.
  2. "കാലപ്പഴക്കത്തിൽ തലതാഴ്ത്തി വെട്ടിക്കവല കൊട്ടാരം". ManoramaOnline (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  3. "Vettikkavala Village Population - Kottarakkara - Kollam, Kerala". www.census2011.co.in. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  4. M. O. Koshy (1989). The Dutch power in Kerala, 1729-1758. Mittal Publications. pp. 64–. ISBN 978-81-7099-136-6. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  5. "കാലപ്പഴക്കത്തിൽ തലതാഴ്ത്തി വെട്ടിക്കവല കൊട്ടാരം". ManoramaOnline (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 24 September 2020.