My Mother's Home Town: Maranadu Village.

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 Introduction:

Welcome to the beautiful village, where nature's beauty blends seamlessly.

Maranadu is a small village in Kollam district, Kerala, India. Its location is 21 km east of the district headquarters, Kollam, 6 km west of Kottarakkara, and 73 km north of the State capital, Thiruvananthapuram.


Beautiful greenery

 This idyllic village is adorned with lush greenery, making it a visual treat for all who visit. As you stroll through the place, you will encounter enchanting sights along. On one side of the road lies a wetland teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. 

Wetlands:

Around fifty years ago, all the wetlands were paddy fields. During sowing and planting, it was green everywhere, tilting the soft leaves of the rice plant in a gentle breeze like a green blanket. Around harvesting, we could see golden fields with ripened bunches of paddy. When I was young, I used to behold that beauty. Now, paddy fields turned out as banana fields. 


 The hill on the other side

  • The role of a wetland in any place is the same as that of the kidney in the human body. 
  • The wetland not only acts as an ecosystem for various flora and fauna but also contributes to maintaining ecological stability.

Importance of wetlands:

  • Drains excess water from land
  • Acts as an ecosystem for various flora and fauna 
  • Contributes to maintaining ecological stability
  • Recharge groundwater storage.

 Destruction of wetlands in the name of modernization is yet to come here. The village is a picturesque haven that boasts a natural water source. Welcome to the enchanting location, where beauty and nature converge in harmony. This picturesque haven is adorned with lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere that soothes the soul. 

  • The sight of this thriving ecosystem is a testament to the village's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. 
  • As you wander through this serene landscape, you'll be captivated by the picturesque view of a canal flowing gently from faraway hills, providing a perineal water source for the entire village.

One of the striking features of this village is its natural water source,  a canal that originates from the faraway hills, bringing life and vitality to the entire area.

Along this road, you will also come across a kalathattu (resting place)- an architectural gem.


Kalathattu with asbestos roof

Canal:

The presence of a natural water source adds to its charm, as a canal originating from the faraway hills gracefully flows through its heart. This perennial water source not only sustains life but also adds a touch of tranquility to the surroundings, providing a perineal water source for the villagers. The presence of this canal not only adds to the beauty of the surroundings but also serves as a lifeline for agriculture and sustenance.

Canal (clear water)
 

Kalathattu:

The village boasts a magnificent kalathattu, showcasing architectural beauty that is a testament to the rich culture. 

  • This traditional structure showcases the intricate designs and beauty of Kerala's Thachu Sastra. 
  • The square roof with rafters just below is distributed circularly with a slop to drain rainwater and protect from hot sun rays. 
  • One end of all the rafters starts from the center of a vertical short pillar. 
The other end is spreading at different angles in all directions. Its design and craftsmanship are awe-inspiring, leaving visitors captivated by its beauty. 

  • This architectural gem serves as a gathering place for the community. 
If my memory serves correctly, the roof of kalathattu was thatched palm leaves. Now, it is asbestos. There was a well for drinking water and a porter resting place (chumaduthangi). These two things disappeared years ago. 

Stone scribblings

It is visible from the stone writing that the kalathattu was built on 16-7-886, and it belongs to Puthuveedu family (written in Malayalam as Puthuveedu vaka). 

  • Today, when I write this on 16-10-2023, you can imagine the age of this unique property.
  • Kerala's climatic conditions and culture have a lot of influence on the science of carpentry of Kerala. 
I am not discussing that in this article. Please have a look at my other article, (Padmanabhapuram Palace Thucklay: A Mesmerizing Beauty of Kerala Traditional Thachusastra, the link is given as an external link below) 

 


The architecture of the roof, traditional Kerala style

Temple:

In this idyllic setting lies a sacred temple, radiating tranquility and spirituality.

People come here to attend the ritual during the morning and evening hours. The Deity is Devi, Kadalamadathil Amma. It is an example of the temple architecture of Kerala.

A pond near the temple serves as a place for reflection and tranquility.

Adjacent to it stands a Banyan tree known for its properties and revered by locals. The tree stands tall, branches very high to the sky as if offering solace to those seeking shade beneath its canopy.

The tree also features an althara, a place to immerse themselves in nature's healing embrace. This sacred ground serves as a gathering point for locals and offers them solace amidst their daily live

If you seek solace amidst green pastures or wish to explore the cultural marvels of this village, it offers something special for everyone. As you sit under the shade of a  Banyan tree you can't help but feel a sense of calm wash over you. Here, locals come together to celebrate traditions and forge strong bonds within their community.

