സ്ഥാപന ചരിത്രം

Here is the English translation of the history and cultural details of Ottoor Grama Panchayat:

History and Culture of Ottoor Grama Panchayat
Origin of the Name (ഐതീഹ്യം)
The name Ottoor is believed to have evolved from "Otti Oor" (ഒറ്റി ഊര്). The legend states that all the private lands in this area were held under a lease/mortgage system called 'Otti' (ഒറ്റി) from the monasteries.

Another theory suggests that since this was the sole ancient route to Papanasam, known as the 'Kashi of the South,' the name originated from "Otta Oor" (ഒറ്റ ഊര്) meaning "single village" or "single route village."

Ottoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple
The Sree Krishnaswamy Temple in the Panchayat features carvings of various Avatars on the exterior of its circular Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum).

Legend holds that members of the Travancore Royal Family would visit this temple every year. In any year the visit was missed, they would place a gold 'Thechipoo' (a flower made of gold) at the sanctum.

The annual festival (Utsavam) begins in the month of Meenam (March/April) with the flag hoisting (Kodiyeril) on the Rohini star day and concludes on the Onam star day with the Aarattu (holy bath). The Aarattu procession goes to the Valakode Madam and returns.

Panchayat Formation History
The first Panchayat election was held in 1953 during the time of the Travancore-Cochin State.

The original Manamboor Panchayat was formed by combining the then Manamboor and Ottoor Villages. This Panchayat existed from 1953 until 1962.

After a one-year break, elections were held again in 1963.

In 1977, the Panchayat was split. A nominated committee, including the Panchayat members from Ottoor village and Shri. Shousuddin, was formed. G. Chellappan Pillai was the President of the existing committee.

In 1979, when the Manamboor Panchayat was officially divided into Ottoor and Manamboor, G. Chellappan Pillai became the first President of Ottoor Panchayat, with S. Gopalan serving as the Vice President.

The current Ottoor Panchayat is a separated part of the Manamboor Panchayat, which was initially formed in 1953.

Cultural and Religious Institutions
The Panchayat includes 55 temples, 7 Kavus (sacred groves), one Muslim Mosque, and one Christian Church.

Sree Narayanapuram Vishnu Temple
This temple is highly notable for its antiquity and architecture (Sculpture).

It is under the Archaeological Survey Department and is estimated to be about 700 years old.

The Narayanaswamy Temple is built entirely of stone and features extensive carvings.

The place name Sreenarayanapuram is a transformation of the name Thirunarayanapuram.

The complex, which includes the Sreekovil, the Namaskara Mandapam, and the compound wall, is distinct from traditional Kerala temple architecture.

The sculptures are in the Early Vijayanagara style.

Its main features include a three-tiered construction style, a square Vimana (tower over the sanctum), an arched Namaskara Mandapam, and Sikhara Gopurams (pyramidal tower tops).

The compound wall was recently constructed by the Archaeology Department, as the temple remains largely incomplete. Cut stones meant for the completion of the temple are still visible around the structure.

The Sikhara Gopurams above the Sreekovil are in three tiers. A hole in the topmost Kumitham (finial) extends down to the roof of the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum).

For centuries, the sun's rays accurately fall upon the head of the deity on the tenth day of every Medam month (April/May) without fail.

The festival (Utsavam) is celebrated by flag hoisting on the Rohini star day in the month of Kumbham (February/March) and concludes on the Atham star day. The Ezhunnallathu (procession) reaches the Madam Para at the lower end of the paddy field.

This Vishnu temple, reminiscent of Chola-Vijayanagara construction styles, attracts devotees and researchers alike.

Moongode St. Sebastian Church

  • This is the only Christian place of worship in the Panchayat.
  • The Church, situated near the Moongode Kayal (backwaters/lake), was established about 150 years ago.
  • The 11-day festival takes place in February. The ceremonies include the Rosary, Litany, Holy Mass, and Adoration.

  • A market that springs up on the church grounds near the lakeside during the festival spreads the festivities to surrounding areas.

    Kavalayoor Juma Masjid

  • This is the only Muslim place of worship in the Panchayat, located in Kavalayoor.
  • Though the original mosque is nearly 200 years old, the current structure was built in 1980.
  • The Makhbara (tomb) of Shakeer Bawa Thangal is located near the mosque.