| Varikkasseri Mana | |
|---|---|
വരിക്കാശ്ശേരി മന | |
 | |
  Location within Kerala | |
| Alternative names | Varikkumanchery Mana |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Kerala Architecture |
| Location | Manissery,Ottappalam,Palakkad,Kerala, India |
| Coordinates | 10°46′16″N76°20′14″E / 10.77111°N 76.33722°E /10.77111; 76.33722 |
| Estimated completion | 1902 |
| Owner | Varikkasseri Krishnan Namboodiripad |
| Height | |
| Roof | Roof tiles |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Red stone |
| Floor count | Three |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Krishnan Thampuran |
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 74 in the main building |
Varikkasseri Mana (Malayalam: വരിക്കാശേരി മന), alternatively known asVarikkumanchery Mana, is a well knownmansion belonging toNamboothiri nobility inValluvanad region ofKerala. Built intraditional Kerala architectural on a plot of land measuring approximately 4 acres, the building is located atManissery, a village inOttapalam inPalakkad. It is a popular shooting location for several commercially successful films such asDevasuram,Narasimham (film),Aaraam Thampuran,Rappakal andAranmanai 4.
The Varikkasseri family is reported to have a history of over 1000 years and the family is known to have occupied a sovereign position amongAshta gruha (Eight Families) Namboothiri families.[1] The Mana was built by Varikkassery Ravi Namboothirippad[2] in or about 1902, using locally available red stone.[3] An expansivepadippura (gate house)[4] provides the entry to the three-storied building complex which comprises analukettu with 74 rooms, twopathayappuras (outhouses), a large pond and the adjoining bath house, a family temple complex consisting three temples ofShiva,Krishna andAyyappan, and anoottupura (dining hall), which has since been demolished.[5] It was designed by Krishnan Thampuran, also known as Shilpi Thampuran, of Varikkasseri family, who had earlier studied architecture inChennai and his exposure to western architecture is seen in the design of the building, especially in the long slender columns surrounding the portico of the building. The beams, doors and windows are made out of wood and are adorned with intricate carvings.[3]
The house was used in a number of Malayalam films,[6] starting withTheertham, the 1987 film made byMohan.[3] It is reported that theprincipal photography of over 100 films have been done here[7] which includeDevaasuram,Aaraam Thampuran,Narasimham,Ravanaprabhu,Rappakal,Anandabhadram,Chandrolsavam,Drona,Simhasanam,Madampi,Sufi Paranja Katha,Jana (Tamil),Thooval Kottaram,Kaavalan,Kaaryasthan,Villain,Manthrikan,Pretham 2,Shylock andBramayugam.[8] Visitors are allowed in the complex when no film is being shot, but access to the ritually purethevarapura is restricted to Brahmins who intend to perform rituals.[9] The mana is maintained and managed by a trust formed by the current owners of the property, consisting of 10 of the 25 original heirs and some investors who purchased the rights from the remaining 15 heirs.[6]
Varikkassery Krishnan Nampoothirippad was a well-known sculptor. He built the portico for this house in 1940s.[10]
The Mana is located atManissery, inOttappalam, around 42 km fromPalakkad, in the south Indian state of Kerala.[9] The nearest railway station isOttapalam railway station but one may also reach the place viaShornur railway station which is 13 km away.[11]Kozhikode International Airport is the entry point by air, which is situated 62 km away from the Mana.[12]
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