Manjoor (village)

Manjoor is a village located in the northern part of the Kottayam district in the state of Kerala, India. It lies approximately 20 kilometers north of the district capital, Kottayam, and is situated along the Kottayam–Vaikom bus route. Manjoor is in close proximity to the towns of Kuravilangad, Ettumanoor, and Kaduthuruthy.

Manjoor
Village
Manjoor Location in Kerala, India Show map of Kerala Manjoor Manjoor (India) Show map of India
Coordinates: 9°42′0″N 76°30′0″E
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Kottayam
PIN	686603
Telephone code	04829
Vehicle registration	KL-36, KL-67
Nearest city	Ettumanoor
Lok Sabha constituency	Kottayam
Climate	Tropical (Köppen)

Historical and Cultural Significance

Kurakunnel House: The Foundational Legacy

Among the earliest homesteads in Manjoor is the **Kurakunnel House**, established in the early 1820s. It played a pivotal role in the formation and early development of the village. The Kurakunnel family were among the first settlers and actively guided the layout of roads, encouraged new families to settle, and promoted agricultural and educational initiatives.

The house served as a center for spiritual, social, and communal gatherings, and was regarded as a symbol of unity and hospitality. In 2023, Kurakunnel House was renamed **Santhosham**, meaning "joy" or "blessing" in Malayalam, as a tribute to its enduring legacy.

Spiritual and Religious Importance

Manjoor is home to the **Sree Malliyoor Maha Ganapathy Temple**, commonly referred to as **Malliyoor Temple**, a well-known pilgrimage site that draws devotees from across Kerala.^[1]

It is also the birthplace of **Bishop Mar Mathew Makil**, the first bishop of the Kottayam Diocese (Knanaya) of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, whose spiritual leadership left a lasting impact on the region.

Political Contributions

Manjoor has contributed significantly to Kerala's political history:

• **M.C. Abraham Makil** – A freedom fighter and leader of the Indian National Congress, he served as a Member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly representing Kaduthuruthy from 1957 to 1960.

• **P. K. Biju** – A prominent political figure from Manjoor, he served as a Member of Parliament in the 15th and 16th Lok Sabha representing the Alathur constituency in Kerala. Affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), P. K. Biju was formerly the All India President of the Students' Federation of India (SFI). His roots in Manjoor are a source of pride for the local community.

Contributions to the Arts

Manjoor is also the hometown of acclaimed Malayalam film director **Dileesh Pothan**, known for his nuanced storytelling and award-winning films that have earned national acclaim.

Manjoor Today

While modernization has brought paved roads and digital connectivity to Manjoor, the village still retains its cultural and spiritual essence. The legacy of families like the Kurakunnels and the continued relevance of landmarks like Malliyoor Temple keep the traditions of the past alive.

Children walking past **Santhosham** may not know all its stories, but they experience the warmth and history it symbolizes — a testimony to a family's dream of building not just a home, but a village and a future.

See also

• Kothanalloor
• Kanjirathanam