ArAnmulA HeritAge VillAge Project

“ The very term “culture” is complex and multi dimensional. Encompassed within it are attitudes and aptitudes, spirituality and religion, thoughts and philosophy, art and aesthetics and their cumulative impact in creating a subtle rhythm of life. With passage of time, they have come to symbolize collectively the HERITAGE of the land itself.”

Princess Aswathy Thirunal Goury Lakshmi Bayi

“A comprehensive programme to preserve and promote our rich Heritage”

Puthariyal An ancient banyan tree seen in front of Aranmula Temple. It is the prestigious symbol of our agricultural tradition (Karshika Samskrithi) where the paddy wereplaced with devotion by farmers.

India in general and Kerala in particular has a rich heritage of which we need to be proud of. While we should be open to accept anything best from anywhere in the world, we need to be genuinely proud of our own heritage including architecture, organic farming, yoga, ayurveda, music, hygienic living, family values, social ethics, nature worship, art, religious tolerance and so on. Since a significant number of our youngsters are living abroad and many of them have become global citizens, Aranmula Heritage Village is aimed at preserving our great heritage and promoting it globally to be preserved for our posterity.

Consequent upon the rapid urbanization taking place in Kerala and the onslaught of real estate lobby supported by self seeking politicians, the great heritage of Kerala is under threat. Severe damage is done to the ecology by flattening hills, encroaching on rivers and forest, blasting rocks, Sand mining, levelling of paddy fields etc..

Thiruvonathoni

Aranmula Putharikandam

The word ARANMULA is derived from “Arin Vilai” which means fertile land on the banks of river. River Pamba and its streams are flowing all around Aranmula and surrounding villages. In fact many of the villagers such as Mallapuzhassery, Thottapuzhassery, Malakkara, Panniprayar, Nedumprayar, Keezhukara, Melukara etc. are linked with the streams connected to these villages.

River Pamba is the third largest river in Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha. Sabarimala, the hill shrine of lord Ayyappa is situated near pamba. Legend has it that Lord Ayyappa as a child was found on the banks of river pamba. Lord Ram put his foot in pamba and met Sabari, an Adivasi Woman who did penance for decades for Lord Ram’s Darshan. Devotees take a dip in Pamba before and after visiting Sabarimala as Pamba is revered as Dekshina Ganga.

PALLIMUKKAM KAAVU in Aranmula

Parthasarathi temple at Aranmula is one of the 108 Vishnu temples most revered by the devotees. Legend has it that Pandavas after crowning Parikshit, grandson of Arjuna, had set out on Vanavas and Salvation. When they reached Aranmula, they found the bank of river Pampa most suited and serene to set up a temple for Lord Krishna. Arjuna took the responsibility and brought the idol of Lord Krishna through Pampa River in a raft mode of six pieces of bamboos and hence the name Aranmula.

Aranmula also is known for its natural heritage such as flora, fauna, landscape and its natural resources.

One of the world famous item of heritage value is Aranmula kannadi which is a unique mirror made out of alloy metal. The know how for making the mirror is known to only one family in the world and theylive in Aranmula.

ARANMULA HERITAGE VILLAGE Project is a comprehensive plan initiated by a group of prominent persons committed to restoring and protecting the great heritage of Kerala.

River Pamba Beautiful sceneries and cultural heritage made Aranmula Village famous and significant.

Madhav Gadgil

Vasthu Vidya Gurukulam - gives education guidance, advice and recognition to all seekers of traditional vasthu vidya. The gallery of paintings attracts many.

ORGANIZATIONThe project is being implemented by a Registered Charitable Trust “ ARANMULA HERITAGE TRUST”.The Trust is guided by the following eminent persons as patrons:

Justice V.R. Krishna IyerJustice V.R. Krishna Iyer started his career as a Lawyer, got elected to the Kerala Assembly, became Home Minister of Kerala. Architect of Land Reforms which was a pioneering step for any Government in India. Appointed Judge of Kerala High Court and got elevated to Supreme Court of India. He was highly acclaimed for many Landmark Judgements. He has been active in the Social and Cultural Circuit and has been most sought after for his views on various matters of national importance. He is always in the forefront in taking up issues affecting weaker sections. Keen enthusiast for protection of Heritage, he is highly respected for the impartial, fearless and honest opinions on various matters of Social and National importance. Among the many honours received by him was PADMA VIBHUSHAN conferred on him by the President of India.

