Tiruvalla Thiruvalla
—  town  —
Tiruvalla Location in Kerala, India
Coordinates: 9°23′06″N 76°34′30″E / 9.385°N 76.575°E / 9.385; 76.575Coordinates: 9°23′06″N 76°34′30″E / 9.385°N 76.575°E / 9.385; 76.575
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Pathanamthitta
Population (2001)
• Total	56,828
Languages
• Official	Malayalam, English
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	689101
Telephone code	91-469
Website	www.thiruvalla.com

Tiruvalla (alternately spelled Thiruvalla) (Malayalam: തിരുവല്ല), is a town and a Taluk headquarters located in Pathanamthitta district in the State of Kerala in South India, spread over an area of 27.94 km².It is the biggest commercial center in the district of Pathanamthitta The town has a tropical climate with a temperatures ranging from highs of 34.4 °C in the summer to a low of 18.5 °C in the winter with a healthy rainfall of 3040 mm. Thiruvalla became a municipality in the year 1919.

Demographics [edit]

The city spans a geographic area of 27.94 km² with a population of 56,828 as of 2001 India census,.^[1] Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. In Thiruvalla, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. Thiruvalla has a large Non-Resident Indian Community.

View over Tiruvalla: Stadium and outskirts

Location [edit]

Thiruvalla is on the western border of Pathanamthitta district. The municipal town limits are Thirumoolapuram, Kattod, Kuttapuzha and Manipuzha. Formerly, some areas of present Changanacherry were parts of Tiruvalla taluk. Now the boundaries of the taluk are Varattar Bridge on the south, Lappalam on the north, Pullad on the east and Neerattupuram in west situates in Alappuzha district. Pullad is the last point of Thiruvalla town east & it is in the Koipuram panchayath. Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are the nearest major cities.

Thiruvalla is the meeting point of M C Road (Main Central Road/SH-01) and T. K. Road (Thiruvalla-Pathanamthitta-Kumbazha Road/Sh-07/State Highway 7 (Kerala) ) and links the eastern parts of the district with western rice bowl 'Kuttanad'. The Thiruvalla - Kayamkulam road is the most used link between the National Highway and the M C Road. Thiruvalla also connects to NH-47 through the Thakazhi - Ambalappuzha Link.

The nearest air port is in Thiruvananthapuram and nearest seaport is in Kochi. The newly proposed Aranmula airport would only be about 18 kilometres away. The closest sea port, a minor one, is about 30 km away at Alappuzha. The district's only railway station, (Class A categorised) with an annual revenue of over Rs.15 crores (2010), is TIRUVALLA (TRVL), on the Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram/Cape Comorin rail route via Kottayam.The national airline Air India has a reservation office (Pulimittathu Bldg., Ramanchira, PO Muthoor Thiruvalla 689 107) in Thiruvalla.

History [edit]

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that the area had been inhabited since 500 BCE although an organized settlement was founded sometime around 800 CE. It is one of the 64 ancient brahmana graamams (ബ്രാഹ്മണഗ്രാമം). The present day areas of Niranam, and Kadapra on the western part of Thiruvalla were submerged under the sea before then.

It is interesting to note that the name Tiruvalla comes from the word "Thiru Valla Vaay", named after the river Manimala which was known as Valla puzha, suggesting that Tiruvalla was the mouth of river Manimala and hence was known as Valla vai(vai in old Malayalam means mouth of river).Because of this Sri Vallabha temple was called "Thiru Vallavayappan" which later reformed as "Sri Vallabhan" Thiru Vallabha temple, considering that the deity is God Vishnu. This temple is one among the one hundred and eight vaishnava thirupathis in India. On the western part of Thiruvalla, the rivers Pampa, Manimala and Achen Kovil join for a panoramic view. As in many other places in India, the culture and heritage of Tiruvalla are tied to its temples. Historical evidence such as copper plates and proclamations point to Tiruvalla as a flourishing and major center of spiritual and educational prominence in 1100CE. The Sree Vallaba Temple governed a Vedic School with one thousand students and one hundred teachers. The temple also maintained a hospital in the service for the public at large. Entry for women was restricted to only once a year till the late sixties in the temple. The rulers of Thiruvalla belonged to the Thekkumkoor Dynasty, which had one of its headquarters at Idathil near Kaavil Temple. Idathil was the family name of Thekkumkoor kings. Today's Paliakara Palace is a branch of Lakshmipuram Palace of Changanacherry, which is a branch of Alikottu Kovilakam of Pazhancherry in Malabar. Similarly, Nedumpuram Palace is a branch of Mavelikkara Palace is an heir to the Kolathiri tradition of Udayamangalam. The Thekkumkoor kings lost their control in the course of time and Vilakkili (വിലക്കിലി) Nampoothiris were rulers in 1752-53 when Anizham Thirunaal Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore, seized it in a bloody battle in which the ruler was killed, though some dispute it, saying the surrender was peaceful as the namboothiri was not naive to challenge the mighty army of Ramayyan, the shrewd and sadistic Dalava (ദളവ)- head of administration and advisor - of Travancore.^[2] Ruins of Vilakkili illam can be seen on the side of Kavmbhagom-Muthoor road.

