Olappamanna Mana, Palakkad

Olappamanna Mana – a short note
Back Ground
The twist of events in the course of history will make certain happenings inevitable. The latter half of Twentieth century witnessed unbridled sweeping changes in the socio-cultural and economic life in Kerala.
Kerala's splendor in varied forms of fine arts is an internationally acclaimed one. No adjective is enough to describe the contributions made by the then Feudal Namboothiris
Olappamanna is the family name of feudal lords. They belong to priestly Brahmin Caste of Kerala, namely Namboodiris. Mana means Home of Kerala Brahmins in Malayalam.
They were immensely rich till the land reforms act was implemented in Kerala during 1965-70. They were patrons of art forms like Kathakali, Percussions, Classical Music, Literature, Vedic and Sanskrit education.

Mana Main Building Central Main Court Yard Carving
The present most popular form of Kathakali, namely Kalluvazhi Chitta was originated in Olappamanna Mana, nearly 150-200 years back. The Olappamanna Kaliyogam (School of Kathakali) was just transplanted in Kerala Kalamandalam by Vallathol for perfection of teaching the Art form.
Similarly a magazine exclusively for Poetry was published from this Mana during early 20th century. O.M.C. Narayanan Namboodiri Pad has translated the whole Rig Veda (consisting of ten thousand and odd four line stanzas) into Malayalam from Sanskrit.
Olappamanna Mana has given birth to famous Malayalam poet Olappamanna Subramanian Namboodiri Pad, Malayalam poet Dr. O.M.Anujan, Children's book writer Mrs. Sumalgala and others.
World famous Carnatic Musician Chembai Vaidya Natha Bhagavathar was a teacher in this Mana.
The unique Rig Vedic institution at Thrissur namely Brahmaswam Madham is very closely connected with the members of this family for last 200years and also now.
The Architectural Structure
Certain portions of the main building of the Mana Complex (House Complex) are older than 300 years. Truly speaking the Mana Complex cannot be called a home, it is rather an institution with many people staying there, in addition to the owners, with specific duties for each one. There were arrangements for food and stay for students and teachers and to study Kathakali, Music, Vedas and Sanskrit in the Mana.
Even though the members of family may be around six to seven people, there were more than fifty to sixty people taking food from Mana every day belonging to servants, staff, poor people and guests. Every day more than 50 Kg of rice was served and on special days it may go beyond 100 Kgs.
Here comes the importance of architecture of the building. The main building is known as Ettu Kettu (Eight structures with two open quadrangle), having two each Halls on Eastern side, Western side, Southern side, one at Central portion and one at Northern side. The names of the halls are also based on the position- for example Eastern Hall is called Kizhakkini, Kizhakku means East. Similarly Thekku means South and Southern hall is named Thekkini.
Kitchen always will have a position at the North- East corner of all Namboodiri Houses according to Vasthu Rules.

