THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State Tourism Department has started works on an ambitious pilgrimage tourism circuit to showcase the life and vision of legendary social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
When realised, the project will give an impetus to the tourism prospects of Thiruvananthapuram as all destinations in the circuit fall in the district.
A meeting convened by Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran the other day decided to prepare a preliminary report on the circuit in three weeks. Afterwards, a detailed project report, with an estimated Rs 100 crore cost, will be submitted to the Union Government for assistance under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the circuit isn’t a mere travel programme. “It’s much more than a normal tour connecting some destinations. We aim to give the participants an idea on the vision and ideals of the Guru as well,” he told Thiruvananthapuram Express.
“Audio and video presentations on guru’s life and ideals will be arranged at the destinations,” he added.
Surendran said the circuit will attract travellers from foreign countries considering the increasing popularity of Guru’s vision across the world.
Saturday’s meeting discussed two concept notes on the circuit prepared by the Sivagiri Mutt and Varkala MLA V Joy. It assigned Madhu, a reputed architect, to study both the notes and prepare a preliminary report.
The circuit will connect different destinations starting with the Sivagiri Mutt at Varkala established by the Guru and ending with Aruvippuram temple where Guru installed Lord Siva’s idol.
Other destinations in the circuit are the Varkala Janardhana Swami temple, Chempazhanthy Gurukulam, Aniyoor temple, Kolathukara temple and Kunnumpara.
Transport facilities including a helipad are also part of the project.Kadakampally Surendran said the state has already started works of the circuit. “We are not wasting time by waiting for the Central assistance. A couple of works have already been started. These include Rs 3 crore development works at Aniyoor temple and Rs 12 crore works at Sivagiri,” he said.
Sivagiri Mutt
Aruvippuram Temple and Mutt
Location: 3 km east of Neyyattinkara Town
Guru installed Lord Siva’s idol at Aruvippuram which triggered a revolution against casteist discrimination in the Kerala society. The temple is visited by hundreds every day. The annual Sivaratri celebrations here is quite popular. Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam was established on 15 May 1903 at Aruvippuram in the presence of Guru. The temple and a mutt are situated on the banks of river Neyyar.
Kunnumpara
Location: Vazhamuttom,
8 km south of Thiruvananthapuram city
Sree Subramanya temple at Kunnumpara was established by Guru. The temple is situated atop a hillock. There is a mutt where Guru stayed during his visits. Furniture and utensils used by Guru are preserved intact. There is a hillock named Munippara where one can visit the caves where Narayana Guru used to sit in meditation.
Chempazhanthi
Location: 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram city
Chempazhanthi is the birthplace of Narayana Guru. The ancient Vayalvaram house where he was born is preserved here. His birth anniversary is a big celebration here