Bharananganam
Grama Panchayat

Historical, Cultural and Developmental Background of Bharananganam

The Bharananganam region appears to have been inhabited from very early times. The Negrito people are believed to have been the earliest inhabitants, followed later by the Dravidians and, finally, the Aryans. According to legend, the place derived its name from “Paranganam”, referring to the forested area (“Kaanam”) where Bhima, one of the Pandavas, is believed to have performed penance. It is said that the name gradually changed to Bharananganam over time.

Bharananganam has played its own significant role in the various agitations and struggles that took place in Kerala in connection with the social reform movement, the Indian freedom movement, and the movement for responsible government. I.D. Chacko, popularly known as Pappachan of Machiyani, Bharananganam, was one of the persons from the region who actively participated in the national movement.

An English school was started in 1897 in a building constructed on the initiative of Bharananganam Church and handed over to the Government. On 15 August 1952, a Village Library and Reading Room was established at Vezhangana.

The Punalur–Muvattupuzha State Highway passes through the northern part of the Panchayat. Remnants of the ancient mountain routes once used for trade with Tamil Nadu can still be found in Bharananganam.

The Sree Krishna Temple at Bharananganam, believed to have been established by the Pandavas, is very famous. Idappady Vazhanekkavu Temple is another very ancient temple in the region. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple at Alanad is believed to have been constructed about a thousand years ago.

The tomb of the Blessed Alphonsa is situated at Bharananganam, and tens of thousands of devotees visit the place seeking blessings. The Meenachil River and its surroundings, as well as the temples in the region, are attractive destinations for visitors. Ayyampara and Paramboorampara are areas within the Panchayat that have considerable potential to be developed as tourist destinations.

The tomb and associated memorials of Sister Alphonsa, who was canonized as a saint, together with Bharananganam Church, have become a globally renowned sacred pilgrimage centre. The Bharananganam Sree Krishna Temple, believed to have been established by the Pandavas approximately 7,000 years ago, is another important attraction.

The churches at Pravithanam and Ilanthottam, the Kayyoor and Koovakkad areas included in the State Tourism Map, and the Kayyoor region, where Bhima is believed to have lived at Kulappurath as mentioned in the Aithihyamala, are among the places of historical, cultural and tourism significance that deserve wider recognition.

The Saint Alphonsa Feast is one of the major celebrations in the Panchayat. Bharananganam is the birthplace of St. Alphonsa, the first woman from India to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Following her canonization, the Panchayat, where her tomb is located, became an important pilgrimage destination for devotees from across the world.

Health Care Facilities

Several health-care institutions are actively functioning in the Panchayat. Choondacherry Ayurveda Dispensary, Pravithanam Homoeo Dispensary, Alanad Orappuzhakkal Homoeo Dispensary, and Ullanad Primary Health Centre provide primary health-care facilities to the people. In addition, I.H.M. Hospital is also functioning at Bharananganam.

Educational Institutions

Several educational institutions operate in Bharananganam Panchayat under both the private and government sectors. Bharananganam Alphonsa Residential School and St. Joseph College of Engineering, Choondacherry, are among the prominent educational institutions in the Panchayat.

Libraries and Cultural Institutions

Bharananganam Library, Idappady Cultural Centre, and Ullanad Reading Room are among the libraries and cultural institutions functioning in the Panchayat. These institutions play an important role in promoting reading, cultural activities and social development in the region.

Government Offices and Public Institutions

The Kerala State Electricity Board Office, Village Office, and Telephone Exchange are located at Bharananganam. The Kerala Water Authority Office is situated at Pala, while the Krishi Bhavan is located at Vezhangana. In addition, around a dozen other government offices and public institutions are functioning within the Panchayat.

Bharananganam, with its rich historical heritage, religious significance, natural beauty, pilgrimage centres, educational institutions, health-care facilities and cultural traditions, occupies an important place in the social, cultural and tourism landscape of Kottayam district.