Vaikom, Kottayam: Vazhiyambalams, the resting homes set up for commuters and passerby during an era when royalty ruled Kerala, are remnants of the state’s rich heritage and culture, but many of them situated in Kottayam district are in a state of neglect.
The wayside halts that continue to stand the test of time in Kottayam are at Thalayolaparambu, and adjacent to the Vadayar Elamkavu Devi Temple, Thuruvelikkunnu Dhruvapuram Mahadeva Temple, and the Vechoor Sasthamkulam Devi temple.
While the ones at Vadayar and Vechoor are preserved and protected by local residents, the structures at Thalayolaparambu and Thuruvelikkunnu paint a sad picture of neglect.
The resting home at Thalayolaparambu is situated on 14 cents of land donated by the Kaniyampadikkal family in the area. They also pledged to set aside income from three hectors of paddy field to meet the financial requirements for running the facility. There had been free distribution of sambharam (spicy buttermilk) to quench the thirst of passerby, remember the elderly.
In those times there was no means for transportation and people covered long distances on foot or bullock carts. The resting home at Thalayolaparambu situated on the wayside in front of the Sree Karthyayani Devi Temple used to offer them cool shade and water during those arduous journeys.
There is also pond with stone steps adjoining the structure from which animals accompanying the travelers used to drink water. Buckets made of stones to keep water too remain largely unscathed.
The Kaniyampadikkal family follows the matrilineal law of inheritance. As the current heir of the family does not have female offsprings, this piece of history may soon become a mere memory.
The structure was threatened by neglect and decay after the present owner of the property relocated to Mumbai and settled there.
Though there are demands to protect and preserve it as a heritage property, nobody is coming forward to push the case strongly. Due to the indifferent attitude of the authorities concerned, this iconic structure has become a den of anti-social activities as well.
So many legends and stories are associated with the Vazhiyambalam at Thuruvelikkunnu. It is believed that the Thurvelikkunnu Mahadeva Temple is situated on a piece of land fallen off from the mountain carried by Lord Hanuman from the Himalayas. It is also believed that Lord Sri Rama, accompanied by Sita, used to visit the Vazhiyambalam to oversee the well-being of his subjects. This structure too is on the verge of crumbling.
The Vazhiyambalam close to the Vadayar Devi temple still maintains its past glory, thanks to the initiatives of devotees and various clubs in the area to keep it in good condition.
Though there are ample signs of wear and tear, the resting home at Vechoor is also being protected.
The authorities need to initiate preservation measures at the earliest to reclaim these structures from the ravages of time.