Ezhamkulam
Grama Panchayat

Ezhamkulam can claim a history dating back to the Sangam Age, which historians believe existed between 300 BCE and 200 CE. Although there is no direct reference to Ezhamkulam in Sangam literature, references made by the poets Kapilar and Arisil Kizhar to Kodumon, a nearby region, indicate that Ezhamkulam was part of the ancient Tamilakam of the Sangam period.

The Eduppu Kuthira (ceremonial horse procession), a major ritual associated with the Ezhamkulam Devi Temple, and certain place names in the region are considered evidence of the influence of Buddhist culture. An inscription from Kilimanoor, dating to the reign of Venad Ilamkoor Deva Marthanda Varma (Kollam Era 343), indicates that during the 12th century AD, Ezhamkulam was under the control of the Chenneerkara Swarupam. The inscription also mentions Nedumann, a nearby area.

The Travancore Survey conducted in 1817 by British officials Ward and Conner records that Ezhamkulam was under the authority of the rulers of Kottarakkara, who were known as the Elayidathu Swarupam. Ezhamkulam has a long tradition of embracing social reform movements and renaissance initiatives that emerged during the early twentieth century.

During a period when untouchability and caste supremacy were prevalent in Hindu society, Parashurama Iyer of Kizhakke Madam emerged as a pioneering social reformer. He boldly worked against untouchability and allowed those considered “untouchables” to enter his home, a revolutionary act for that time.

A significant historical event was the visit of Mahatma Gandhi to the Konathumoola Colony in Ezhamkulam in 1934. Later, in 1961, Jawaharlal Nehru visited Enathu. In 1967, A. K. Gopalan visited the Puthumala region of Ezhamkulam and led the land struggle for the distribution of surplus land.

The establishment of the Kodumon Rubber Plantation in 1959 brought revolutionary changes to the social history of Ezhamkulam. The government-owned plantation was established as a result of agitations led by P. R. Madhavan Pillai, then a farmers’ leader and MLA, along with P. Ramalingam, a local leader who later became an MLA. The plantation significantly improved the living standards of people from all sections of society.

A famous local proverb says, “If one climbs a coconut tree in Kayamkulam, one can see the Thookkam of Ezhamkulam,” highlighting the fame and significance of the Thookkam ritual conducted at the Ezhamkulam Devi Temple. The temple has a history of over 800 years and is known for traditional rituals such as Kalamezhuthu, devotional singing, Kuthira Eduppu (ceremonial horse procession), and Aaluvilakku. The annual festival is celebrated on the Bharani star day of the Malayalam month of Kumbham. People from all communities participate in the festival, transcending caste and religious distinctions. Until about fifty years ago, twenty-one Thookkam rituals were performed annually at the temple.

The Arukalickal Mahadeva Temple and Enathu Mahadeva Temple are also ancient and revered places of worship with rich historical significance.

The Enathu Kalamala Mosque, where the tomb of Sheikh Miya Khan Auliya is located, is an important and historic religious centre with a history of more than 500 years. A perpetual lamp is maintained at the tomb, and the famous Chandanakkudam Festival is celebrated annually during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. A two-week trade fair is also conducted in connection with the festival.

Among Christian churches in the area, the Enathu Mar Thoma Church was the earliest to be established. It was founded in Kollam Era 1035 (1859–60 CE) by believers from Mannady, Pattazhy, Kizhakkupuram, and Enathu. The first vicar of the church was Kavanal Mamman Kathanar. The Nedumann Jacobite Syrian Church, established in 1932, is another important place of worship in the region.

The Ezhamkulam Grama Panchayat was constituted in 1951. Comprising the villages of Enathu and Ezhamkulam, the Panchayat initially had 12 wards. The first Panchayat election held in 1951 was not based on party politics. The first President of the Panchayat was C. P. Nanu Nair.