Akavoor Mana is situated on the northern bank of river Periyar, in Vellarappilly near Kalady of Ernakulam district. This Mana is of legendary repute and is historically famous.

Mangalath Mana, also known as Kappiyoor Mana is located in Brahmakkulam in Thaikkad near Guruvayur of Thrissur district. The ancient "Naalukettu" which was rebuilt in 1936, was demolished and rebuilt in 1974. The foundation of the building was built with laterite stones, while the walls were made of clay and mud. The "Padinjaatti" and "Thekkini" (western and southern wings) were raised with upper storey. There are three ponds, a well and a "Naaga" temple ("Sarpakkaavu") in the 4-acre compound.

The original abode of Mangalath Bhattathiris was located in Kappiyoor near Punnathoor, about three kilometers north of Guruvayur. This is why people name this as Kappiyoor Mana instead of Mangalath Mana. The original house was a spacious "Naalukettu", with the "Padinjaatti" (western wing) alone raised by a storey. The foundation and walls were all built of mud. The roof was thatched with coconut palm leaves.

The folk traditional "Paana" is inaugurated and conducted under the special drapery erected in the hall of arts ("Naadakasaala") on the southern side. There are "Sarpakkaavu" on all four court yards around the house. Nearby there are two more temples, one in which "Narasimhamoorthy" and the other in which "Bhagavathy" are the deities. The chief "Ooraalan" (trustee) of the latter is Nedumpurakkal Karippala Namboodiri and that of Narasimhamoorthy temple is Kappiyoor Bhattathiripad.

There was one "Vaiyaakaranan" (grammarian) who was the disciple of Koodallur Divakaran (Anujan) Nambudiripad. Another Bhattathiripad from this Mana, named Neelakandhan was believed to have taken to asceticism (become a "Samnyaasi") in the Chovvannoor "Sabha Madham".

The old Kappiyoor Mana was gutted in fire in ME 1131 in the month of Makaram (AD 1956, January-February) on "Aswathy" star. The house was completely rebuilt in the same spot and occupied on the same "Aswathy" star, next year. This is also going to be demolished soon. The descendants of the Mana have constructed a modern house on the southern side of it and have started living there.

For the past thousand years or so, the Bhattathiris of Chemmangaattu Mana were the owners of "Naalukettu Illams" surrounded by sprawling compounds at three places: one, south and adjacent to the Brahmakkulam temple, near Guruvayur; another one, on the northern side of the temple complex in Adat; and yet another one, close to the southern side of Engakkad temple, near Wadakkancherry, all in Thrissur district. It is difficult to guess which among them, the original ancient Illam of the family was. For the past three hundred years, the family is living in Adat.

Chemmangaattu Mana is located in a ten-acre compound lying on the eastern bank of Adat backwaters. There are three ponds and four wells in the compound. Being adjacent to the lake, fresh water is plenteous in all these water sources. The Illam is constructed in accordance with the principles of "Vaasthu Vidya". The "Padinjaatti" alone is raised into three stories.

There were separate coconut farm, areca nut farm and mango farm in the compound. "Plaasu" (Butea frondosa), "Elinji" (Mimosops elenji), "Vaaka" (Albizzia sp.) and "Darbha Pullu" (Darbha grass) (Pao cynosuroides) were grown in special plots. Similarly, gooseberry trees (Phyllanthus emblica), tamarind trees (Tamarindus indica) and coffee plants (Coffea arabica) were grown in separate rows.

When the family partition took place in 1939, another new Illam was constructed north of the old one. By 1980, the old Illam and adjacent compound was sold off and the new Illam was reconstructed, on modern concepts discarding the "Naalukettu" style. At the same time, the properties at Brahmakkulam and Engakkad were sold and thus lost.

Desamangalam Mana was located in Desamangalam in Thrissur district. The real name of the Mana is "Avanaavu-Kaanjoor-Thekkiniyedathu-Kiraangaattu Mana" (A.K.T.K.M.), and was originally in the Perumanam area.

