One of the oldest Namboothiri family houses: Varikkasseri Mana is said to be one of the oldest traditional aristocratic Namboothiri family homes in Kerala. It has been built in a typical Kerala architectural style and is spread over an area of about four acres. Many commercially hit Malayalam films like Devasuram, Aaraam Thampuram, and Rappakal have been shot on the premises of Varikkasseri Mana.
On the tourist destination: Varikkasseri Mana is not restricted to films shooting alone as it has turned out to be a tourist destination as well not only to the local populace but to all those tourists who flock to Kerala for a variety of purposes. On any given day curious visitors continue to visit the place since early in the morning. They include kids, school-going children, youths, middle-aged, family groups and senior citizens. A nominal fee is charged per person and the entry pass mentions that the entry pass is for half an hour only while for the wedding shoot it is extended for one hour.
1,000 years old family history: According to sources, the Varikkasseri family is reported to have a history of over 1,000 years while the family is said to have occupied a sovereign position among the Ashta Gruha or Eight Namboothiri families. The Mana is also said to have been built by Varikkassery Ravi Namboothirippad in or around 1902 deploying locally available red stone.
Three-storied building;74 rooms! The Varikkasseri Mana begins with an expansive padippura or gatehouse leading to the three-storied building complex comprising a nalukettu with 74 rooms, two pathayappuras or outhouses, and a large pond with an adjoining bathhouse. There is also a family temple complex with three temples of Shiva, Krishna and Ayyappan. The oottupura or dining hall no longer exists as it has been demolished.
Krishnan Thampuran, architect: Krishnan Thampuran who was also known as the Shilpi Thampuran of Varikkasseri family has been attributed as the architect of Varikkassery Mana. He is said to have studied architecture at Madras and had exposure to the Western style of architecture. This characteristic can be witnessed in the design of the building when you come across the long slender columns surrounding the portico of the building. Even the beams, doors and windows made out of wood are adorable with intricate carvings all along. Varikkassery Krishnan Nampoothirippad, a well-known sculptor is said to have built the portico for this house in the 1940s.
Mana maintained by a Trust: Varikkasseri Mana or Varikkumanchery Mana is maintained and managed by a Trust formed by the current owners of the property. Although there were 25 original heirs, now only 10 out of the 25 heirs are there on the Trust while the 15 others have sold their rights to investors interested in buying the property. Entry to the premises is banned during any film shooting. However, access to the ritually pure thevarapura is restricted only to Brahmins who wish to perform the rituals.
A big list of films being shot: As mentioned earlier, more than 120 Malayalam and Tamil films have been shot in Varikkasseri Mana so far. The film 'Theertham' made in 1987 by Mohan was the first film to have been shot here. According to film buffs, a major portion of more than 100 films has been done here including the Devasuram, Aaraam, Thampuran, Rappakal, Anandabhadram, Drona, Simhasanam, Madampi, Sufi Paranja Katha, Jana(Tamil), Thooval, Kottaram, Valliettan, Kaavalan, Manthrikan, Pretham 2 and Shylock.
A glimpse into the nostalgic past: A visit to the Varikkasseri Mana takes you into a different nostalgic world enriching you with a cherishable experience worth recollecting. The picturesque locale accompanied by the sprawling building with high-rise roofs, intricately decorated gigantic wooden pillars, and mesmerizing paintings... all take you to a different world altogether leaving a lasting impression on your mind.
-Manohar Yadavatti
Beautiful article... Informative, educating and interesting.
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