Sevadhi Museum in Kottayam brings ancient manuscripts back to life

Kottayam: The rich, untold history of Kottayam is slowly coming to light at the Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, where hundreds of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts are being meticulously restored and deciphered. Once complete, these manuscripts are expected to reveal centuries of knowledge, tradition and local heritage, according to the museum authority.

So far, 37,200 palm-leaf manuscripts have been restored, which are currently housed at the Sevadhi Museum and Indological Research Centre, established by restoring the Kottara Malika (Palace Bungalow) inside the temple complex. The second phase of conservation works has begun, with the museum now receiving approval as an independent research centre by the Gnana Bharatham Mission under the Union Government.

The museum operates under a trust registered with the Kumaranalloor Uranma Devaswom. A book titled `Kumaranalloor Grandhavari' has also been published, documenting these ancient scripts.

Administrator Hari Chemmangattillam, Temple Uranma Secretary C S Unni, Curator S Rajendu, Manuscript Keeper Ramya Bhakaran, and Coordinator Anandakuttan Sreenilayam oversee the museum's functions. According to them, a memorandum of understanding has been signed with 14 research institutes across different states to facilitate study and collaboration.

Conservation mission
The 37,200 palm-leaf manuscripts, recovered from the temple attic, were carefully cleaned using grass oil and kajal (eyeliner). They are currently stored in bundles of 100 leaves each. The museum aims to provide students and researchers with access to these ancient manuscripts while raising awareness of tradition and heritage. Visitors can tour the museum by advance booking. 

Sevadhi
Sevadhi, one of the nine treasures associated with Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, serves as the inspiration for the museum’s name, symbolising it as a priceless repository of knowledge.