In this village, the main building which was a "Pathinaaru-Kettu" stood with grandeur in a 13-acre compound for a short span of 55 years. It was built in 1929 and demolished and sold in 1985. The building was constructed on the basis of plans and calculations made by the famous "Vaasthu Vidya" expert, Kanippayyur Damodaran Nambudiripad.

The 16-Kettu building was decorated with exquisite wooden carvings and other forms of art. The pillars and supports were made of teak (Tectona grandis) and rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo) which were shaped into beautiful forms and ornamental carvings. The staircase was built with soft and smooth wooden steps. Exquisite and colourful Italian tiles lined the sides of the front Poomukham. This Illam should have been preserved as a heritage site.

In the southern "Naalukettu" of the building, there was a library with precious and rare collections of books written in palm leaves ("Thaaliyola Grandhhangal"). There were four ponds, and Sreeraama - Sreekrishna temples in the same compound.

Edamana Mana is located in Kodarmanna which is near Punchappaadam situated on the Palakkad - Cherpulassery main road. The centuries old Illam was reconstructed around 1825. The "Ettukettu" consisted of a large "Naalukettuu" with the western wing raised with upper storey, and a smaller "Naalukettu" beside the former. They were demolished in 1993. The pond with bathing ghat and shelter ("Kulappura") as also three wells remain intact. Of the three out-houses ("Pathaayappura"), two remain as part of the building complex.

There is a Vishnu temple within the 5.5 acre Illam compound, and a Sreekrishna temple outside.

Many of the members were reputed to be expert Sanskrit scholars and were deeply knowledgeable in subjects like music, astrology, indigenous medicines, and so on. They encouraged musicians without any reservation and honored them with deep reverence.

This Mana is situated in Chalavara near Cherppulassery in Palakkad district. It was constructed during 1840 - 45.

Konothu Varier, Maannaanampatta Namboodiri and Poothrikkovil Variath Sankara Varier were the "Vaasthu" consultants. Among them, Konothu Varier was the chief expert. The "Ettukettu" main building, "Pathaayappura", dining hall ("Oottupura"), "Kulappura" were all constructed in an 18-acre compound.

Besides, there were four wells and three ponds with perennial water supply. The "Naalukettu" was entirely built with clay and mud. The "Padinjaatti" was raised with two stories and the "Thekkini" by one storey. There were large pillars, beautified with ornamental wood carvings.

It was during the "Maappila" riots (1921) that the residence of Kaadampatta Mana was shifted from Kaadampatta to Chalavara, with the yeoman services rendered by a Muslim named Kunjaaran Mammy.

Kaanjirappilly Mana is located in Kakkur "Kara" of Muvattupuzha Thaluk in Ernakulam district. The Illam is believed to be nearly 400 years old. It is situated in a compound, 8 acres in extent.

Originally, the Illam was an "Ettukettu", the northern "Naalukettu" was demolished in recent times. The southern wing of the present "Naalukettu" is raised by two stories. There is an extensive uppermost storey, the "Thattinpuram". The floor of the "Padinjaatti" is paved with bricks. The "Pooja" room is in the eastern wing ("Kizhakkini"). There is also a Sastha temple facing westwards.

The compound and paddy fields around the Illam are still owned by the Mana. For irrigation, a temporary bund is constructed in adjacent Uzhavoor rivulet. There are two ponds and two wells in the compound. The bathing pond is large and the retaining walls are built in the northern style. The steps of the pond are made of granite stones. The Illam which faces south, has more or less the look of a "Kovilakam" (palace). The wooden framework on the veranda of the first floor is reminiscent of the looks of a temple or "Koothambalam" (a hall attached to a temple where temple arts are staged). Half of the "Pathaayappura" has now been reconstructed with reinforced concrete. There is no outhouse ("Padippura"). There is a Sastha temple and a snake shrine. There are traces of carvings in the sitting room.

Many of the ancient palm-leaf manuscripts have been handed over to the Manuscript Library. Many ancient books, utensils, curios are all still in the possession of the Mana. The cellar remains in use. The secret chamber situated in between the two upper stories was demolished only recently. Though separated after partition, members of the family continue to rejoin on all special occasions.

The "Naalukettu" continues to remain sturdy and strong, probably because of the regular repairs and maintenance work undertaken from time to time.