  • This vibrant gathering spot is a hub for community celebrations and fosters a sense of unity among its residents.

 A pond nestled near the temple further enhances this idyllic setting. Its calm waters provide respite from worldly worries and invite us to indulge in moments of reflection and peace. 

  • A peaceful pond graces its surroundings, offering solace and serenity to those seeking inner peace.

In this charming village, nature's beauty intertwines seamlessly with cultural richness.

  • It is a pollution-less place where one can escape the hustle of city life and immerse oneself in serenity and simplicity.

In Maranadu, time seems to stand still as nature's wonders unfold before your eyes. Its beautiful greenery, natural water sources, architectural marvels, and spiritual sanctuaries make it an oasis for those seeking respite from bustling city life. To learn more about the temple, please read my other article. (https://retnacpn.blogspot.com/2024/03/kadalayimadom-temple-convergence-of.html)


 Kanjiram:

  • Kanjiram is one of the trees on the red list of threatened species of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). 
I could spot that tree on the upper side of the canal on the other side.

The kanjiram tree (strychonos nux-vomica poison nut) is a deciduous tree native to India and South Asia. It has a hard texture and possesses remarkable properties that can help treat various health issues. It belongs to the Loganiaceae family. It is a medium-sized tree that grows in open habitat. Its leaves are ovate and 5 to 9 cm in size (1). It is known for the poisonous compound strychnine.

  •  Kanjiram is an ingredient in medicines for anxiety, dizziness, neck and back stiffness, spasms in the neck muscles, etc.(2).


Kanjiram tree (tender leaves are light green and others with dark green texture.

The unique characteristics of the kanjiram tree make it an ideal natural remedy for these ailments. Its dense wood provides a sturdy foundation for therapeutic applications, while its hardness ensures durability and longevity. Local people say the cot made of kanjiram keeps the arthritis disease away.

Significant features of Kanjiram:

  • Hard texture
  • Used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicines
  • Ensures durability and longevity

Kacholam:

Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga Linn) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Available throughout India up to an elevation of 1500 m in the tropics. It is a perennial stemless herb. Leaves spread horizontally on the surface of the ground. Flowering is in June-July. Ayurveda, Siddha, and Folk medicine use this herb. The plant produces both mother and finger rhizomes. Mother rhizomes are better for propagation. It is a shade-loving plant.


Kacholam Plant

One resident of Maranadu (Uthaman), staying at the bank of the above canal, showed me his kacholam cultivation. It was around 50 plants in his courtyard. 

Kacholam is cultivated at the bank of the canal.

Kacholam usually grows in a highland area. Kollam district is only 3 m above mean sea level, and Maranadu is 41 m above mean sea level. During the rainy season, the minimum temperature is 23o C, and the maximum is 25o C. While in summer, the minimum temperature is 23oC, and the maximum is 31o C(3). The average yearly rainfall is 270cm. Relative humidity 87%. That means the climate is suitable for kacholam cultivation, and the place is air-conditioned naturally.

Medicinal properties:

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Used for the treatment of cough, bronchitis, fever, etc.
  • The rhizome is applied in wounds to reduce swellings.
  • Protecting clothes against insects
  • Essential oil for perfumes
  • Employed in cosmetics and hair tonic (4).

Ecological conservation:


The ecological conservation of this place is not at all encouraging. If the authority takes steps to conserve this place seriously, there will be sustainability. The village will be an asset for future generations.


Damaged retaining wall 


Come and experience the captivating beauty of this village where nature's wonders unfold at every turn.

This idyllic village captivates with its natural splendor, architectural marvels, spiritual sanctity, and cultural significance. Explore every nook and cranny to experience its unique charm that will leave an indelible mark on your heart. Welcome to our Village - where nature's beauty meets timeless traditions.

Come immerse yourself in the charm of this village - where simplicity meets grandeur and tranquility resides at every corner.

External links

(https://hubpages.com/education/slow-aging).


 References:

1 USDA, NRCS (n.d), The plant database, 2015.

2 Hari L. Arnold, Poisonous Plants of Hawaii, 1968.

3  Onefivenine.com, India.

4 Nandhu Lal A. M, Medicinal plants, slideshare.net.

 



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