Shri P Gopinathan NairPlunged into freedom movement from a very young age and a true follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he had travelled with Gandhiji all over India. He had adopted Gandhian Principles and way of Life. After Independence, he devoted his life entirely to propagate Gandhian Ideologies including Prohibition of Alcohol, Bhoodan, Gramdan and Cow Protection. He has established Shanti Sena to bring Peace in areas affected with Communal disturbances. He continues to work for the Upliftment of Downtrodden. Shri Gopinathan Nair is presently the Chairman of All India Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, New Delhi and Gandhi Peace Foundation.

H H Swami Golokanandaji MaharajCompleting 60 years of his Sanyasa life, H.H Swami Golokanandaji Maharaj holds now the responsiblity of Madathipathi of Srirama Krishna Ashramam, Thiruvalla. He hails from Aranmula, Studied in Gurukula Vidyalaya of Kidangannoor, Aranmula and took sanyasa diksha when he was 19 years old from H.H Swami Sankaranandaji Maharaj, head of Belur Matt, Kolkata. His father and mother were close devotees of H. H Kaviyoor Swamigal. Joined in Kaladi SRK Ashram with the blessings of H. H Agamananda Swamiji. Worked as head of various ashrams in Trivandrum, Koilandi, Harippad, Kozhikkode etc. Well versed in literatures and principles of Sri RamaKrishna & Swami Vivekananda, active in mobilising people for protecting Aranmula heritage

Mathaji Guru Poornima MayiFounder of Vijayananda Vidyapeedom, Aranmula. During early childhood, she came in contact with various Sanyasins and became disciple of H.H Vijayananda Swamigal popularly known as Kaviyoor Swamigal. Joined in Gurukula Vidyalaya as a teacher, Mathaji worked hard for the propagation and preservation of teachings of her Gurudevan. Conducted mass poojas and bhajans in every Pournami day for which Pournami Sangham was established.

The overall supervision and management will be handled by a BOARD OF DIRECTORS Comprising of the following:

Shri Kummanam Rajasekharan- ChairmanHuman Rights Activist, Environmentalist, Social Worker, Journalist and a Brilliant Orator; Shri Kummanam came into prominence by successfullyleading a People’s Movement and Agitation in 1983 for Preservation of POONKAVANAM near SABARIMALA. Was Organiser of Paliyam declaration in 1985 to confer Rights to all irrespective of Caste to conduct poojas. Led the Agitation against PALAZHI untouchability and ELAVOOR THOOKKAM.

As General Secretary of SABARI SARANASHRAM, he is instrumental in setting up over 100 pilgrim centres for Sabarimala devotees. These centres provide Shelter and Free Food to all the devotees. He is also associated with rehabilitation of Adivasis. 14 Balasrams at different places in Kerala ,takes care of about 1000 destitue children.

Shri Akkeeraman Kalidasa BhattathirippadCurrent Head of Kuzhikkattillam, Shri Bhattathiripad is Thanthri of over 1000 temples . According to legend, Kuzhikkattillam is one of the 12 Brahmin families ordained by Lord Parasurama with the authority of practicing manthras and Thanthras. Kuzhikkattillam was also known for its expertise in vaidhyam and Jyothisham as well.

Shri Akkeeraman , is also the Chairman of Mookambika Engineering College, Vice President of Tantradeepam, Aluva and President of Yogakshema sabha ,apex organization of Kerala Brahmins.

Dr C V Anand Bose I A SFormer secretary to Govt. of India, Vice Chancellor of Culture University,Chairman of Central Warehousing Corporation and India’s representative to United Nations habitat wing. He was chairman of expert committee appointed by Supreme Court for evaluation of the Treasure of Sree Padmanabha Temple, Award Winning author of several books including three best sellers, brilliant orator, recipient of UN and National Awards including Jawaharlal Nehru fellowship for outstanding contribution in various areas, recipient of world habitat award and Rajiv Gandhi National Award for excellence in Management.

Shri Ajaya KumarAn NRI business man from Pathanamthitta district. Shri Ajaya Kumar spends significant part of his income for charity. He gives patronage andprotection to poor and destitute girls. He had established Balika Sadanamin Pullad which provide shelter ,education and healthy life to the needy girls .Under his leadership , Bala Karunyam, a state level get together of all inmates residing in various orphanages and poor homes was conducted for 3 days . He also co-ordinates fund raising from like minded NRIs of various countries.