The Kaavil market (കാവിൽ കമ്പോളം) (which is no longer in existence) was once one of the most famous markets of Kerala where there were even foreign trade links. Even now the houses in this street are known as "Kaavil" among their friends and relatives and the houses in the now Pushpagiri-Tholassery area as "Malayil" because they are in an elevated area compared to Kaavil. The Kaavil market was actually situated in the street starting from Erankavu Temple to the Kaavil temple in the present Kavumbhagom. It was also the first settlement area of early Christians of Tiruvalla. We can see quotes about this then famous street and its people in the renowned Poem " Unnuneeli Sandesham". This was the heartplace of Thiruvalla up to the 19th Century (East to M C road was forest area. Dens were found in the KSRTC garage area, which are now buried).The first school in Tiruvalla started somewhere in mid 19th century in Kaavil market, in the road to Pallippalam. Still all the major religious processions are required to pass through this way only, in spite of the new roads constructed parallelly.

Thiruvalla Christians were part of the autonomous Indian Syrian Church, which was not affected by the schism which occurred in the 17th century due to the intervention of Portuguese colonists (Introduction of Catholicism in India). By 19th century, inspired by the work of the British missionaries, a reformation movement happened which eventually resulted in a schism, leading to the formation of Marthoma Church.

Thiruvalla was never under direct British rule and before India's independence from Britain, it was governed by the Travancore dynasty. The Thiruvalla municipality started functioning in 1919, with Shri M.K. Kesavan Nair as the first Chairman of the Municipal Council. The constitution was officially approved on 8 October 1920. The municipal office has established several public health facilities, libraries and sports facilities.

Facts [edit]

Almost every leading bank in the country, including the high-profile private ones, has a branch here.

The town is connected to all major South Indian cities by a fleet of private bus operations.

Sree Vallabha temple is one of the famous Vishnu Mahakshetras of India. The Mar Thoma Church and the St. Thomas Evangelical Church Church and the Indian Pentecostal Church of God (IPC) have their headquarters in and around Thiruvalla. The headquarters of the Orthodox Church Niranam Diocese and Syro Malankara Catholic Thiruvalla Archdiocese are also in Thiruvalla. The famous Niranam, Paliakkara, Kallooppara and Parumala churches are important tourist destinations.

The famed pilgrim center of Sabarimala is only about 100 km from Tiruvalla [Parumala|Parumala Church], one of the famous Christian pilgrimage centers is about 10 km from the town. The spiritual conventions at Maramon, Kalloopara, Kumbanad and Ayroor-Cherukolpuzha are all located east of Tiruvalla.

Politics [edit]

The current Chairperson of the Municipality is Ms. Linda Thomas Vanchipalam.

Thiruvalla assembly constituency is the part of the newly formed Pathanamthitta (Lok Sabha constituency).^[3] Current MLA is Adv.Mathew T Thomas.

Media [edit]

Tiruvalla is the home place for two Christian satellite channels.

1. Power Vision 2. Athmeeya Yathra

Thiruvalla also have a privately owned FM station called Radio Macfast 90.4

Topography [edit]

The topography of Thiruvalla comprises plains, paddy fields, and small ranges. The major crops grown are rice, tapioca, coconuts, rubber, plantains, sugarcane and a variety of vegetables.

