Haripad

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Haripad, is a town in Alappuzha District, Kerala, India, located between Alappuzha and Kollam on National Highway 47. There are eighteen Hindu temples there and more than 30 more in the surrounding countryside. The most famous temples are Subrahmanya Swami Temple and the Mannarashala Nagaraja Temple. Haripad is close to the Arabian Sea, and connects via the National Highway with Mavelikkara and Thrikkunnappuzha.

Contents 1 Temples 1.1 Subrahmanya Temple 1.2 Mannarasala Temple 2 Veeyapuram 3 Karichal 4 Government 5 Infrastructure 6 Economy 7 References

[edit] Temples

Haripad is also known as "Kshethrangalude Nagaram" or 'Town of Temples'. In and around Haripad there are more than 50 temples. To name about half of them:

Haripad Subrahmanya Temple, Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple, Haripad Sree Anjaneya Temple, Thrippakkudam Mahadeva Temple, Kalayamkulangara Devi Temple, Padanilam Shastha Temple, Vakkayil Krishna Temple,

Vellamkulangara Saraswati Devi Temple, Thrivikramapuram Krishna Temple, Payippad Shastha Temple, Kanyattukulangara Devi Temple, Thiruvilanjal Devi Temple, Moodayil Temple, Puthukkulangara Devi Temple, Aranazhika Devi Temple,

Thevarodath Temple, Kolothu Devi Temple, Vathukulangara Devi Temple, Thalathotta Vadakkumnatha Temple, Manimangalam Subrahmanya Temple, Kavarattu Shiva Temple, Thukkayil Sree Krishna Temple, Kocharayakulangara Temple,

Arayakulangara Durga Devi Temple, Pithampil Dharma Sastha Temple, Nangiarkulangara Sree Krishna Temple, Manakkattu Devi Temple, Erattakkulangara Devi Temple Kanjoor Devi Temple, Vettolil Devi Temple, Kanakayil Devi Temple

[edit] Subrahmanya Temple

The Subrahmanya Temple in Haripad is built in the ancient Kerala style of architecture. It is believed that when the new temple was nearing completion, one of the trustees had a dream about finding the idol of Subrahmanya. Following his directions the four-armed idol was found in the river near Pathiramanal island and brought to Haripad. In commemoration of this event a snake boat regatta is held at Payippad every Chingom (August-September) during the three-day Payippad Jalotsavam festival.^[1] The Chithira festival takes place at the temple in Medom (April-May) and includes a procession with a golden peacock throne. Haripad Temple renovated by Ambakkattu Kottaram of Karichal. Ezhikkakathu Jn also very popular.

[edit] Mannarasala Temple

The famous Nagaraja temple "Manarasala" is situated near to Haripad. Nestled in a forest glade, like most snake temples, the Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees, and is the largest such temple in Kerala. Women seeking fertility come to worship here, and upon the birth of their child come to hold thanksgiving ceremonies, often bringing new snake images as offerings.

[edit] Veeyapuram

6 km. from Haripad is Veeyapuram where the rivers Pamba and Achankovil flow together.

[edit] Karichal

Karichal is 4 km. from Haripad. Karichal and Payippad is divided by Achankovil river. The famous Payippad Jalotsavam is conducted in Achankovil river, locally known as 'Payippaattu Aaru'. This three day water festival can be viewed from the river banks at both Karichal and Payippad. The snake boat of Karichal known as "Karichal Chundan" won many trophies at Alleppey Nehru Trophy Boat Race' and is known to all Boat Race lovers for its high ranking performance and agility.

[edit] Government

Haripad is the headquarters of Karthikappally Taluk (township).^[2]

[edit] Infrastructure

Haripad is one of the major railway station in the Coastal Railway Line connecting Kayankulam Junction to Ernakulam Junction via Alappuzha. Haripad Town is very old and well planned.^{[citation needed]} The city centre includes the all governmental offices of the Karthikappally Taluk. The city centre also has a very good market^{[citation needed]}, 3 cinema theatres, 2 secondary schools and 3 primary schools. There are 9 more schools outside the city centre.

[edit] Economy

The large National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plant at Kayamkulam is situated near to Haripad. There is also a good railway station in Haripad. The temples in the area are a significant source of tourism.

[edit] References

1. ^ "Snake Boat Races" Alappuzha Tourism;
2. ^ Official website of Karthikappally Taluk, Alappuzha District, Kerala, India;