The "Gurus" of this Illam had taught martial arts and "Kalari" (training centre for fencing) practices to several generations of the members of the royal family of Travancore and thus acquired fame as "Gurukkal Mattham". The Illam is situated in a four acre plot in Karakkal village, near Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district.

There are two family branches now. There is a "Naalukettu" which is around 1,000 years old and in a dilapidated state. Recently the kitchen was rebuilt. There is a 100 year old boat house ("Vallappura") with grills, still in existence. There is a large pond, about 40 cents in extent, and three smaller ponds, none of which are in use now. The "Oottupura" (dining hall) which was used for "Annadaanam" (feeding lay people) was demolished. There is a government-owned, wide rivulet flowing along the northern border of the compound. The huge palatial "Ettukettu" decorated with exquisite wooden carvings and so on, which was built and gifted by the Travancore Mahaaraaja 100 years ago, has now been dismantled and reassembled as a foreign tourist resort and restaurant at Kumarakam near Kottayam.

Only the dilapidated Naalukettu, Kalari, boat-house, eastern "Padippura" (gate house), the small "Bhadrakaali" temple, four wells and the remnants of the four ponds now remain.

The original Naalukettu of the Gurukkal in North Malabar, no longer exists. However, the Kalari and the idol of "Kaali" (which is believed to have originated on its own ("Swayambhoo") still mark the site in Malabar.

The Killimangalathu Mana is located 10 kilometers south-east of Cheruthuruthy, which is at the northern border of Thrissur district. The full name is Killimangalathu Naduvathu Mana. The old abode was a "Pathinaaru Kettu" (16 Kettu) with the Padinjaatti raised by three stories. The building was renovated and remained as such for 40 years, after which the entire building was sold. A small concrete building has been built on the foundations of the demolished one.

There were two three-storied "Pathaayappuras" earlier, one on the south side and another on the east. Two "Pooja" rooms, two kitchens, two big "Kettu", existed in the Illam complex, as also four ponds and two open wells in the 4-acre land. There is also a beautiful temple with smooth granite pillars and "Thirumittam" (courtyard around the sanctum sanctorum of a temple) paved with granite slabs.

There were many reputed scholars hailing from Killimangalathu Mana.

The Kurumaathoor Mana is located about 8 kilometers east of Taliparamba in Kannur district. The present Mana was reconstructed nearly 80 years ago in a 7.5 acre compound. The "Thekkini" (southern) and "Padinjaatti" (western) have been raised by two upper stories; the uppermost storey is low in height and is not partitioned.

There is a "Pathaayappura" and "Padippura" which are both raised. These are about 200 years old. The "Pathaayappura" has been constructed in the "Naalukettu" style. There is a pond with a bathing shelter ("Kulappura").

The original and ancient Illam of "Naikkars" was situated in a 9-acre plot about 150 meters from the present border. This area is now protected as the precincts of a temple complex. The "Kizhakkini" and "Vadakkini" of the ancient house are still habitable. "Thevaaram" (prayer) is performed in the Kizhakkini and the Bhagavathy idol is consecrated in the sanctum sanctorum situated in the central inner courtyard (Nadumittam). The Bhagavathy here is worshipped by performing "Thrikaala Pooja" (three Poojas a day) even to this date. The debris of Padinjaatti was visible till recently; while there were no signs of Thekkini. However, on the southern side there exists a stone-built ancient room, 100' x 60' x 30' in size, and built about 700 years ago. According to folklore, the Naikkars are believed to have been receiving rice from Coorg in ancient times, and this structure was built as a granary or store room for the imported rice.

The Kurumaathoor Namboodiris have intricate relationship with Kottiyoor temple. The traditional right to perform the "Aalingana Pooja" as part of the rituals on Rohini day at Kottiyoor rests with the eldest of the Kurumaathoor Namboodiris, even now.

The Madangarli Mana was located in Thrangali Desam in Vaniyamkulam village of Palakkad district. The "Tharavaad Illam" was demolished in 1990. The Illam was a "Naalukettu". "Thekkini" was three storied. In the inner courtyard, there was a shrine for Lord Ayyappan. Though the Illam was demolished, the lamp continues to be kept lighted in front of the idol. Before partition of the joint family, the compound used to be 5 to 6 acres in extent. There was a large snake shrine ("Sarpakkaavu") in the compound.

