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Ponnani – small Mecca of South India
Located in Malappuram District of Kerala state in India, Ponnani is the smallest Taluk of the district. This tiny, picturesque town is bounded by the Arabian sea on the west and is a popular coastal belt of Malabar. It is the only port in Malappuram district and one of the oldest ones in Kerala.
Ponnani has a population which is a blend of almost equal percentage of Hindus and Muslims and has set an example for tolerant and peaceful co-existence. Malik Ibnu Dinar, the first Islamic missionary who came to Kerala, was believed to have visited Ponnani. It attained a status as an important centre for education in the philosophy of Islam. was called the ‘small Mecca’ of South Indi .
Ponnani was considered as the second capital of Malabar during the reign of Samoothiri and was the headquarters of Kunjali Marakkar, the naval army chief of Samoothiri.
Shri. KV Raman Menon (1900-1974), known as Ponnani Gandhi, was a great Congress leader of the time who had actively participated in the freedom movement of Malabar. He was a social reformer and was a leading lawyer of the Court of Ponani.
EK Imbichibava has played a tremendous role in its development. He is known as The Soul of Ponnani. He was a great Communist Leader and former Member of Indian Parliament and Member of Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Ponnani Attractions
The tidal mouth of Bharathappuzha in Ponnani, where ‘Bharathapuza’ and ‘Tirur River’ join together to traverse into the Arabian Sea, is a seasonal home to hundreds of migratory birds and attracts a large number of bird watchers and ornithologists.
Another tourist attraction is Biyyam Kayal. This placid, green fringed waterway has water sports facilities. A boat race is conducted here annually, during Onam celebrations. A permanent pavilion is built for the spectators and nearly two dozen country boats, including some rowed by women, participate in the race.
Ponnani Lighthouse: Ponnani Lighthouse is situated close to the South bank of Bharathapuza River joining the sea on the outskirts of Ponnani town.
There are number of mosques situated in Ponnani municipality. It is also famed for its Hindu temples such as Thrikkavu Temple in downtown Ponnani and the Navamukunda Temple in Thirunavaya, located near Ponnani.
Another famous temple in Ponnani is Mookkuthala Bhagavathy Temple. Mookkuthala Kannemkavu temple is situated nearby the Mookuthala temple. The temple is owned by Azhvancheri Thamprakal. Centuries ago, saints from the famousChettikulangara Temple, Mavelikkara, visited and stayed here for Bhajanam, at the time of their journey to Azhvancherry Mana.
The nearest Railway station is in Kuttipuram and is 21 KM away. The NH-17 connects Ponnani to Kuttipuram. Ponnani is also linked by an inland water navigation system of canals to south Kerala.
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