Mamankam

Mamankam was a unique festival of all Kerala importance.It was held once in 12years at Tirunavaya on the banks of Bharatapuzha.It secured to the Zamorin a unique placeand status in the political arena.There are several views regarding the origin ofMamankam.K.V. Krishna Aiyar relates it to the Marga-festival of the Buddhists.The dateof its origin is unknown.References to Mamankam occur ony from the 15th Century.It hasbeen suggested that Mamankam was the continuation of the Kuttams that was conductedevery twelve years at Tirunavaya.Before monarchy was introduced.The festival wasconducted by the Rakshapurushas of the four Kazhakams in to which Kerala wasdivided.The Perumals began to conduct it later.When the Chera kingdom declined, theruler of Valluvanad used to conduct the festival, receiving honours which the Perumalenjoyed.The Zamorin acquired this right from Valluvanad after defeating its ruler atTirunavaya.Ever since the conquest of Tirunavaya (1743) the Zamorin functioned as theprotector of Mamankam.The festival is called Mamankam as it was held in the year of Mahamagha; one ofthe 12 years in the lesser Brahaspathi circle.It was so called because it began in the Makaasterism in the month of Makara (Magha).It is also called Maha magham, the greatsacrifice to indicate the self-immolation of the ruler.The festival lasted for 29 days.Thefirst 25 days are set apart for processions and other ceremonies.On the last day of thefestival, the Zamorin used to come in procession, ascend the Manithera facing theTirunavaya Tevar and stood with a drawn sword.It was during this time that the Chavers,the followers of Valluvanad Raja, attempts to seize the throne to avenge the death of theprinces in the Tirunavaya battle.These soldiers were called Chavers because they weresworn either to do a way with the Zamorin or to perish in the attempt. At the close of thecelebrations, the Zamorin received the various Raja’s and chieftains at Manithara.TheMamankam helped the Zamorin to win a unique status in the political field.