Shri Govind BharathanWell known Senior Advocate of Kerala High Court. Orator, Writer and Social Activist. As a devotee of Sathya Sai Baba, he conducted discourses, bhajans, service projects etc to propagate ethical values and spiritual thoughts. He hails from Thalassery and resides in Ernakulam for the last 40 years. He has remarkable achievements in legal, social and spiritual activities.

Shri Jayachandra RajPopularly known as GURUJI, Shri Raj has 6 post graduate degrees in various subjects relating to Economics. He was a research scientist at Centre for Development Studies, Kerala. He is an internationally popular Astrologer with over half a million Raashi readings since 1998. He believes that all Vedic sciences are for the benefit of mankind and not for commercialisation. His astrological consultations, therefore, are free service to all. He has travelled all over the world and presented thesis on Economics and Astrology.

Shri Kanayi KunjiramanBorn in Kuttamath in Kasargod Dist.Kanayi Kunjiraman has been Kerala’s Rajashilpi (Royal Sculptor) for over 50 years. He has an enviable reputation as a master craftsman, who has remained unrivalled in his genre.

Kanayi received the Commonwealth Scholarship in 1965 to join the Slade School of Arts in London, where he pursued his passion for sculpture for 3 years.

After his return, his first major sculpture was the massive YAKSHI in Malampuzha. Thereafter he made several life size statues, sculptures and Painting. Prominent among them are SAGARAKANYA at Shanghumugam Beach, Trivandrum, the CONCH at Veli Village, Trivandrum, statue of EMS Namboodiripad, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sri Chithira Tirumal Maharaja, Pattom Thanupillai, Mannath Padmanabhan and Dr Palpu.

Shri Katammanitta Vasudevan Pillai A former professor of mathematics, Shri Vasudevan Pillai was well known more as a padayani exponent than as an academician. Was vice chairman of Kerala folklore academy. Authored several books on traditional art forms and had won several awards for his literary and cultural contribution.

Shri K V Madanan

After 33 years of relentless service in education field, Sri K V Madanan retired during 1994 as Commissioner for Entrance examinations. Starting from Edappally Govt. High School as a teacher during 1961, he was promoted and posted as DEO, Dy. Director, Jt. Director, Addl. Director and became Director of Public Instruction in 1989. He took initiative to delink pre-degree course from college education. Introduced nursery schools in primary schools. Now working as All India President of Scheduled Caste / Tribe Rights protection Forum.

Smt Menaka SureshkumarAn accomplished Artist, Menaka has been a top level heroine in Malayalam Films. She did few movies in Tamil, Telegu and Kannada as well. Married to Shri Suresh Kumar, well known Film Producer, Menaka also was involved with Production of movies under the banner Revathi Kalamandir. During her short film career of about 7 years, she had acted with most of the leading stars such as Prem Nazir, Shankar, Nedumudi Venu, Mammoothy, Mohanlal and Rajnikanth. Menaka also is associated with several social, spiritual and cultural organizations. She is keenly interested in protection of Heritage and Culture.

Dr Pradeep Challiyil U S A

Management expert, Environmentalist and Biochemist. Keenly interested in protection of heritage. Conduct health camps to help the poor.

He had won The “Anna Memorial GOLD AWARD”, for the best Ph.D thesis publication in cancer field (India)

His application for patent is pending for (a) process for isolation of the anti cancer principle from medicinal plants and (b) an electrochemical process for water sterilisation by singlet oxygen production

Dr P. Radhakrishnan NairFormer Civil Surgeon , Kerala Health Services,Dr Radhakrishnan Nair with over 30 years experience started Amar Hospital , Maternity and Fertility Centre, at Attingal near Trivandram, Kerala..The Hospital is famous for promoting fertility, high quality services to high risk Pregnancy and neonates ,advance surgical treatment in Gynaecology, General Surgery and urology through minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Dr Radhakrishnan Nair is highly respected in his profession after having conducted more than 35000 laparoscopic surgeries and 50000 deliveries successfully. He has set very high standards of professional ethics and practices at affordable cost. The Hospital has won awards from Kerala State Government for Pollution Control and is ISO Certified. He is a Philanthropist and is associated with educating poor children.

