Chengamanad
Chengamanad is a small town in Aluva, Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated on the banks of the river Periyar. As of 2001 India census, Chengamanad had a population of 29,775. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Chengamanad has an average literacy rate of 80%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 82% and female literacy of 78%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. According to legends the place derives its name from Jangama Muni who is said to have done penance in a cave in the munikkal Guhalaya. The place was initially called Jangamanad which later became chengamanad. Another account says that the name Chengamand is due to the special kind of soil .
Source - Wikipedia [May 2021]
Temples
Kurumbakkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Poykkattussery
Chengamanad Mahadeva temple
Munikkal Guhalaya Temple
The other center of attraction in Chengamand is the Munikkal temple. It is a small shrine dedicated to Load Subramanyan (son of Shiva). The temple is situated on a large rock resembling the back of an elephant. Munikkal Guhalayam Located atop a hill at Chengamanad (30 km north of Kochi), this is a place shrouded in mythology. It is believed that sage Jangaman had lived here around 2000 years ago, and me place was initially known as Jangaman, which later changed to chengamanad. A famous Lord Murugan temple is located on the spot where the sage is said to have meditated which was later consecrated by Chattambi Swamikal in 1898. The word "Munikkal Guhalayam" literally means "sages rock cave". Another story goes that Lord Murugan also called as "Guhalayam" had made this place as his abode and hence the word "Guhalavam"
Churches
St. Antony's Church
The Roman Catholic Church in the Name of St. Antony is another attraction in the place. Holy Feast of the Church is celebrated in the last week of January. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1916. The congregation consists of 500 families. Every Tuesday evening 5.30 PM St: Antony's Novena is held at this Church and hundreds of people attend this worship and Novena.
Mosques
Palaprassery Juma Masjid
Panayakkadavu Muhiyadheen Juma Masjid
Chengamanad is 10 km from Aluva Town by road on the Parur - Angamaly bus route. The nearest railway stations are Aluva( 10 km). The nearest airport is Cochin international airport in Nedumbassery, 3 km from Chengamanad.
