Kaduthuruthy
Block Panchayat

Kaduthuruthy — History and Heritage

Decades ago, Kaduthuruthy was known as Kadantheri and was a prominent centre of trade. Agricultural products such as pepper, ginger, turmeric, paddy, and coconut, along with vegetables and various spices, were traded here on a large scale. Water transport was the principal means of transportation during that period, and facilities were available for pathemaris, traditional cargo boats, to berth and load or unload goods.

The Veeramanikyathu ancestral home, believed to have been the residence of Unnuneeli, the heroine of the famous Malayalam literary work Unnuneeli Sandesam, is said to have been located just to the east of the Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple at Kaduthuruthy. Kaduthuruthy was also the seat of the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom during its early period.

There are various explanations regarding the origin of the name Kaduthuruthy. It is traditionally believed that the area was once surrounded by water on all four sides. When the surrounding waters receded and the area became connected to the mainland, it came to be known as “Kadalthuruthu” (an island or land surrounded by the sea). Over time, the name is believed to have evolved into Kaduthuruthy.

Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple

Among the important places of worship in Kaduthuruthy, the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple holds a prominent position. This ancient and historically significant temple is traditionally believed to have been consecrated by Kharamaharshi. The principal deity is Lord Shiva, accompanied by Goddess Parvati.

Christian Churches

One of the most important Christian places of worship in Kaduthuruthy is the Kaduthuruthy Valiya Palli (Great Church). It is an ancient church believed to have been built in 1456, during the period of the Eastern bishops, before the arrival of the Portuguese.

A remarkable feature of this church is its 50-foot-high granite cross carved from a single stone. It is regarded as the largest monolithic granite cross in India. The Thazhathepalli, another place of worship located near the Valiya Palli, is also of considerable historical and religious importance.

Other significant Christian places of worship in and around Kaduthuruthy include Muttuchira Forane Church, Arunoottimangalam St. Thomas Church, Mannar St. Mary's Mount Church, Valachira St. Sebastian's Church, Ayamkudi St. Teresa's Church, Maduravely St. Alphonsa Church, and the Infant Jesus Church.

Other Places of Worship

The religious and cultural heritage of Kaduthuruthy encompasses places of worship belonging to Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities. Among the prominent Hindu temples are the Adityapuram Surya Temple, Mannar Sree Krishna Temple, and Ayamkudi Mahadeva Temple. These temples represent the region's ancient religious traditions.

The Muhyuddin Shaikh Juma Masjid at Mannar is one of the important places of worship of the Muslim community in the region.

Thus, Kaduthuruthy is a place where its ancient commercial heritage, the history of water transport, the legacy of the Vadakkumkoor Kingdom, and the religious traditions of different communities come together. With its rich historical, cultural, and religious diversity, Kaduthuruthy holds a distinctive place as an important heritage region of Kerala.