Shri Rajan Nair

Shri Rajan Nair belongs to a reputed business family of Kollam. He is the son of Poyilakkada Shri P. Gangadharan Pillai who was reputed for business ethics and philanthropic activities. Shri Rajan Nair has been the Managing Partner of Kerala Nut Food Co. who are one of the leading exporters of cashew. He had diversified into sea food exports in 1973 by starting Poyilakkada Fisheries Pvt Limited and has been its Managing Director since then.Shri Rajan Nair has been a Managing Committee member of Sea Food Exporters Association of India for over 20 years. He had travelled to various countries on Government delegation for promotion of sea food exports. He was Founder of Quilon Management Association and Director of Kerala Permanaent Benefit Fund Limited.

Smt Sugatha KumariFamous Poet who has been at the fore front of environmental and feminist movement not only in Kerala but all over India. Her poetic works had a special place for Mother Nature and dwelved on human relationships and emotions.

Smt Sugatha Kumari successfully led the agitation to save the silent Valley. She is the founder Secretary of Prakriti Samrakshana Samithi, an organization for protection of Nature and ABHAYA, a home for destitute women and mentally ill. She was chairperson of Kerala State Woman’s Commission.

Numerous awards won by her include Kerala Sahithya Academy Award, Odakkuzhal award, Vayalar Award, Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra award., Aasaan Prize , Vallathol award, Kerala Sahithya Academy fellowship, Ezhuthachan Puraskaram and Saraswati Samman. She was also honoured with PADMASHRI by the President of India.

Shri Suresh GopiA superstar of Malayalam Films, Shri Suresh Gopi won National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in KALIYAATTAM. He started his career as a child artist and went on to become super star with about 200 films to his credit.

He became immensely popular with masses with his role of courageous and Law Enforcing Police Officers. His acting prowess was visible in several movies where he played roles of characters of substance. Awards won by him besides National Award include best actor in Kerala State Film Award (3 times) and best supporting actor ( 4 times)

Shri Suresh Gopi also is famous for his Philanthropic efforts and his fearless comments on matters of Public Interest.

Dr Thomas P Thomas

Associate Professor in Botany, St Thomas College, Active environmental activist, fought against illegal reclamation of Paddy field and wetlands at Aranmula. Activist against Pollution Problems of Pamba caused by Pilgrims and others, Active in moralistic and value added education to college students. Member of All Kerala River Protection Council.

Shri Surya Kaladi Suryan Jayasuryan Bhattathirippad

Suryakaladi mana is renowned for Mantravada and Ganesh worship. This mana, situated in Nattasseri near Kottayam., is believed to have been instituted by Lord Parasurama. The Legend has it that Lord Surya appeared in front of the ancestor of this Mana and blessed him with divine text containing many secret Mantras and their applications. One male child in each generation is titled SURYAN in remembrance of his ancestor’s tryst with Lord Surya. THANTRI of several prominent temples, Shri Bhattathiripad is considered an authority in Thantric practices. Chosen for Several Awards and recognitions including Maha Ganesha Dasa, Puraskaram of Ayyappa Seva Sangham, Thantrika Ratna Puraskaram of Jyotisha Patana Kendram.

Shri R S Nair - Director & Chief ExecutiveWith qualifications in Science, Law, Management and Banking, Shri R S Nair started his Career with State Bank of India. While holding Managerial position in the Bank, he had resigned and joined Leela Group as Director. Worked as Managing Director of Buena Vista Travels Pvt. Limited, an IATA recognized, Government approved Travel and Tour Company and Managing Director of Buena Vista International Pvt Limited, a spices export Company. Functioned as Dy. Managing Director of JANMABHOOMI Daily and as member of the Board of Directors of several companies.

He had travelled to many countries all over the world on behalf of SBI and Leela Group and as member of Spices Board delegations.

There shall be an executive committee comprising of persons with appropriate background to implement the project. Resource groups comprising of experts on a particular activity would be constituted to guide and advise the members of executive committee.

Wetland Making Aranmula Kannadi

Vallapattu Othara Padayani

PROJECTS fOR IMPlEMENTATION

We have identified few heritage projects for implementation.

Heritage SchoolWe are in the process of taking over a school for developing it as a heritage school. Along with the normal academic curriculum, children from primary school level will undergo a comprehensive education system where equal attention is paid to physical, emotional and intellectual development to make them dynamic and responsible citizens. This will make them meet the challenges of global society while retaining the traditional values. Emphasisis given on extracurricular activity which will help students develop their mindand body. Students exchange programme with heritage schools abroad is also part of our plan.