There is a large pond about three-fourth of an acre in area, as also a well. The "Kulappura" is three-storied and one family now occupies the modified Kulappura. Apart from "Kizhakkini", there was a large hall on the eastern side.

The Madangarli family has contributed many reputed Vedic scholars and Ayurveda physicians.

The ancestors of Mannazhi Mana are believed to have migrated 400 to 450 years ago from erstwhile Malabar and settled down in Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur district.

At first the "Naalukettu" was constructed with a raised "Padinjaatti". When accommodation was inadequate, an "Ettukettu" was constructed slightly north of the original Naalukettu. The Padinjaatti of the new Ettukettu was three-storied. Soon the family shifted to the new residence. South of this building, a large, three-storied "Pathaayappura" and a "Padippura Maalika" in the east-west direction were constructed later. They are only 300 - 350 years old. These buildings along with 4 acre compound were sold off recently.

There were only very few Namboothiri families who undertook agricultural cultivation directly. Mannazhi Mana was one of these types. Therefore, the family owned nearly 200 acres of wetlands and almost the same acreage of dry lands for cultivation. There was a large "Kottil", a large cattle shed and so on for agricultural operations. There were two large ponds with "Kulappuras", and three or four wells with perennial water supply in the compound. Even though the properties were sold off, the original "Naalukettu Illam" exists even now.

Moothiringottu Mana is situated in Mannangote village which is 3 kilometers east of Koppam town located on the Pattambi - Perinthalmanna road. The Illam set in a six acre plot is a "Naalukettu" with the Padinjaatti and Thekkini raised by three stories. The Illam must be about 600 years old. Though the Naalukettu remains in its original form, the Pathaayappura and two Padippuras are non-existent now. Kulappura and Agrasaala are still in good shape. The extensive Parlour ("Poomukham") was rebuilt in 1940, along with repairs of the Illam building. There are three ponds and three open wells attached to the Illam.

There is a sanctum sanctorum ("Sreelakam") in the Naalukettu, in which the idols of Vettekkaran and Durga are worshipped. Apart from this, there are three temples belonging to the "Tharavaad". The family shares trusteeship with others in the Thrimoorthy temple located in Thrikkadeeri near Ottappalam. There was a Naalukettu Illam in this area also, which does not exist now.

Mundaaya Mana is situated in Punchapadam in Palakkad district. The Illam was situated in a 3 acre compound and was a Naalukettu with Padinjaatti alone raised. There was a special Pooja room within the Nadumittam. The Naalukettu was about 150 years old. During 1987-88, the Naalukettu was demolished completely along with the Pathaayappura and Padippura. There are two ponds and three wells in the compound, which is still owned by the family.

Nenmini Mana is located near Guruvayur in the erstwhile Ponnani Taluk of Malabar. After the State Reorganisation, it is in Nenmini Desam of Chavakkad Taluk in Thrissur district. The compound consists of about 30 acres of coconut plantation and 3 acres of paddy fields. There are two separate ponds, each with Kulappura, one for women and the other for men, adjacent to the Illam building. There are other ponds also in the compound. There is a well, attached to the kitchen and another large well in this compound.

The Illam of Nenmini Tharavaad has been reconstructed at least three times : (1) The ancient Tharavaad, the age of which is anybody's guess, was partly demolished during the rampage of an elephant belonging to Guruvayur Devaswam. The Thekkini Maalika which escaped damage remained. Attached to this, a new Naalukettu with a new Thekkini was constructed. (2) A second Naalukettu was constructed in 1892, which was not raised into stories. The Thekkini Maalika of the earlier Naalukettu was utilised for living purposes. This Naalukettu was constructed in accordance with the calculation and the Vaasthu plan prepared by Kannanur Akkooram Namboodiri and supervised by the famous Vaasthu-expert Velanezhi Namboodiri. Though the Nadumittam (inner courtyard) was comparatively small, "Naalirayam" (veranda around inner courtyard) was fairly spacious. Around the Naalirayam there was a four-foot high wooden railing with bars perched atop the mud wall. Till recent times every first Friday of the month and during the Malayalam month of "Karkkitakam", "Ganapathy Homam" (offering to Ganapathy) used to be performed in the Vadakkini. Rafters made of coconut wood were used for the roof of the Thekkini Maalika. Parallel to the Thekkini, there was a Pathaayappura on the southern side, which was demolished and sold in 1985. (3) In 1985, the Naalukettu was expanded and reconstructed as an Ettukettu with Maalika and other facilities. In 1995, this renewed building also was demolished and sold, and was replaced by a building with concrete roof and modern amenities.

