When was the last mamankam held

The Samoothiri declared himself as Maharakshapurusha of the temple in Thiruavaya. From that day forth, the Valluvanadan king began to send Chaver Nairs to fight until death, and to recapture the right from the Samoothiri, who would stand poised at Nilapadu thara in Thriunavaya, surrounded by a large contingent of warriors.

Two of the earlier kings who are known to have abdicated their thrones following this route were Kulasekara Alwar 8 th century and Cheraman Perumal A. D With the rule of the Perumals coming to an end, the right to conduct Mamankam vested with the ruler of Valluvanad. As mentioned earlier, Mamankam was also an enormous trade fair and thus of high economical advantage for its controllers.

He was hailed as the supreme protector of the land. Mamankam, hence, became the venue of kutipaka or blood feud between the Zamorins and the Valluvanadan kings. When the Mamankam was held, all the adjoining kings used to send their flags to the ruling Zamorin as a proof of their loyalty.

These sworn warriors fought with the Zamorin on the nilapaduthara. The dead and the badly wounded Chavers were thrown into the nearby well called the manikinar and trampled down using elephants. The temple, nilapaduthara and the manikinar could still be seen in Thirunavaya as remnants of this historical festival. Mamankam, now, is also remembered for the great courage and dedication of the hundreds of chavers who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of their sworn duty.

The Navamukunda temple, on the banks of Bharatapuzha River, near Thirur in the Malappuram district is one of the temples in India that are especially dedicated to devotees of Lord Vishnu.

It is believed that this ancient temple, which is around years old, was built by the Navayogis during the dwapara age. According to the puranas, the navayogis are the sons of Rishaba, the king of Ayodhya. The legends say that the Navayogis, who were noted travellers, had established the Saala villages at the confluence of the Bhagmati and Gandaki rivers in the North India today's Nepal in the Navamukunda temple for the greater good humanity.

Around years ago, master craftsman Perunthachan had renovated the sanctum sanctorum of the Navamukunda temple as per the instructions of the Vettathu king. The unique construction of the sanctum sanctorum is so mesmerizing and awe inspiring as the sun rays fall directly on the idol, on the morning of the Vishu day 1 st day of the Malayalam month Medam; Uttarayanam or the first half of the year and the 1 st day of the Malayalam month of Kanni dakshinayanam or the second half of the year.

The Pazhukka mandapam which has significance in the history of Mamankam is situated in the south east corner of this temple. The Mamankam memorials, rebuilt by the Kerala government under the Nila project, in , are maintained by the archaeology department. It was at the Nilapaduthara that the Zamorin stood, in all glory with his sword drawn, along with his guards and other convoy.

He watched the Mamankam and gave the instructions from the Nilapaduthara. It was at this spot that the Chavers tried to assassinate the Zamorin. The Valluvanadan rulers had often tried to assassinate the Zamorin who had defeated them and taken over Thirunavaya, while he was at the Mamankam festival. Marunnara : Located on Kodakkal - Banthar Road, it was the place where the rulers used to keep the explosive for the wars. Changampalli Kalari : Located on Thazhathara - Kuttippuram Road, it was the place where soldiers were trained for wars.