Varikkasseri Mana

Varikkasseri Mana (Malayalam: വരിക്കാശേരി മന), alternatively known as Varikkumanchery Mana, is one of the oldest traditional aristocratic Namboothiri family houses (illam) in Kerala. Built in Kerala architectural style on a plot of land measuring approximately 4 acres, the building is located at Manissery, a village in Ottapalam in Palakkad. It is a popular shooting location for Malayalam films and several commercially successful films such as Devasuram, Aaraam Thampuran, Rappakal were filmed on its premises.

Varikkasseri Mana
വരിക്കാശ്ശേരി മന
Alternative namesVarikkumanchery Mana
General information
Architectural styleKerala Architecture
LocationManissery, Ottappalam, Palakkad, Kerala
CountryIndia
Coordinates10°46′16″N 76°20′14″E
Estimated completion1902
OwnerVarikkasseri Trust
Height
RoofRoof tiles
Technical details
Structural systemRed stone
Floor countThree
Design and construction
ArchitectKrishnan Thampuran
Other information
Number of rooms74 in the main building

Profile

The Varikkasseri family is reported to have a history of over 1000 years and the family is known to have occupied a sovereign position among Ashta gruha (Eight Families) Namboothiri families.[1] The Mana was built by Varikkassery Ravi Namboothirippad[2] in or about 1902, using locally available red stone.[3] An expansive padippura (gate house)[4] provides the entry to the three-storied building complex which comprises a nalukettu with 74 rooms, two pathayappuras (outhouses), a large pond and the adjoining bath house, a family temple complex consisting three temples of Shiva, Krishna and Ayyappan, and an oottupura (dining hall), which has since been demolished.[5] It was designed by Krishnan Thampuran, also known as Shilpi Thampuran, of Varikkasseri family, who had earlier studied architecture in Chennai and his exposure to western architecture is seen in the design of the building, especially in the long slender columns surrounding the portico of the building. The beams, doors and windows are made out of wood and are adorned with intricate carvings.[3]

The house was used in a number of Malayalam films,[6] starting with Theertham, the 1987 film made by Mohan.[3] It is reported that the principal photography of over 100 films have been done here[7] which include Devasuram, Aaraam Thampuran, Rappakal, Anandabhadram, Drona,, Simhasanam, Madampi, Sufi Paranja Katha, Jana (Tamil),Thooval Kottaram, Valliettan, Kaavalan, Manthrikan and Pretham 2.[8] Visitors are allowed in the complex when no film is being shot, but access to the ritually pure thevarapura is restricted to Brahmins who intend to perform rituals.[9] The mana is maintained and managed by a trust formed by the current owners of the property, consisting of 10 of the 25 original heirs and some investors who purchased the rights from the remaining 15 heirs.[6]

Varikkassery Krishnan Nampoothirippad was a well-known sculptor. He built the portico for this house in 1940s.[10]

Location

The Mana is located at Manissery, in Ottappalam, around 35 km from Palakkad, in the south Indian state of Kerala.[9] The nearest railway station is Ottapalam railway station but one may also reach the place via Shornur railway station which is 13 km away.[11] Kozhikode International Airport is the entry point by air, which is situated 62 km away from the Mana.[12]

  • Entrance
  • Varikkasseri temple
  • Nalukettu
  • Verandah
  • Courtyard
  • Out-house
  • Family pond
  • Bath house
  • A view from inside
  • The red stone wall and a window
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See also

References
  1. Krishnan Varikkassery. "Varikkassery Mana - a report". wikimapia.org. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  2. "Varikkassery Mana, where heritage wins time - MovingShoe". movingshoe.com. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  3. Veedu (31 July 2014). "Veedu special episode at Varikkassery Mana". YouTube. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  4. Holidays, Paradise (8 May 2017). "8 Gorgeous Movie Locations in Kerala that will Bring Out the Actor in You!". Medium. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  5. "Varikkasseri Mana - the ancestral home of Malayalam cinema". OnManorama. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  6. Satish, A (29 May 2012). "They're shooting like hell at Varikkassery Mana". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  7. "The stately Varikkasseri Mana beckons visitors". OnManorama. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  8. Rajendu, S (2012). Srushtiyum visrushtiyum (സൃഷ്ടിയും വിസൃഷ്ടിയും, ശില്പി വരിക്കാശ്ശീരി കൃഷ്ണൻ നമ്പൂതിരിപ്പാടിൻറെ കലയും ജീവിതവും). Calicut: Mathrubhumi Books. ISBN 978-81-8265-380-1.
  9. White Line (5 August 2018). "Varikkassery Mana - a documentary". YouTube. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  10. "Ottappalam". Kerala Tourism Department. Retrieved 11 May 2016.

Further reading
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