The Periyar River originates from the Sivagiri Hills of Sundaramala in Tamil Nadu, which is part of the Western Ghats mountain range.
Interesting Facts About Periyar River
The Periyar is the longest river in Kerala. The word ‘periyar’ means big or elder and refers to the size and importance of the river.
The Periyar River is also called the ‘Lifeline of Kerala’ due to its enormous economic contribution to this state.
The Mullaperiyar Dam dispute between the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu is a long-standing conflict. Kerala raises concerns about the dam's safety, while Tamil Nadu insists on its rights to the dam's water for irrigation purposes.
The Idukki Dam on the Periyar is the largest dam and hydroelectric project in Kerala. It is also one of the highest arch dams in Asia.
The Periyar Thekkady lake and reservoir are formed by the construction of the Mullaperiyar dam at the confluence of the Periyar and Mullayar.
Kuttanad, part of the Vembanad Lake's southern region, is notable for its below sea-level farming, earning it the nickname "The Rice Bowl of Kerala."
The Periyar Lake is an artificial reservoir created by the dam across the Periyar River. It supports large biodiversity reserves surrounding it.
An annual Mud Race competition is held at Bhoothathankettu as part of the Onam festival. It features off-road two-wheel and four-wheel races on mud tracks.
What is the Course of Periyar River?
The Periyar River emerges from the Western Ghats and enters Kerala after a short distance in the hilly forests. It then traverses a winding course through Kerala through Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts, to finally empty into the Arabian Sea at Kochi.
Main tributaries
Cheruthoni
Mullayar
Perinjankutti
Muthirapuzha
Edamala
What are the Key Tourist and Spiritual Places located around the Periyar River?
Cardamom Hills: These are part of the Western Ghats located in southeastern Kerala and southwestern Tamil Nadu. This region is famous for its dense forests and is one of the world's primary sources of cardamom and other spices. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity, including several protected national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary: This protected area surrounds the Periyar Lake reservoir. It is famous for being an elephant and tiger reserve, the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Elephant Reserves: There are many elephant reserves and camps along the river, a famous one being Thekkady Elephant Camp.
Cheraman Juma Masjid: An ancient mosque in Kodungallur, believed by some to be the first mosque of India.
Aluva Manappuram: Aluva Manappuram on the banks of the Periyar is famous for the Shivaratri festival.
Vembanad Lake: The longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala. It crosses multiple districts and is known by various names, such as Vembanadu Lake, Punnamada Lake, and Kochi Lake in different regions. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a celebrated event on the lake.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: One of the most famous ecological habitats in India, known for the diverse bird life it supports.
St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic International Shrine: Also known as the Malayatoor Church. Situated near Kochi, it is one of the eight Catholic Christian pilgrimage sites (international shrines).
St. Antony's Shrine: Revered Christian pilgrimage near Kochi
St. Mary's Forane Church, near Angamaly, is a highly revered church dedicated to Holy Mary.
Pallippuram Fort: Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, this monument is the oldest existing European fort in India.
Aluva Mahadeva Temple: An ancient Shiva temple in Aluva, famous for the annual Shivaratri festival.
The Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva Temple: Located near Kalady, is a revered Siva Parvathy temple. In this temple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy face opposite directions, with Shiva facing east and Parvathy west. The sanctum of Goddess Parvathy is opened for only twelve days annually.
What is the Origin Story of the Periyar River?
The Idukki dam bridges two hills called Kuravan and Kurathi, between which the Periyar flows through a gorge. According to legend, Lord Rama had cursed a tribal man, Kuravan and his wife Kurathi, to become granite hills separated from each other. It is said that after they repented for their mistake and pleaded to Lord Rama for mercy, he told them that eventually they will be joined with each other through the actions of humans and be redeemed of their sins. And thus, the Idukki Dam that connects these two hills is believed to have fulfilled Rama’s words.
Another story is related to how the Periyar started flowing near Kalady. Aryaamba, the mother of Adi Shankaracharya, bathed in the Purna River, which was the ancient name for the Periyar River. On one occasion, she collapsed while on her way to the river. The young Adi Shankara prayed to Lord Krishna for help, who assured him that the river would follow Adi Shankara's small footsteps. Thus, the river altered its course to flow through the garden of his home in Kalady.
Yet another intriguing story is related to the Bhoothathankettu Dam. The original dam was a natural dam created by huge rocks, which led to the belief that the dam was built by Bhoothams (ghosts/spirits) overnight, planning to flood the area. The story goes that Lord Shiva, aiming to protect the local people, tricked the ghosts into believing that it was morning, using the crowing of a rooster. The ghosts fled, believing morning was approaching, leaving the dam unfinished and the Periyar River flowing through a narrow gap between the boulders.
What are the key cities located on the bank of the Periyar River?
Kalady: The birthplace of Sri Adi Shankara, the famous Hindu Advaita Vedanta scholar and teacher.
Aluva: Famous for its grand Shivaratri festival on the banks of the Periyar River.
Angamaly: Known for its churches and cultural heritage.
Eloor: Largest industrial region in Kerala.
Perumbavoor: An important wood and agricultural products trading centre.
Kochi: An important port city of Kerala, renowned for its picturesque backwaters and historical architecture.
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