Heritage College and Institute

Apart from academically oriented courses such as degree, post graduate degrees etc, the plan include professionally oriented courses such as X- Ray technician, healthcare, pharmacy technician, nursing, etc. Appropriate programmes will be designed to inculcate values such as integrity, honesty respect for others, quality consciousness, passion for excellence etc.

Heritage Museum This will showcase several artefacts of heritage value.Besides items such as Aranmula Kannadi, Thiruvonathoni, Chundan Vallam, Oars, Decorations etc. which are special to Aranmula, the museum will display historical items from various rulers, coins, title deeds in Brass, murals, Paintings etc which the future generation will value immensely. Attached to the Museum will be a library and reading room with collection of books on history, traditions, rituals, culture, archaeology, epics etc.it is our plan to facilitate research on our heritage.

Heritage Treatment CentresWe have an unusually rich method of heritage treatment in the form of Ayurveda. This form of treatment has now received wide acceptance all over the world because of its effectivenessin certain ailments. Besides traditional Ayurvedic treatment, our Heritage treatment centres will provide for:

- Geriatric Ayurveda - Holistic Medicine - Psychiatric Rehabilitation - De-addiction centres - Fitness and Exercise programme - Traditional nutrition and diet programmes - Alternative medicine and therapies such as yoga, meditation etc.

Aranmula Jalotsavam About 52 palliyodams (snake boats) participate in Aranmula Uthrittathi Jalotsavam.

Heritage festivalSeveral of our traditional art forms are unknown to the new generation. Not many artists are coming forward to learn and practice several of our traditional art forms. It’s our plan to conduct heritage festivals to popularise some of our art forms such as Theyyam, a dance form which is part of cultural heritage of North Malabar, Mudiyettu, a ritualistic and rural performing art, Padayani, a ritualistic art form from central Travancore, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, Koodiyattam, Kooth, Mohiniyattam, etc. The festival also will feature heritage food from various part of India and other countries, exhibition of textiles, paintings and handicrafts.

Sabari Balasramam Aranmula

Weekly Magazine

It’s our plan to publish a weekly magazine to propagate nationalism, values, traditions, lessons from history and our Vedic past.

Home for destitute Children

There are several children abandoned by parents for various reasons. They will be adopted and provided a HOME with Love, Compassion and Values making them feel that there are people in the society who care for them and they are wanted. They will be given education and brought up as responsible citizens.

Home for Elders

With the advent of nuclear families, the elders are forced to fend for themselves. According to available statistics, the life span also is increased. The children have to go to other places or countries to make a living while the parents do not like to leave their familiar surroundings. There are conflicts in lifestyle, food habits, behaviour, language and upbringing which make the senior citizen opt to continue independent life. They require love, security, attention and support which we will provide in an atmosphere of heritage.

Home for destitute Women

We will provide shelter, protection and dignified life to women who are deprived of them. We will provide schemes to empower them.

SUSTAINABlE HERITAGE VIllAGE All the projects mentioned earlier would form part of Sustainable Heritage Village being planned and developed with Aranmula as its focus point. Villages around Aranmula would be brought under the scheme in a phased manner. Village development involve; a) Biogas plant to process waste from institutions as well as Household. The plant will generate energy and manure for organic farming. b) Encourage organic farming.c) Generate non conventional energy. d) Keep village clean and hygienic with the help of volunteers from Educational Institutions and Residents.e) Evolve programs to develop harmony and cooperation among the residents.f ) Preserve and propagate local knowledge on agriculture at treatment, construction social life etc.

Project Cost Projects being taken up in first phase are ; (a) Heritage School (b) Heritage Museum (c) Sustainable Heritage Village Other schemes will be taken up in the Second phase. Cost for first phase is estimated to be about Rs 10 Crores.

Support Required

For successful implementation of the projects we need support in the form of men, materials and money. Support in any form will go a long way in protecting our Heritage for future generation.

Aranmula Heritage Trust Aranmula P O Pathanamthitta 689 533Website : aranmulaheritage.net Email : heritagegramam@gmail.com Kummanam Rajasekharan : 9447970315 R S Nair : 9447057290 Office : 9656820303