page_title: Thekkumkur
section_title: Initial Capital - Vennimala and Manikandapuram
hierarchical_section_title: Thekkumkur / History / Initial Capital - Vennimala and Manikandapuram
caption_attribution_description: മലയാളം: വെന്നിമല ക്ഷേത്രം
context_page_description: The Kingdom of Thekkumkur was an independent kingdom in the southern part of Kerala in India from 1103 CE until 1750 CE. It was ruled by the Thekkumkur Royal Family. Thekkumkur lies between the Meenachil River and the Pamba River, from the Western Ghats to the Vembanad Kayal. Thekkumkur emerges as a result of administrative changes in the princely states at the end of the Chera Kulasekhara dynasty of Mahodayapuram. The literal meaning of the title is the southern regent and the attribute southern distinguished them from another kingdom known as Vadakkumkur which bordered it in the northern side. The royal household, Thekkumkur Kovilakam, were at Vennimala and Manikandapuram near Puthuppally, later it shifted to Neerazhi Palace at Puzhavathu of Changanassery and Thalilkotta at Thaliyanthanapuram.
context_section_description: Vennimala was established as the headquarters of Thekkumkur kingdom. Vennimala was the most secure place for the enemy. The forests were cut down and developed into habitable areas and the administration is strengthened by the capital city of Manikandapuram. The Manikandapuram Krishna temple is believed to have been built by King Iravi Manikandan in 1152 AD. Manikandapuram and adjoining areas flourished with the administrative and populace necessary for capital. During the rule of the Thekkumkur kings, Manikandapuram was a very flourishing town. There is evidence that the fort and the tunnels were at Manikandapuram, as were the later headquarters of the Thekkumkur monarchy at Changanassery and Thaliyanthanapuram (Kottayam).
caption: Sree Rama Lakshmana Perumal Temple, Vennimala
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