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Vettoor: A Coastal Region Adorned with History and Spirituality near Varkala

The Vettoor region, rich in natural beauty and history, lies alongside the coast of Varkala. Varkala is blessed by its stunning landscape, the grace of Janardana Swamy (the Lord of Southern Kashi), and the spiritual light of Sree Narayana Guru. It is a sacred land celebrated in the Puranas and Itihasas (Hindu scriptures). Vettoor, located adjacent to Varkala, holds significant importance both as a historical center and a pilgrimage hub.

History, Legends, and Geographical Features

Origin of the Name: Folklore suggests Vettoor is derived from "Vettithelicha Ooru" (literally, the 'land cleared by cutting/chopping'), as mentioned in the Aithihyamala (Garland of Legends).

Connection to Pilgrimage: The older generations believe there is an ancient, close connection (Naalee-Naabhi Bandham) between Vettoor Thodu (Vettoor Canal) and Pozhikkara region with Papanasam (washing away of sins), the establishment of the Janardana Swamy Temple, and its Arattu festival.

Ancient Forests: This area, which rises steeply from the seashore, was once a dense forest. Hills like Chilakkoor Kunnu, Vettoor, Ossavilakunnu, Meenakunnu, and Ariyitta Kunnu were historically rich in flora even during the time of the monarchy.

Chilakkoor Kunnu's Marine Hazard: The portions of Chilakkoor Kunnu that have submerged into the Arabian Sea still remain as 'Paarukal' (reefs/obstructions) that cause significant difficulties and damage to local fishermen.

Trade, Transport, and the T.S. Canal

Historical Trade Hub: From the beginning of the royal reign until almost independence, this northern coastal area of the Thiruvananthapuram district was a busy and active trade, marketing, and transportation center.

Canal System: The main boat jetties (Vallakkadavu) of the T.S. Canal (Thiruvananthapuram-Shoranur Canal) were located at Onnam Palam (First Bridge), Vettoor Choolappura Kadavu (Vettoor Brick Kiln Jetty), and Chilakkoor Vallakkadavu (north of Cheriya Thurappu/Small Tunnel).

Logistics: All types of freight transportation to areas like Varkala, Puthen Chanda, Raghunathapuram, Cherunniyoor, Palachira, and Kallambalam passed through these jetties. Even with the growth of road and rail transport, this canal-based freight movement, constructed during the royal era, remained surprisingly cost-effective.

Mayura Sandesam: The famous Malayalam messenger poem, Mayura Sandesam, by Kerala Varma Valiya Koithampuran, mentions the Varkala canal that passes through Vettoor.

Tourism: The canal and its two tunnels were quite famous for tourism.

Royal Retreats: Bungalows serving as retreats for the Travancore Maharajas and the royal family were situated on Ariyitta Kunnu and Chilakkoor Kunnu, near the boat jetty.

Vettoor Choolappura: This historically significant place was where huge kilns were used to bake all the bricks for the construction of the smaller tunnel. The quality of the mud-clay in this area was suitable for manufacturing high-grade bricks, as evidenced by the quality of the bricks in the tunnel.

Decline of the Canal: The deterioration of the canal, rendering it unnavigable, is cited as a reason for the developmental backwardness of areas like Onnam Palam, Nedunganda, Arivalam, Vilabhagam, Raathikkal, Vettoor, Choolappura, and Vallakkadavu.

Social Reform, Education, and Freedom Struggle

Cultural Contributions: Vettoor, Vilabhagam, and Nedunganda made luminous contributions to the arts, culture, and the national freedom struggle.

Education: The Sree Narayana Vilasam High School (formerly known as Ariyitta Kunnu School) was the first educational and cultural center in the Varkala region, giving rise to numerous patriots, revolutionaries, and esteemed personalities.

Panchayat Office: The Panchayat office was historically located near Nedunganda Ariyitta Kunnu.

Night Schools: In the 1940s, when formal primary schools were scarce, night schools run by progressive nationalists and communists for coir workers and fishermen were highly acclaimed.

Social Justice: These revolutionaries provided invaluable services to the oppressed, including giving them access to barbershops, tea stalls, and public spaces, and educating them on the path to freedom from social oppression. Sivadasan (former MLA) was a key leader in these activities.

Role in Freedom Struggle: The history of the Panchayat is deeply infused with the fervor of the freedom movement and progressive reform movements. Historical records confirm the region's crucial role in the freedom struggle.

Freedom Fighters: Prominent freedom fighters included Vettoor Narayanan Vaidyar, Mavilayil Nanu, Vazhavila Nanu Ashan, Meenamkunnil Marthandan Muthalali, Aliyarukunju (Kunjukkaaka), and Kaattuvilayil Bhaarggavi.

Independence Celebration: On the day of India's independence, a chariot with 101 oxen celebrated the freedom by travelling from Vettoor to Varkala.

Early Patrons of Education: Wealthy individuals, like Mavilayil Narayanan Muthalali of Vilabhagam, actively promoted educational activities after independence. Govindan Muthalali and Meenamkunnil Chandrasekharan Manager were important public figures in the post-independence era.

Labor Movements: The region was a leader in labor movements. The first coir workers' strike took place from Puthen Kadavu to Kaayikkara in the Malayalam year 1126 (1950-51 AD), led by Adv. M. Lohithan.