Ezhumattoor
Grama Panchayat

It is said that because a member of the Koickal family held an official position in the Travancore Royal Family, the regions (karas) of Ezhumattoor and Thelliyoor were granted to the Koickal family as tax-free lands. It is believed that the original seat of the Koickal family was at Thelliyoor, as indicated by the names of certain homesteads that still exist there. Even today, the place where the road leading to these homesteads begins is known as Kottiyambalam.
This region has always been richly blessed with abundant surface water resources. It is characterized by perennial wells, expansive ponds, and small streams that continue to flow with clear water even during summer. Such favorable natural conditions made the area highly suitable for human settlement from ancient times. Although rocky outcrops are found in some places, the fertile soil supports the cultivation of almost every type of crop. The region is also rich in biodiversity, with many rare species of trees and medicinal plants still surviving. The combination of fertile agricultural land and abundant water made Thelliyoor and Ezhumattoor important centers of habitation since prehistoric times.
Evidence of the Megalithic Age, considered by historians to be one of Kerala's earliest civilizations, has been discovered in this area. Burial urns, locally known as Nannangadis, were unearthed in 1960 from Paravanoli Hill in Thelliyoor. Similar urns have also been discovered at Erumamala in Narakathani, Ezhumattoor. A well excavated from beneath the soil near Kottiyambalam in Thelliyoor is also believed to have been constructed during an ancient period.
The famous water reservoir known as Thelliyoor Chira, located near Thelliyoor Kavu, along with the surrounding stone-lined ponds, stands as a historical remnant of an ancient settlement. The place names Thelliyoor and Ezhumattoor themselves further support the antiquity of the region. The name "Thelliyoor" is believed to have originated from the Malayalam word "Theliya", meaning "clear" or "open, " combined with "Oor", meaning "village". It is thought that the village acquired this name because it emerged as a clear settlement amidst surrounding forests. The name "Ezhumattoor" is believed to have evolved from "Ezhima Utta Oor", meaning "The Prosperous Village." According to tradition, the name reflects the prosperity and abundance that characterized the area.
The Devi temples at Thelliyoor and Ezhumattoor, along with the Shiva temple at Ezhumattoor and their associated ritual arts, are important examples of Kerala's ancient Dravidian cultural heritage. The Panamattathukavu Devi Temple at Ezhumattoor and the Thelliyoorkavu Bhagavathy Temple have been renowned places of worship since ancient times. Rituals such as "Padayani", "Chooral Adi", and "Kalamezhuthu Pattu" performed at these temples are among Kerala's oldest ritual art forms.
An annual trade fair held for one week from the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam in the grounds near Thelliyoorkavu Temple has long been famous even in distant regions. According to tradition, in earlier times, members of the Malayaraya tribal community from the eastern hill regions would visit the temple on the first day of Vrischikam carrying offerings for the Goddess. These offerings were sold beneath the banyan tree located on the eastern side of the temple. Likewise, a well-known annual fair was also held for many years at the Panamattathukavu Temple in Ezhumattoor on the Bharani star day during the month of Vrischikam.
Legend has it that the Ilayidathu Rani, who fled her homeland to escape an attack by the King of Travancore, sought refuge near the Thelliyoor Bhagavathy Temple along with her husband and attendants, including Keerikkattu Kuruppu and Puthedathu Pillai. At that time, the temple stood amidst dense forest. Although the surrounding forest was gradually converted into agricultural land, nearly thirty acres around the temple have been preserved as the sacred grove known as Thelliyoorkavu.
To the west of the temple lies the expansive Thelliyoor Chira, a remarkable natural water reservoir. This beautiful freshwater lake is situated atop a hill. Water overflowing from the reservoir forms a small stream, which creates a picturesque waterfall at Aruvikkadu near the Thelliyoor Government Hospital. Thelliyoor Chira, though originally a natural water body, was expanded and developed through the collective efforts of the local villagers.
During India's freedom struggle, the people of this Panchayat actively embraced the spirit of nationalism. With the spread of modern education, they enthusiastically established schools and nurtured future generations through education. Primary schools founded by Christian missionaries at Kottenkudi, Koolippara, Thelliyoor, and Edacadu played a significant role in the educational history of this region.
The primary school established at Ezhumattoor, which laid the foundation for modern education in the area, has since grown into a Government Higher Secondary School. Today, primary schools providing basic education are available throughout the Panchayat.