History of Grama Panchayat

 
           Melukavu is a scenic village located on the eastern border of Meenachil Taluk in the Kottayam district of Kerala, nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats. Known today as a Grama Panchayat, this region boasts a rich historical heritage across agricultural, social, religious, and cultural spheres. Key details about its history and background are outlined below.
 
Local History
 
            An ancient temple located at "Kodithoppu," near a place called "Kulathikkandam," was relocated to a hilltop area known as "Kalluvettam" following frequent attacks by wild elephants. Because this sacred grove (kavu) was moved from below to a higher location (mele), the temple came to be known as "Mele Kavu," which eventually evolved into "Melukavu" over time. Similar historical origins can be found in records for various other places within the panchayat:

 

  • Vakakkad: Named after the region's dense growth of Vaka (Siris) trees.

     

  • Kulathikkandam: Derived from the presence of ponds (kulanggal) and mangrove-like thickets (kandal).

     

  • Uppidupara: Named after a rock where hunters preserved game meat using salt (uppu).

     

  • Edamaruku: Derived from its position between two hills (maruku also means "hill").

     

  • Erumappara (later Irumapra): Named after a rock where herds of wild buffaloes (katteruma) used to rest.

     

  • Mudivachamaruth: Named after a spot where a king rested under a tree after placing his turban (thalappavu or mudi) on one of its branches during a visit to see his subjects.

     

Legends & Folklore

 

          According to Kottarathil Sankunni's Aithihyamala, Kulappurathu Bheeman was a man of superhuman strength who lived during the 9th Kollam Era at the Kulappurath Nair ancestral home in Kayyoor, Meenachil Taluk. Legend says he consumed over 25.25 idangazhi (a traditional measure) of rice per meal alongside matching sides, including hunted deer, wild boar, monitor lizard, and rabbit. He cooked these in large copper vessels (vaarp) and hung the meat near his swing bed while resting during the day.

 

  • Palakachari: Named after the spot where this Bheeman leaned giant wooden planks he had carried.

     

  • Thonikkallu: Named after the place where a boat-shaped stone was carved.

     

  • Ilaveezhapoonchira: Legend holds that this hill-top pond was created by the mythical Bheemasena for Panchali to bathe in.