Chathenkary
Village in Kerala, India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Chathenkary is a village in the Peringara gram panchayat in the Thiruvalla taluk of the Pathanamthitta district, Kerala.[1]
Chathenkary | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 Aerial view of St. Paul's Marthoma Church | |
 Chathenkary Location in Kerala, India | |
| Coordinates: 9°38′0″N 76°52′0″E | |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Pathanamthitta |
| Highest elevation | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | −1 m (−3 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
• Total | 15,089 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN | 689112 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-27 |
| Nearest city | Thiruvalla |
| Lok Sabha constituency | Pathanamthitta |
| Vidhan Sabha constituency | Thiruvalla |
Chathenkary is rural village part of the Upper Kuttanad geographical area. Chathenkary is located 1.7 kilometres west of Peringara and 6 km east of Thiruvalla.It lies within the unique ecosystem of Kuttanad, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala" due to its vast paddy fields and intricate network of backwaters.
The origin of the name "Chathenkary" (or similar village names in Kerala, India) is likely rooted in the local Malayalam language, cultural traditions, or historical influences.
The prefix "Chathen"might derive from "Chathan" (ചാത്തൻ), a term referring to a local deity, spirit, or ancestral figure in Kerala's folk traditions. Many villages in Kerala are named after deities or spiritual entities.
The suffix *"-kary"* could come from *"kari"* (കരി), meaning "land" or "shore" in Malayalam.This suffix is common in place names in the Kuttanad region, where Chathenkary is located.
Challenges and Opportunities
Environmental Issues
Flooding, salinity intrusion, and climate change threaten Kuttanad’s below-sea-level farms, impacting Chathenkary’s livelihoods. Rising water levels and unpredictable weather test the resilience of its agrarian base.
Economic Prospects
Beyond farming, fishing and small businesses supplement income. The village’s scenic backwaters and cultural heritage hold potential for eco-tourism, offering a sustainable boost if developed responsibly.
Culture and Religion
Chathenkary is home to a vibrant cultural and religious life, reflective of Kerala's diverse traditions. The village hosts several places of worship, including:
St Paul's Mar Thoma Church[2]
A significant Christian worship center in the village, serving the Mar Thoma Syrian Church community.
Chathenkary Sri Bhagavathi Temple
A local Hindu temple dedicated to a deity, reflecting the village's spiritual heritage.
St. Mathew's marthoma church
St Joseph Chapel Chathenkary
St. Mary's Malankara Catholic Church
Located in nearby Alumthuruthy, approximately 0.91 miles from Chathenkary, catering to the Malankara Catholic community.
Sharon Fellowship church
A Pentecostal church serving the local Christian population.
Chathenkary Sree Ardhanareeshwara Temple
Schools
- Govt LP School
- Govt New LP School
- SNDP High School, Chathenkary
Politics
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), Kerala Congress (M) and Indian National Congress are the major political parties in this area.
Hospitals
- Community Health Centre, Chathenkary
- Manak Hospital, Chathenkary mukku
Notable people
Transport
Bus
Private bus available from Chathenkary junction to other parts of Kerala.
Railway
Thiruvalla railway station is near station to Chathenkary.
Air
Cochin International Airport Nedumbassery is 115 km away from Chathenkary.
References
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