There is a snake shrine in the proximity of the house. In the front courtyard, there are idols of Manikandhan, Raktheswari, Paathiraapanchami, Durga and Baala Saasthaavu, which are worshipped and offered Nivedyam once a year. There were three temples belonging to the Illam - Balaraama temple, Ayyappan Kaavu, and Kaaveedu Bhagavathy temple. In 1989, these three temples with their entitled properties were donated to Guruvayur temple by a registered deed.

The famous Olappamanna Mana is located in Vellinezhi near Cherpulassery in Palakkad district. This Illam is about 500 years old.

The Illam was originally a Naalukettu, which was subsequently expanded into an Ettukettu. There were four Pathaayappuras around the house. Among them the Kacheri was later demolished. There is no Padippura. Because of the enmity with the Mana, the Saamoothiripaad sent an army chieftain to demolish the Padippura as a punitive action. Thereafter the Padippura was never constructed.

Sketch : Madanan

Within the Ettukettu there is a Sreelakam with the idol of Sreechakram. As to when the Sreechakram was consecrated is anybody's guess. It is believed to have occurred at least 500 years ago. Though the idol is Sreechakram, the goddess worshipped is Bhadrakaali - Bhagavathy of Thirumaandhaamkunnu. The ritual, "Kalam Ezhuthu Paattu" is conducted here even now.

The Olappamanna Mana family has always fostered not only Vedic studies, but also fine arts, music, literature and so on.

200 years ago, there was a Kathhakali troupe maintained by the Illam. Ittiraaricha Menon, who was the originator of "Kalluvazhi Chitta" (Kalluvazhi School) in Kathhakali was the teacher of the troupe. The practicing venue for Kathhakali used to be the hall attached to the Kaanthalloor temple, situated close to the Mana. The Kathhakali Yogam came to an end in 1938.

A portion of the house is now being used for Home Stay* for tourists.

Ottur Mana is located in Mayannur village of Thrissur district. The Illam was originally a building roofed with tiles, situated in a plot about 3 acres in extent. This building was gutted by fire in 1925 (ME 1099). Subsequently, Naalukettu with a raised Padinjaatti was constructed. This was occupied in 1929. In front of the 50 meter long Padinjaatti, there was full length veranda. There were two Pooja rooms within the Illam. In addition there were three Pathaayappuras, a Padippura, a Kulappura and Maalika. All these along with the Tharavaad building were demolished and sold in 1996.

Ottur Mana was richly endowed with perennial water supply. On the northern border of the adjacent Chirakkara temple pond, there were separate bathing ghats for women and men of the family, so also the male and female servants. Apart from this large pond, there was another small pond in the compound. There was a well dug in the centre of this pond.

This Illam is blessed by the birth and life of the famous divine poet, Ottoor Unni Nambudiripad.

Paandamparambathu Mana is situated in a place called "Graamam" near Veliancod, not too far from Ponnani in Malappuram district. It was built as per the plans and measurements of the famous "Perunthachan". The status of the family has since declined and the structure deteriorated. Only the Thekkini is in tact now.

The Mana was indeed rich and famous long ago, but its fame spread to the outside world more recently through the renowned work "Aithihyamaala" ("Garland of Legends") of Kottaarathil Sankunni through his narration of the "Uppumaanga" (salted pickled mango) in the Mana's Kodanbharani (large earthen jar) and connected to Chinese sailors (traders) of ancient times.