Major Educational institutions in and around Thiruvalla [edit]

1. Marthoma College, Kuttapuzha
2. MACFAST - Mar Athanasios College for Advanced Studies
3. Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital
4. Syrian Christian Seminary (SCS) Higher Secondary School
5. Titus-2 Teachers Training College,SCS Campus
6. College of Engineering, Kalloopara (Managed By IHRD)
7. college of optometry,eye microsurgery & laser center
8. St.Mary's College for Women
9. Pamba DB College, Parumala
10. Mar Thoma Academy, Near TMM Hospital
11. MGM Higher Secondary School (Estd:1902), Market Jn
12. DB Higher Secondary School, Kavumbhagom
13. St Mary's Residential Central School, Paliakkara
14. Balikamadom Girls Higher Secondary School, Tirumoolapuram
15. Syrian Jacobite Public School, Varikkad
16. Marthoma Residential School, Kuttapuzha
17. Seventh Day Adventist Hr Secondary School, Kuttapuzha
18. St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Thirumoolapuram
19. Prince Marthanda Varma Higher Secondary School, Peringara
20. Government Girls High School
21. NSS High School, Muthoor Jn
22. Nicholson Syrian Girls Higher Secondary School, Meenthalakara
23. CMS High School
24. SNVS High School, Tirumoolapuram
25. Believers Church Residential School, Kuttapuzha
26. Christ Central School, Muthoor Jn
27. Balabhavan LP School, Manipuzha
28. Sree Sankara Vidyapeedom, Peringol
29. Government LP School,Kavumbhagom
30. Amrita Vidalayam, Thukalassery
31. Salvation Army School

Major health institutions in & around Thiruvalla [edit]

1. Pushpagiri Medical College
2. Vasan Eye Care Super Speciality Eye Hospital
3. Government Taluk Hospital
4. Thiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital- College Road
5. GK Hospital
6. Aswathibhavan Chikitsa Nilayam- College Road
7. Sudarshanam Netra Chikitsalayam- Thymala,Manjadi PO
8. Eyemicrosurgery & laser center
9. Mulamoottil Eye Hospital

Famous Personalities from the Taluk [edit]

1. H H Baselios Marthoma Didymos I,Former Catholicos of India and All the East
2. Kandathil Varghese Mappillai, Founder "Malayala Manorama"
3. Kandathil K M Mammen Mappilai, nephew of K V Mappillai
4. Raghavan Nambiar, Villuvarvattathu, Veteran poet. He suggested the name "Malayala Manorama" for the famous daily.
5. Fr Iype Thoma Kovoor-Pioneer of Marthoma Church in Thiruvalla
6. E M Kovoor, Jurist, Famous writer and novelist.
7. Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri, Veteran poet.
8. P. Unnikrishnan Nair, Niranasseril, Historian
9. Kochu Kunju Vaidian, MLC, Sri Moolam Praja Sabha, Ex-counsellor, Thiruvalla Municipality, Founder SNV Sanskrit School
10. C.P. Mathen (1890–1960) Pioneer Banker and founder of the Quilon Bank, Member of Parliament from Mavelikkara Constituency to the first Lok Sabha(1952),,Indian Ambassador to the Sudan -1957
11. P C Thomas, MLA 1980-82 JNP & 1982-87 IND
12. E John Jacob, MLA 1965-1979, Kerala Congress, Former Agriculture Minister of Kerala
13. G Padmanabhan Thampi, MLA 1957-1960, Communist Party of India
14. P Chacko, MLA 1947 (Kallooppara Constituency) 1954 and 1960–1965, (Tiruvalla Constituency) Indian National Congress, Member Member Moral Rearmament (MRA) led by Rajmohan Gandhi and member AICC, Orator, a passionate teacher High School Headmaster, dedicated his life for the upliftment of the downtrodden, a social reformer
15. Sri. V.P.P. Nampoothiri, former MLC, founder of Nampoothiri's college.
16. Adv Mammen Mathai Former MLA
17. Mathew T. Thomas, MLA 2006–present & 1987-1991, Janata Dal, Former Transport Minister of Kerala (2006–2009)
18. Dr Alexander Karackal, Former Pro Vice Chancellor of Kannur University & former Sabha Secretary of The Indian Orthodox Church
19. Olympian Pappan, Famous football player represented Indian team in Rome (1960)
20. C. K. Ra, Famous Artist
21. Abu Abraham, Famous Cartoonist
22. Kakkanadan, Novelist & writer
23. Abraham Kovoor, Famous Hypnotherapist & Rationalist
24. M. G. Soman, Movie Actor
25. Nadiya Moythu, Movie Actress
26. Meera Jasmine(Jasmine Mary Joseph), Movie Actress
27. Nayantara(Diana Mariam Kurien, Kodiyattu), Movie Actress
28. Kaveri, Movie Actress
29. Kaviyoor Ponnamma, Movie Actress
30. Aswathi Kurup (Paarvathi), (Actor Jayaram's wife)Madathil, Kaviyoor, Movie Actress
31. Shobhana -(National Award Winner(Manichithrathazhu), Narayana Mangalam, Madathil, Kaviyoor
32. Shalini, Movie Actress
33. Shamili, Movie Actress
34. K. G. George, Movie Director
35. Blessy (Blessy Iype Thomas), Movie Director
36. Late John Abraham, Movie Director
37. Babu Thiruvalla, Movie Director,Producer

