Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker

Mooloor S. Padmanābha Panicker (a.k.a. "Mooloor Asān" and "Sarasa Kavi" meaning humour poet) was one of the great poets and a prominent social reform activist from the Travancore part of present-day Kerala.

Birth and early life

Padmanābhan was born in his mother's ancestral home named "Kaavil" near Panayannaarkavu, close to the town of Mannar in Central Travancore in 1869 (Malayalam year Kumbhom 27, 1044 ). His father was Mooloor Sankaran Vaidyar and mother was Veluthakunj Amma. Both his parents were from well educated, prosperous and respected Ezhava families. "Kaavil" was a family of traditional ayurvedic physicians, and the "Mooloor" family was well known for its Kalari(martial art), natural treatments, Sanskrit, philosophy, and spirituality. Link [http://www.par.org.ar/Miembros/gurukulam.htm] . He was a follower of Sree Narayana Guru Link [http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/22/stories/2006032217600300.htm] . Mooloor's poetic masterpiece, "Kirathom", was what brought him accolades from different quarters in his teens. His literary masterpiece, "Kavi-Ramayanam", which he wrote at the age of 25, is deemed to be the motivational force behind the Temple Entry Proclamation for the backward classes.

Early poetic days and major works

Padmanābhan initially studied Sanskrit, Ayurveda, kalari etc from his father Mooloor Sankaran Vaidyar. He started writing poems right from his childhood. He is a man of letters who dedicated his life not only for the literary work but also for his community(ezhava) and the state(kerala) as a whole. He was a member in the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha from 1914 onwards. He was an excellent orator also. Nalacharitham, Krishnarjuna Vijayam, Kiratham (Ammanappattukal), Asannamarana Chintha Sathakom (a poem that won Bhashaposhini award) Krishanrjuna Vijayam, Kuchelavrutham (Katha Kali literature), Kokila Sandesam, Avasarokthimala, Theendal Gadha, Moonnu Tharattukal, Kavithaniroopanam, Balabodhanam, Neethisara Samuchyam, Pooppadappattu, Kalahamsam (poems) Sanmarga Chandrika, Dharmapadam (translations), Subhadraharanam (drama) are his major works. Link [http://www.keralawindow.net/imp_m.htm]

Mezhuveli Anandabhootheshawara Temple

Mezhuveli Anandabhootheshawara Temple is situated at the heart of Mezhuveli. This temple was built by Mooloor S. Padmanābha Panicker. The prathishta and pooja was performed by Sree Narayana Guru. This century old temple was built on a place called ‘Tholekavu’ which was surrounded by a small hill called ‘Meenchirakkal Hill’ on the southern side, ‘Ambottimodi’ also called ‘Kailasam’ on the east, a beautiful stream flowing on the western side near “Pottanmala’ and at the north side ‘Padmanabhan Kunnu’, a small hill. Tholekavu was a small forest, which is believed to be a part of the Pandalam Kingdom.Link [http://www.mezhuveli.org/]

Multi-faced genius

This multi-faceted genius was the first editor of the Kerala Kaumudi daily and founder of the 78-year-old Padmanabhodayam English School in the small hamlet of Mezhuveli. The late Kerala Varma Valiyakoyi Thampuran" conferred the "Sarasakavi" title on Mooloor in 1913. The Government of Travancore nominated him as a member of the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha, the precursor of today's Legislative Assembly. Mooloor was elected vice-president of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam in the 25th year of its formation. Link [http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/22/stories/2006032217600300.htm] . He died on 1931 (Malayalam Year 1106, Meenam 9). Link [http://www.keralawindow.net/imp_m.htm]

Mooloor Smarakom (Mooloor Memorial )

Mooloor had named his residence as "Kerala Varma Soudham" as a mark of respect towards "Kerala Varma Valiyakoyi Thampuran" who was his close friend. It was converted into the "Sarasakavi Mooloor Memorial" by the State Government in 1989. His home in Elavumthitta is preserved as a monument by the Department of Culture, govenrment of Kerala. The objective of the Mooloor Memorial is to familiarise the present generation with the rich social as well as literary contributions of the poet and to keep his memory alive. Link [http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/22/stories/2006032217600300.htm] . This is now famous for "Ezhuthiniruthu" (The starting of writing and reading of children).Link [http://www.srhealthtourism.com/piltour.htm]

ee also

*Kerala Varma Valiyakoyi Thampuran
*Bhashaposhini A Malayala Manorama Publication
*Kerala Kaumudi
*Temple Entry Proclamation
*Mezhuveli temple
*Ezhava
*Panicker

References

* Pathanamthitta Website Link [http://pathanamthitta.nic.in/Places%20of%20Interest.htm]
* Sarasakavi Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker - Biography by Prof.M.Sathyaprakasam published by Department of cultural Affairs,govenrment of kerala.Link [http://www.kerala.gov.in/dept_culture/books.htm]
* The Hindu News Link [http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/22/stories/2006032217600300.htm]
* The Hindu News with photo Link [http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/22/stories/2006032217600300.htm]
* International Gurukulam ( Divine Life Research Center for Yogic Arts, Sports, and Medicines) website Link [http://www.internationalgurukula.org]
* Famous Keralites from "Kerala window" website Link [http://www.keralawindow.net/imp_m.htm]