Paazhoor Karuthedathu Illam is located in Piravam village of Ernakulam district. The compound in which the Illam is now situated is about 1.5 acres in extent, though it is believed that nearly 100 years ago, the area was nearly 3.5 acres.

The Illam is about 200 years old. It was an Ettukettu without any raised wing. Only 1/8th of the Ettukettu now exists and that is the Padinjaatti. After the family partition in 1946 (ME 1121), the building started disintegrating and Padinjaatti was the only remnant that survived. There was no other building attached to the main building. An old "Kaaranavar" (eldest in the family) is believed to have taken to "Samnyaasam" in olden days and after he died, a temple was built around the site of his "Samaadhi" (place where cremated). He is still worshipped as the family deity.

Another old Kaaranavar who was a dependant of the Mahaaraaja of Travancore, was the one who built the Ettukettu. About 25 "Kandis" ("kandi" = a measure of weight, about 500 kG) of timber [jackwood (Artocarpus integrifolia), teak (Tectona grandis), Aanjili (Artocarpus hertuza), etc.] was donated by the Government free of cost for the construction of this house. It took seven years to complete the work of the building.

A kitchen well with perennial water supply exists even now. There is no pond. The Illam is located on the eastern bank of the north-south flowing Muvattupuzha River. The river is only about 15 meters from the building. In early years, flooding around the building was of common occurrence when the river overflows. Now, due to sand mining, pollution and other factors, the river is dying out and so floods are uncommon. But summer flow has been large from the tail water of Idukki hydroelectric project.

The foundations of the building are built rather high, probably to withstand the flood waters. Though wood has been liberally used in construction, there are no ornate carvings or Vaasthu specialties in the building. More importance seems to have been given to the strength and safety of the building as evident by the door frames ("Kattila") which are firmly fixed in the ground.

Devan Thuppan Namboothiripad of this Illam (1830 - 1910) was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Sreemoolam Maharaja of Travancore. The living members of the family, who were born before 1948, continue to get family pension from the government even now.

The Illam of Payyoor Bhattathiris, who was reputed for their academic prowess, intellectual brilliance and such other scholarly talents, is situated in Vedakkad in Porkkulam village of Thrissur district. Though the Illam building has been demolished, the "Panchaloha" (made of five metals) idol of Lord Sreekrishnan presented by Melpathoor Narayana Bhattathiri 400 years ago, remains intact in the Mana.

This Mana is located in Pelakkaattu Desam, near Kunnamkulam of Thrissur district. The Illam which is a large Naalukettu is situated in a six acre compound. There is no Thekkini, except a raised platform. Thekkini and Padinjaatti were two storied. The Illam is believed to be 300 years old. There was a Pathaayappura, but there was no Oottupura and Padippura. After partition, the entire building was demolished and replaced by a new concrete building.

The full name of this Mana is Perumudisseri Chennamangalathu Mana. The "Tharavaad" is situated in Perumudisseri Desam, in Ponnani Thaluk of Malappuram district. The foundations of the Ettukettu and the huge well lined all around with laterite stone masonry were in existence till recently. The Naalukettu and the adjacent Pathaayappura were being used till 1965. In 1968, the Pathaayappura was demolished and the family shifted to the new house built there. In 1976, when the family partition took place, the Naalukettu also was demolished and rebuilt into a smaller building.

The compound is about 16 acres in extent. The Illam is believed to be more than 500 years old. The Padinjaatti was raised by two upper stories. The granary ("Nel-pathaayam", cellar ("Nilavara"), etc. were in existence as components of the building. On the western side of the Illam there was a large tank with stone-built retaining walls all around. To the north of this tank is the family temple - "Pullyaattu Siva" Temple. On the southern side there is the temple of "Vettakkoru Makan".

In the Vadakkini, there was a Sreekovil for "Upaasanaa moorthys" (worshipping idols) of the family. The main idol is Sree Mahaaganapathy with trunk and ten arms. Apart from this, there are idols of Vettekkaran and Durga Devi.

