Kodungoor
| Kodungoor Kudathangiya oor | |
|---|---|
| town | |
  Kodungoor Location in Kerala, India | |
| Coordinates: 9°33′0″N 76°42′0″E / 9.55000°N 76.70000°ECoordinates: 9°33′0″N 76°42′0″E / 9.55000°N 76.70000°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Kottayam |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 686504 |
| Telephone code | 0481 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-33 |
| Nearest city | Kottayam, Kanjirappally |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Pathanamthitta |
Kodungoor is a small town in Kottayam district of Kerala state in India and is popularly known as "Vazhoor". Kodungoor is 25 km (16 miles) from the district headquarters, Kottayam, 29 km (18 miles) from Changanassery, 7 km (4.3 miles) from Ponkunnam and 13 km (8.1 miles) from Kanjirappally. The Kottayam-Kumaly road (NH 220) passes through the town. NH 220 (KK Road) splits into two just after Kodungoor: one goes in the direction of Changanassery and another towards Kottayam.
Kodungoor Devi Temple
Kodungoor is famous because of Kodungoor Devi Temple situated close to the town and is one of the most ancient temples in the state. Its antiquity is estimated to be about 200 years. Originally this temple was associated with madathil family who was said to have built the temple and the Kaaraanma right is vested with the Malayala Brahmins of Karikunnath Illom. Until recently the puja of this temple was performed exclusively by members of this family. Later the temple came under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board.There are several legends associated with this temple and on the etymology of the name, Kodungoor. It is one of the main temples visited by Sabarimala pilgrims traveling via Erumeli.kodungoor devi temple is one of the resting place for sabirimala pilgrims during mandalakalam.
Educational institutions
Kodungoor town has several schools and one college near the town run by Nair Services Society (NSS). Vazhoor Government High school situated heart of Kodungoor. Sree Vidhyadhiraja N.S.S. College (one of the seniormost college run by Nair Service Society) & S.V.R.V.N.S.S. Higher Secondary School (Aided) run by Nair Service Society are situated 2 km from Kodungoor Town. Vidhyanadha Vidyabhavan English Medium School run by Bharatheeya Vidhya Bhavan is also situated 500 m near to Kodungoor Town. CSI church is also near the town. An Engineering College & ITI is situated near Pallickathode, which is just 5 km away from Kodungoor, on the way to Pala.
Hospital
Thiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital is the first hospital in the area. Also a Primary Health Centre & Govt. Hoemeo Dispensary are situated in the town.
Government Offices
The major Government Offices situated in the Kodungoor town are: 1. Vazhoor Grama Panchayat Office 2. Vazhoor Post Office 3. Sub Registrar Office, Vazhoor 4. ICDS Office, Vazhoor 5. Government Press, Vazhoor 6. B.S.N.L. Office, Vazhoor 7. K.S.F.E. Vazhoor Branch 8. Village Office, Vazhoor 9. K.S.E.B. Sub Division, Vazhoor 10. Veterinary Hospital, Vazhoor 11. Panchayat Libaray, Vazhoor 12.P.W.D Roads Section,Vazhoor
Financial Institutions
The major financial institutions situated in the Kodungoor town are:
State Bank of India, Central Bank of India; Vazhoor Farmers Service Cooperative Bank Ltd.; Kodungoor Main branch; Vazhoor Farmers Service Cooperative Bank Ltd. Kodungoor M&E Branch; Kottayam Cooperative Agricultural & Rural Development Bank; Kerala State Financial Enterprises (KSFE); Muthoot Finance Ltd; Manappuram Finance Ltd.; Pensioners Employees Cooperative Society Vazhoor; Bajaj Finance Insurance House and also branch of gramin bank was started at kodungoor town recently.
Topography
NH 183 ( KK Road ) splits into two at 14th Mile, just after Kodungoor. One to Changanassery & other to Kottayam.
Kodungoor is well connected to all major town like Pala, Manimala, Pallickathode,Pampady,Changnacherry, Ponkunnam, Ranni, kanjirappally, mundakayam, ranni and Kottayam through Road.
On travelling to Kumaly, Kodongoor is a small town just before Ponkunnam. For pilgrims to Sabarimaa, kodungoor is an intermediate stop. There is an easiest route to Sabarimala through Kodungoor. Also, the Devi Temple offers space to take rest & there is a big pond near the Temple which is open to Public.
Kodungoor is a major point on the way to Sabarimala Temple of Lord Ayyappa. Kodungoor is in Vazhoor Panjayath of Kottayam district. Vazhoor panjayath office is located at Kodungoor. Vazhoor Post Office is also situated in same building of panchayath office.
A wonderful network of roads that connected to most of all major towns in kottayam was the speciality of kodungoor. K S R T C buses and private buses are available for 24 hours in between kottayam and kumaly (through kodungoor).