Champakara

Champakara
Sampal kara
Town

Champakara Devi Temple
Champakara

Location in Kerala, India

Coordinates: 9°32′0″N 76°38′0″E / 9.53333°N 76.63333°E / 9.53333; 76.63333Coordinates: 9°32′0″N 76°38′0″E / 9.53333°N 76.63333°E / 9.53333; 76.63333
Country  India
State Kerala
District Kottayam
Languages
 • Official Malayalam, English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration KL-

Champakara is a village in Kottayam District, 18 kilometres (11 mi) away from Kottayam in India. The State highway from Kottayam to Punaloor passes through the town. The name is derived from the Malayalam word Sampal kara or Sampath kara, which means the land of prosperity.The village of Karukachal lies within the town.

HISTORY

The "ettu veettil pillaimar" ,whom are famous in travancore history,related to Marthanda Varmma, have been arrested from champakkara by Travancoor milittary and hanged at vettikkalunku near Vakathanam,6km south from champakkara.

Culture

Champakara is the land of Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala. The town is home to kalari and ayurvedic centers.

The people of Champakara are dedicated to worshiping nature, and the forest preserve of Sarpa Kavu is nearby. Sarppakkav is the temple of sarppams (snakes).

Hindus, Christians and a small number of Muslims live peacefully in the village. The majority of the residents are Hindus.

Arts and music

People in the area show a keen interest in the protection of Indian culture, its arts, and its music. Many people send their children to dance or music teachers.

Economy

In ancient times people were focused on agricultural activities. Now rubber is the main crop grown. The Champakara bus service, a match factory, the Sreerangom hospital, Metal and wood industries and a pepper factory are the main industries providing employment.

Sports

The youths pursue a local game called Nadan Panthukali, which they play at the grounds of the Champakara Devi temple. Dittania Arts and Sports Club provides activities.

Politics

Politically, it is an LDF and United Democratic Front dominated society. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is also very strong here. The former transport Minister Late.Prof: K.Narayana Kurup and the current MLA for Kanjirappalli Dr.N.Jayaraj are the notable personalities from here. Champakara falls under the jurisdiction of the Karukachal gram panchayat,The Nair Service Society and SNDP are very strong here.

Temples

Champakara is a land of communal harmony, with the Devi temple Champakara, Devi temple Nethalloor, and the Champakara St Joseph Catholic Church the main places of worship. Thrikkarthika, Meenabharani, Sreekrishnajayanthi, and Navarathri are the main religious occasions.

In Devi temples, during the Thrikkarthika and Meenabharani festivals, the Seva and Anpolivazhipadu is very famous all over the country, because it contains huge number of Para (a vessel used for measurement of paddy) arranged in rows and is the main attraction for pilgrims. The Nethalloor Devi temple holds a festival of lights (deepam) during thrikkarthika. On the day of Kumbhabharani in Champakara temple, pindivillaku made out of plantain are lit in the evening.

Cultural center & Orphanage

Ekathmatha Kendrom is the main cultural center in Champakara. Many cultural activities take place at the facility, including classes for music and dance. Sri sathyasai Seva samathi karukachal is also in this complex for the last twenty years. Jyothirmayi Balikasadanam is an orphanage for small girls is situated near the nethallor devi temple.

Schools & Colleges

The Government L.P. School Thommachery, the Subhash Memorial U.P. School, the Sarada Vidya Mandirom, and the Rajahamsasramom Vidya Peedom are the major schools. Mahathma Gandhi University's BEd coaching center near Sreerangom Hospital.

Notable residents

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Sunday, December 27, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.