Varikkassery Mana is the iconic ancestral home of the illustrious Varikkassery family in Ottapalam, Palakkad. With a lineage spanning over a millennium, Varikkassery Mana is the perfect embodiment of the traditional Kerala architecture.
Join me as I embark on a journey to unravel the fascinating tale of Varikkassery Mana, exploring its architecture, history, and enduring significance in the realm of Malayalam cinema. But before that here is some quick information on the entry fee and visiting time to help you plan your visit.
Note: “Varikkassery” is alternately spelled as “Varikassery” or “Varikasseri.”
Varikkassery Mana is one of the top ten attractions in Palakkad.
Entry Fee and Visiting Time
The entry fee for visiting Varikkassery Mana is Rs. 20. Photography is allowed for free. The Mana is open to tourists on all days of the week; however, it is temporarily closed anytime movie shooting takes place at the location.
The temple and temple pond in the Varikkassery Mana compound are out of bounds for tourists. You can only visit the main building or the Mana itself.
Note: Footwear is not allowed into the Mana. You would have to leave it on the verandah.
History
Varikkassery Mana is the majestic ancestral home of the Varikkassery family, one of the prominent Ashta gruha Namboothiri (brahmin) families of Palakkad.
Varikassery Mana was constructed around 1902 by Varikkassery Ravi Namboothirippad. Using locally available red stone, they crafted this architectural marvel that still stands today as a testament to their heritage.
From the imposing padippura, serving as the gateway to the three-story complex, to the intricate carvings adorning the wooden beams, doors, and windows, every detail speaks volumes about the family’s legacy and the era in which it was built.
In 1940s, one of the heirs of the Mana, Varikkassery Krishnan Nampoothirippad, a renowned sculptor, build the portico of the house.
Today the house and its premise function as a tourist attraction as none of the descendants of the family reside here. The property is managed by a trust consisting of the current heirs and investors who bought rights to the property.
Architecture
Varikkassery Mana was built in 1902 by Varikkassery Ravi Namboothirippad. In lieu of the construction tradition at that time, he used locally sourced materials like red stone and wood for the construction. It stands on a four acres property, comprising of a two-storied outhouse, a temple, a pond, and fields.
Within its walls, you’ll discover a sprawling nalukettu boasting 74 rooms, along with two pathayappuras (outhouses), a serene pond accompanied by a bathhouse, and a sacred temple complex featuring shrines dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, and Ayyappan.
This large house was designed and built to shelter over two hundred members of the Varikkassery family and their aides.
The architectural prowess behind this masterpiece can be attributed to Krishnan Thampuran, alias Shilpi Thampuran, a member of the Varikkasseri family. His exposure to Western architectural concepts, acquired during his studies in Chennai, is evident in the design’s refinement, particularly showcased in the graceful columns adorning the portico.
Crafted with precision, the wooden beams, doors, and windows exhibit intricate carvings, adding a touch of elegance to every corner of Varikkassery Mana.
The walls on either side of the main door are adorned with mural paintings. The living room inside too display more of mural art. The murals were added when the Mana became a location of Devasuram. The grandeur of the murals played well as a trope for the feudal arrogance of Mohanlal’s character, Mangalassery Neelakantan in Devasuram.
The verandah and the inner rooms have raised platforms that could have been used for sitting or as a gathering place for the family members.
The kitchen displays traditional pulley for drawing water from the well and stone grinder. The oottupura, once a bustling dining hall, has regrettably been dismantled, the Mana’s essence remains intact.
Varikkasseri Mana in Malayalam Cinema
Varikassery Mana holds a special place in the realm of Malayalam cinema, having served as a captivating backdrop for over a hundred-and-fifty films. This iconic ancestral home, with its majestic architecture and rich heritage, has lent its grandeur to numerous cinematic masterpieces, leaving an indelible mark on the silver screen.
The first Malayalam movie to make a set out pf Varikkassery Mana is Theertham in 1987.
Among the notable films shot at Varikassery Mana since then are Mohanlal classics like “Devasuram” (1993) and “Aaraam Thampuran” (1997), which have become iconic in Malayalam cinema history. These movies, featuring stellar performances and compelling storylines, were elevated by the atmospheric setting of the Mana, adding depth and authenticity to the narratives.
Additionally, Varikassery Mana has played a pivotal role in contemporary films such as “Rappakal” (2005), “Anandabhadram” (2005), and “Drona” (2010), where its timeless charm and historical aura have contributed to the visual richness of the cinematic experience. From gripping dramas to mystical tales, the Mana has provided a versatile canvas for filmmakers to weave their narratives with finesse.
In recent years, Varikassery Mana continues to feature prominently in movies such as “Pretham 2” (2018) and “Shylock” (2020), further cementing its status as a beloved landmark in the cinematic landscape. With its rich history and timeless elegance, Varikassery Mana remains an integral part of Kerala’s cultural heritage, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of Malayalam cinema.
In the most recent times, Varikkassery Mana became the set of the Mammootty starrer horror thriller, Brahmayugam (2024).
How to Reach Varikkassery Mana
Varikkassery Mana is located on Manassery road at Vaniamkulam-II taluk of Ottapalam. To reach Varikkassery Mana, you have a few options depending on your mode of transportation:
By Road: The most convenient way to reach Varikkassery Mana is by car or taxi. The distance between Palakkad town and Varikkassery Mana is approximately 30 kilometers, and it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to travel by road, depending on traffic conditions.
You can also rely on the public buses to reach Ottapalam town. From Ottapalam, you can take an auto or a private bus to Manassery road bus stop in Ottapalam town to reach Varikassery Mana.
By Train: If you prefer train travel, you can take a train to Ottapalam Railway Station. Ottapalam Railway Station is well-connected to Palakkad Junction and other major railway stations in Kerala. From Ottapalam Railway Station, the Mana is at a distance of 6 kilometers. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Varikkassery Mana.
Once you reach Ottapalam or the vicinity of Varikkassery Mana, you can ask locals for directions to the ancestral home, as it is a well-known landmark in the area.
Conclusion
Varikkassery Mana stands as a timeless testament to Kerala’s cultural richness and historical grandeur. Its majestic architecture, steeped in tradition, and its storied past make it a revered landmark in the region. Whether you are a tourist, cinema enthusiast, or a scholar, be prepared to inspired by its grace and captivated by its charm of this historic ancestral home.