Major shopping centres in Thiruvalla [edit]

• Club 7 Shopping Mall
• Jolly Silks
• Mahalekshmi Silks
• Joy Alukkas
• Kalyan silks
• Rajan Jewellers/Vijayalakshmi Silks
• Josco Jewellers
• Deepa Tower
• Elite plaza
• Chalakuzhy Bazaar

Attractions at Thiruvalla [edit]

1. Shri Vallabha Maha Kshetram: (alternatively, The Thiruvalla Temple), One of the 102 divine Vishnu deshas in India. The Flagpost of the Thiru Vallabha Temple carved out from a single rock with a Garudan at the top, created by the legendary "Perumthachan".
2. Dharma Shasta Temple Meenthalakkara
3. Niranam church: Est:A.D 54 by St.Thomas.Holds a good museum.
4. Parumala Church: Burial place of St.Gregorios, the first proclaimed Saint from India.
5. Paliakkara Church: First church of Tiruvalla. It attracts many tourists because of the marvellous murals on the eastern wall of its altar. Also thousands regardless of religion come and pray for the intercession of St. George here.
6. Paliakkara Palace
7. Chakkulathu kavu Bhagavathi Temple.
8. Kaviyoor Hanuman Temple
9. Kaviyoor Thrikkalkudi (തൃക്കല്‍ക്കുടി )Cave Temple.The Cave Temple is one of the rare cave temples of Kerala. It is assumed that this temple is constructed in the Pallava architectural style and was built in the 8th century.
10. Club 7: (Shopping Mall in Kerala with a Three Star Hotel - A Sky Group Venture)
11. Metal Casting Centres, Mannar
12. St. Johns Cathdral Church, Tiruvalla
13. "Kadalimagalam Padayani" one of the great folk-performing art with all its traditional forms conducted in the kadalimangalam Devi Temple during march/April months every year. The ten days festival is condcted by the people of two local 'kara'namely Eruvellipara and venupala. The rare and great padayani Koolam namely 'KALAYAKSHI' is performed at here.it's right of two families namely Mukkanjirathu and Pullenplavil of the two 'karas to perform this 'KALAYAKSHI KOOLAM'.
14. St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Kallooppara- situated on the banks of the river Manimala is one of the oldest and renowned churches of Malankara Sabha. The church have a legacy of around seven centuries, keeping its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values.

Subdivisions of Tiruvalla Taluk [edit]

1. Amalloor
2. Meenthalakkara
3. Kuttappuzha
4. Eraviperoor
5. Kaviyoor
6. Koipuram
7. Othera
8. Thiruvalla
9. Thottapuzhasserry
10. Kadapra
11. kumbanad
12. Kuttoor
13. Nedumpuram
14. Niranam
15. Peringara
16. Pullad
17. Kavumbhagom
18. Thiruvanvandoor
19. Mallappally
20. Mathilbhagom
21. Kattookara
22. Thollassery
23. Thirumoolapuram
24. Vallamkulam
25. Thiruvamanapuram
26. Thuruthiyilbhagom

PIN Codes [edit]

1. Thiruvalla 689101
2. Kavumbhagom 689102
3. Kizhekkenmuthoor 689103
4. Manjadi Junction 689105
5. Muthoor 689107
6. Kuttapuzha 689111
7. Pullad 689548
8. Kumbanad 689547
9. Thadiyoor 689545
10. Valanjavattom 689104
11. Karackal, Peringara 689108
12. Podiyadi 689110
13. Thirumoolapuram 689115
14. Chathankari 689112
15. Kutoor 689106
16. Alanthuruthy, Azhyadathuchira 689113
17. Venpala 689114- Kuttor panchyath
18. Azyidathuchira 689113
19. Vallamkulam(nannoor) 689541
20. Eraviperoor 689542
21. Othera 689546
22. Nedumpuram 689578
23. Kaviyoor 689580
24. Mepral 689591
25. Mundiappally 689593
26. M.North 689543

References [edit]

Nearest Towns [edit]

• Pullad
• Kumbanad
• Changanacherry
• Mannar
• Kozhecnherry

External links [edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Thiruvalla

• http://vaikhari.org/thiruvalla.html
• Information about kerala
• http://www.Thiruvalla.com

	Edathua	Changanassery	Mallapally
	Mannar,		Pullad
		Tiruvalla
	Mavelikkara	Chengannur	Kozhencherry