Polpaaya Mana is situated in two places : Pulamanthol of Malappuram-Palakkad district border and Kutamaloor of Kottayam district. The Illam at Pulamanthol was originally located on the southern bank of Pulamanthol River while the family owned vast properties on the northern bank as well. This Illam and the compound were almost completely lost during the conquest of Tippu Sultan. The only remnant was the "Thekkinkaadu" (teak forest) which was sold by the family in the 1970s. Only properties on the northern bank of the river were retained.

During the attack on Malabar by Tippu around 1750 AD, the inmates of the Mana built the Ettukettu in Kutamaloor, and shifted their residence there.

Later they purchased some land in Edapal in Malappuram district. This was originally owned by the Muriyanezhi Mana which lost lineage. As the Illam was unoccupied and an uprooted huge tree fell on the Naalukettu, the building was completely destroyed. In 1964, a temple was constructed close to the destroyed Illam, and the compound with the allied properties was donated to the temple. This temple is known as Palliyil temple.

Polpaaya owned many landed properties in Chemmalasseri, Valapuram and Kuruvambalam Desams along the northern bank of Pulamanthol River. The ownership rights of some of these properties which were lost, were retrieved through litigation in 1920s. The "Maalika" which was in Valapuram was reconstructed and some of the inmates resettled in the original habitat. Thus a branch of the family returned to their ancient village and settled there after a period of 170 years.

The Illam which was beautifully designed and built 100 years ago is located in a two acre compound. There are two ponds and a well in the compound.

The "Ettukettu" building in Kutamaaloor which was built 250 years ago, was later modified into a smaller "Naalukettu". A branch of the family continues to live there. This Illam is located in a two-acre compound and has a pond and a well.

Polpaaya Mana belongs to Ashtagrihathil Aadhyan group of Namboothiris and is probably the only illam to perform an annual rite (Pooja) for the prosperity of girls born in the family. (Such Poojas meant for the prosperity of boys are very common in Namboothiri Illams.) Finally, Polpaaya Mana is the root family of Polpaakkara Mana, Paandamparambath Mana and Aazhvaanchery Mana (of Thambraakkal).

Poomulli Mana was reputed to be the largest and richest among the aristocratic Illams in Kerala. Once upon a time, a large sprawling "Pathinaarukettu" stood as a symbol of affluent pride in a 5.5 acre compound located in Peringode, a village blessed with rustic serenity, near Koottanad in Palakkad district. The building complex which was a tribute to Kerala Vaasthu Vidya was eventually demolished and on the foundations of this, a smaller building was constructed. However, the ancient "Poomukham" (parlour) and Pathaayappura have been preserved, and retained as a historical monument.

Sketch : Madanan

The "Tharavaad" which is claimed to be more than nine centuries old, was reconstructed in 1856. The reconstruction was completed within two years. The architect was the famous Vaasthu Vidya expert Velanezhi Namboodiri. The age-old belief was that the life-span of a building is almost equal to that of a human being - that is, about 120 years. Accordingly, the building should have disintegrated by 1976, but it did not, and lasted till it was demolished 20 years later.

The main Naalukettu was a three-storied building, beautifully designed as a model of Vaasthu-aesthetics. It had an aesthetically built Poomukham, a drama hall (Naatakasaala), Sreelakam, Vadakkini, Kulappura Maalika and a spacious Nadumittam (central courtyard). Associated with the main Naalukettu, there was a Vadakkekettu meant exclusively for the use of the lady inmates, and two other smaller Naalukettu. Poomulli Illam was thus a good example of Pathinaarukettu. When the Mana was demolished, 15,000 cubic feet of wood was retrieved. Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), "Maruthu" (Terminalia paniculata) and jackwood (Artocarpus integrifolia) were the main timber used for construction of the house. In early ages, the use of teak wood (Tectona grandis) was prohibited.

The family members of Poomulli Mana encouraged fine arts like music, Kathhakali, martial arts like "Kalarippayattu", as also medical sciences like Aayurvedam. There is a temple of Lord Sree Rama, close to the Illam.

Thekkedathu Mana is situated in Vellarakkad village of erstwhile Thalappilli Thaluk of Thrissur district. It is about three kilometers west of the Nelluvaya Dhanwanthari temple. The Vellarakkad Lord Sree Rama temple is located 1.5 kilometers west of the Mana.

