Chittur Gurumadom, also known as Thunchan Gurumadam, is a revered heritage site located in Chittur, Palakkad district, Kerala. This traditional two-storeyed building is significant for its association with Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the esteemed 16th-century poet often regarded as the father of the Malayalam language. Situated approximately 1.5 kilometers from Chittur town and about 15 kilometers from Palakkad, Chittur Gurumadom stands as a memorial to Ezhuthachan, who spent the closing years of his life here.
Thunchan Gurumadam holds great historical and cultural value. It is believed that Thunchathu Ezhuthachan underwent Samadhi (a state of meditative consciousness) in this very building. The structure itself is over 200 years old and is designed like an Agrahara, a traditional Brahmin village layout, with its front facing the Sri Rama temple. The building is owned and managed by the N.S.S. Karayogam of the locality, reflecting the deep respect and reverence the local community holds for this site.
The Gurumadom is situated on the banks of the Sokanasini River, meaning "the destroyer of sorrows," which adds to the serene and tranquil atmosphere that attracted Ezhuthachan to spend his final days here. Visitors to the Gurumadom can explore the various artifacts associated with Ezhuthachan, including a portrait of the poet, a Srichakra (a mystical diagram), idols he worshipped, a stylus, wooden slippers, and several old manuscripts. These exhibits offer a glimpse into the life and legacy of Ezhuthachan, who is credited with transcribing the two great Sanskrit epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, into Malayalam.
The significance of Thunchan Gurumadam extends beyond its historical and cultural importance. It is also a place of pilgrimage for those who revere Ezhuthachan's contribution to Malayalam literature. On Vijayadasami, a day celebrated for the initiation of children into learning, people from far and wide visit the Gurumadom to begin their children's educational journey, a tradition that underscores the enduring legacy of Ezhuthachan as a teacher and scholar.
Legend has it that Ezhuthachan, while returning from Tamil Nadu with his disciples, was so captivated by the serene and peaceful environment of Chittur that he decided to make it his permanent residence. This decision led to the creation of a lasting legacy in the form of the Chittur Gurumadom, a place that continues to inspire and attract visitors who wish to connect with the roots of Malayalam literature and the profound influence of Thunchathu Ezhuthachan.
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Chittur Gurumadom