Western Building(Pathayapura) Southern Building
There are three kitchens. The smallest is for ladies only. The second one is for daily cooking and the third one; a large one is used during special days.
Only the Western side of the building is having three stories and the first floor is being used as bedrooms and rest rooms.
Three sub buildings known as Pathayapuras surround the building. Even the sub buildings are too large and can accommodate a large number of people.
Very spacious ground, similar to playgrounds of schools are provided around the Main Building to accommodate a very big crowd during marriage like functions.
Present Situation
Since the land ceiling act came, they had to leave all spledidness, as their thousands of acres of land were taken over by Government, without any compensation. Such a stringent land ceiling law was implemented only in Kerala State in India.
It has become impossible for the owners to stay in such a big house with out sufficient servants and inmates. Now the main building is kept under lock and key, except for opening it every day morning and evening for conducting rituals to their family deity.
Now the maintenance of the building itself is very costly and the present owners are struggling for want of funds.
Really Heritage Stay
In the words of a European Tourist " Even though I got very little time to spent here, the atmosphere has taken me back to Centuries."
Tourists can plan one day and night stay in this heritage complex and enjoy the very different and unique atmosphere here in this remote village. Tourists can also extend their peaceful and relaxed stay here, if they desire so, at attractive discount rates.
Now the tourists can see the architectural marvel of the old construction mainly using rosewood, teak wood and Jackfruit tree wood. They can understand the specialties of construction used to safe guard from summer heat/ from thieves etc. They can see the large Bathing tank, the Snake temple, the old utensils used, the old large Chinese porcelain pots, the old wet grinders, the elephant costumes, the bronze large lamps, swards, old balances, old fire proof iron Safe etc. Every thing will be explained well so that the tourist can really imagine the life style we had.
In the early morning, they can see a lot of different kinds of birds here, depending up on the season.
If any tourist is specifically interested, video C.D showing functions / festivals we had, can be shown, to see the Mana in lively form.
Certain Restrictions.
There are certain restrictions here to preserve the sanctity of the Family Deity. Foot ware is not permitted in side the Main Building. Smoking is not permitted in the Main Building. Non-vegetarian foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in whole Mana premises.
Location
Olappamanna Mana is located nearby to Calicut-Palghat main road (Cherpalcherry Route- not the other Mannarghat route)
From Calicut to Perintalmanna then to Cherpalcherry- then 4km from Cherpalcherry (Palakkad route), turn left at Mangode, drive 2km; you are at Olappamanna Mana gate. (90km from Calicut)
From Cochin to Trichur, then to Shoranur, then to Cherpalcherry and then same as above
(120km from Cochin/ 90 km from Nedumbassery Air port)
From Coimbatore to Palghat then to Cherpalcherry- But 4km before Cherpalcherry town and turn right at Mangode. ( 90 km from Coimbatore)
Nearby Places of Interest

River Kunthi Kathkali ( Both studied in Olappamanna School)
River Kunthi (told as the tear of Kunthi, mother of Pandavas in MahaBharatha), starting from famous Silent Valley in Western Ghats, a non-polluted river, with crystal clear water for 365 days in a year is very near to Mana. Tourists can even take bath in evening in this river and get refreshed.
A carpenter who is famous for making wooden carvings for Kathakali Crown, a bronze smith making crystal clear mirror in bronze, an Ayurvedic Hospital run by a genuine Ayurvedic Doctor conducting conventional treatments etc. are there in our Village.
Slightly away from here tourists can plan their visit to Silent Valley/ Attapadi/ Nelliyampathi etc. in their return from here.
Facilities and Tariff
Two double rooms with all necessary facilities for Foreign Tourists are now available. This will be increased to Three/ four shortly.

Room for Stay
The rooms are furnished, have European closets and bathrooms, fans (no a/c), emergency lights and thermo flasks. Kerala special vegetarian food made at home with all neatness only will be served. Filtered and boiled water/ packed mineral water/ tender coconut water can be served. Basically no mosquito here, but net/repellent can be provided if asked for. Personal attention to each tourist will be provided. The cost varies from $40/- to $75/- per day inclusive of home made Veg. Food and accommodation, on twin sharing basis. For single occupants a reasonable discount can be considered.
Entertainments at Extra Cost
Entertainments like KalamEzhuthi Pattu (picture of Goddess Kali is drawn by hand, using natural colors and certain rituals are performed), Kathkali, Thayampaka
Thayampaka Poothan-Seen on Festival Day Kalam Ezhuthi Pattu
The rate may vary, but around $30/- for Kalamezhuthi Pattu, $250/ for Thayampaka, Kathakali etc. But these can be shared by a group of tourists.
Charge Free Entertainments
KalamEzhuthi Pattu is there from 15th January to last Sunday of February every year as a part of the festival of Family Deity. Also there are roughly another 50 KalamEzhuthi Pattu spread over all months of the year. Hence visitors may get chance to see this ritual sometimes free of cost.
References
Photos and short description on Olappamanna Mana has appeared in National Geographic Magazine in May 1987 issue.
OutLook Traveler-Kerala-2005 has given a good description on us with photos (See pages 236,564,65,66,67,68,71,657)
Contact
The contact person is O.N.Damodaran-Ph: 91 466 2285383/2285797.
Email: olappamannadamodaran@gmail.com(Preffered)
olappamannadamodaran@hotmail.com / olappamannadamodaran@ yahoo.com