Thekkedathu Mana is only about 100 years old. The Panthrandu Kettu Illam was situated in a four-and-half acre compound. Now only the Naalukettu remains. There are three wells and ponds in the compound.

This Mana is located in Kadalasseri Desam of Vallachira village in Thrissur district. The Illam is only 110 to 120 years old and is situated in a one acre compound. The Naalukettu has only the Padinjaatti raised by a storey. This Naalukettu has now been modified to suit modern trends. A toilet and bath room has now been constructed within the Illam; the cellar has been filled up. The heights of Thekkini and Vadakkini have been lowered in order to merge with the roof level of the outer veranda. The rooms have been renovated with a wooden ceiling. Vadakkini has been converted into a bed room and Kizhakkini into the dining room. Apart from these alterations, the main structure remains intact even now, and not demolished. There is a well and a pond with a Kulappura. There is a bathing ghat with steps along the river border.

The rafters of the veranda ("Naalirayam") are usually fixed on a wooden beam ("Utharam") running close to the wall. But in this Naalukettu, the rafters are fixed on separate wooden bars 1.5 to 2 feet in height above the main wooden beam.

There is a Pooja room within, and a small Saastha temple in the northern compound. There were reputed Yajurvedi scholars in this family.

Thenezhi Mana is located in Kuruvattur of Vellinezhi Panchayath of Palakkad district. In the 5.5 acre compound, apart from the main building, there were two Pathaayappuras and three ponds with Kulappuras. The main building was an Ettukettu with the Padinjaatti and Thekkini raised. The original Illam which is more than 300 years old was reconstructed about 100 years ago. The western Pathaayappura which was built along with the reconstruction was a three-storied building. Each Pathaayappura was self-sufficient for a family with kitchen-wells and other amenities attached to them.

Among these, the eastern Pathaayappura still exists. There were three wells attached to the Illam and one more in the compound. During 1998-99, when more than half of the Illam compound including the area of the main building was sold, the Tharavaad (main matriarchal family) home was demolished. The western Pathaayappura was demolished much earlier.

There is an Ayyappa temple known as Chaakyen-kaavu owned by the Illam and two temples, the Kuruvattoor Narasimhamoorthy temple and the Vakkaala-kaavu Bhagavathy temple with Cheleri and Ullaampuzha Illams as joint trustees.

The members of the family encouraged studies of Vedam, astrology, Kathhakali, drama and so on. They were also deeply interested in agriculture, weaving, construction activities, and played a significant role in public affairs and social activities till recent times.

Vadakkiniyedathu Mana is situated in Edakkunni in Ollur of Thrissur district. The family settled down permanently here only 60 years ago. Before that they were residing in Vallappuzha near Pattambi. There was a huge Pathinaaru Kettu and five associated temples there, which were gifted by the Saamoothiri Raja. 40 years ago this original building was demolished and made smaller.

The Naalukettu at Edakkunni, which is estimated to be 150 years old was reconstructed 20 years ago, retaining the original Vaasthu shape and plan but with a new concrete roof. The Poomukham and Padinjaatti have been raised.

The Illam compound which is about 5 acres in extent has three wells and two ponds. The family deity (Paradevatha) of the "Kiraangaadans" (the family group consisting of Desamangalam, Kiraangaattu and Vadakkiniyedathu Manas) known as Kudumbaattamma ("Bhadrakaali") as also the idol of "Saastha" are consecrated and worshipped in the central courtyard (Nadumittam) of the Illam. There is a Siva temple close to the Illam.

A Namboothiri Vidyaalayam (school) was started in 1917 for teaching not only the traditional subjects of the Namboothiris, but also essential components of modern education like English and other subjects. This was conducted in the Pathaayappura, which was demolished 20 to 25 years ago.

The famous drama, "Adukkalayil Ninnu Arangathekku" ("From Kitchen to the Open Stage") scripted by V T Bhattathiripad, was staged in 1929 for the first time in a "Pandal" (a temporary shed) erected in the outer courtyard of the Illam.

Vadakkiniyedathu Mana stands in pride with the head held high amidst the rural serenity of Edakkunni village.