Brigette13M at 16:44, 29 January 2026

2026-01-29T16:44:11Z

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{{More citations needed|date=May 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Haripad
| native_name = 
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[Municipalities of Kerala|Municipality]]<ref>{{Cite web| title=Grama Panchayaths | url=https://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417130137/http://lsgkerala.gov.in:80/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf | archive-date=2018-04-17}}</ref>
| image_skyline =
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| nickname =
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates = {{coord|9|18|0|N|76|28|0|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts in India|District]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Alappuzha district|Alappuzha]]
| established_title = Established
| established_date = {{start date and age|1921}}
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type = Municipality
| governing_body = Haripad Municipality
| leader_title1 = MLA
| leader_name1 = Ramesh Chennithala of INC
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 19.24
| area_rank =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 30,977
| population_as_of =
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 690514
| area_code = 0479
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| registration_plate = KL-29
| blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Alappuzha]]
| website = https://haripadmunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/en/
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam]], [[English language|English]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] Constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Alappuzha (Lok Sabha constituency)|Alappuzha]]
| leader_title = Chairperson
| leader_name = K K Ramakrishnan
}}

[[File:Mannarasala temple.jpg|thumb|Mannarasala Temple]]

[[File:Vettikulangara Devi temple 3.JPG|thumb|Vettikkulangara Temple]]

[[File:Mana03.jpg|thumb|Manacattu Temple]]

'''Haripad''' is a municipality in ''[[Odanad|Onattukara]]'' region of [[Alappuzha District]], [[Kerala]], [[India]] located between [[Alappuzha]] and [[Kollam]] on the [[NH 66|National Highway 66]]. Haripad is bordered on the east by [[Pallippad]], [[Veeyapuram]] and [[Karuvatta]] to the north, [[Kumarapuram Village|Kumarapuram]] and [[Karthikappally]] to the West, and on the south by [[Cheppad]].<ref name=MapHari>{{cite web | url=http://www.haripad.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Haripad-constituency-map12.jpg | title=Location Map of Haripad | publisher=Haripad.in}}</ref> It is known as the land of art, artists, land of snake boats, land of music, dance and drama. Due to town with highest number of temples in kerala, it is also popularly known as Kshetranagari (''Town of Temples'') in which [[Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple|Haripad Temple]] and [[Mannarasala Temple]] being the chief one among them. One of the largest thermal power plants in Kerala, the [[Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Plant]] run by the [[National Thermal Power Corporation|NTPC]], is situated at Haripad.

Haripad is a primary economic and cultural hub of the [[Odanad|Onattukara]] region and Alappuzha district. It is famous for its religious and cultural heritage, and is a centre for [[Hinduism in Kerala|Hindu culture]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.haripad.in/|title=www.haripad.in}}</ref>
[[File:Sreyas92022.jpg|thumb|Pampa Melam at Panachamoodu temple [kavadi]]]

==History==
Earlier it was known as Arippatt, the name Haripad came into prominence only in the 20th century. Some scholars say that it means place near water (ari- arike pat place). During the period of European colonization, In the opinion of the Dutch Governor Gollanez the sea coast between Quilon and Purakkad which the Dutch called "Martha" and which region was known as [[Karthikappally]] consisted of two regions or nation states, Karnoppally (present-day Karunagapally) and Karimpali.<ref name=HistoryHari>{{cite web | url=http://www.haripad.in/about-haripad/haripad-sociocultural-history/ | title=History of Haripad | date=January 2018 | publisher=Haripad.in | access-date=12 June 2018 | archive-date=20 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120001202/http://www.haripad.in/about-haripad/haripad-sociocultural-history/ | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Blessings>{{cite web | url=http://blessingsonthenet.com/travel-india/destination/article/id/1843/tour/id/619/history-of-haripad | title=History of Haripad | publisher=Blessings on the Net}}</ref> More specifically, Haripad was located in Karimpali which was the area between [[Kayamkulam]] and Purakkad and was also known as Vettimana.

The capital of Vettimana was Karimpalil palace (near the present-day Haripad Railway Station), but at some point it was moved to [[Karthikappally]]. In 1742 Marthanda Varma defeated Karthikappally region and added it to [[Travancore|Travancore State]]. During the period of the kingship, Haripad was a town, the remaining town hall stands as proof.<ref name=HistoryHari /> Also during this period, Haripad was the administrative center of [[Karthikappally]] Taluk, and it was from Haripad that the major portion of rice for the state was produced.<ref name=HistoryHari /> It is believed that famous poet Kerala Varma Valiakoi Thampuran was kept under house arrest in Haripad Ananthapuram Palace and during his stay at Haripad he wrote 'Mayoora Sandesham' in which he expressed his grief of being separated from his dear wife.

In 1921 Haripad got municipal town status, however in 1941 it was downgraded to a non-municipal town. Finally, in 1954 it was changed into a Panchayat.<ref name=Blessing>{{cite web | url=http://blessingsonthenet.com/travel-india/destination/id/619/haripad | title=Haripad Overview | publisher=Blessings on the Net}}</ref><ref name=HistoryHari /> In 2015, it was again upgraded to municipality. Prof. Sudha Suseelan is the 1st chairperson in Haripad Municipality.

==Geography==

Haripad is a town and municipality in Alappuzha District of Kerala State in India. Its coordinates are Latitude: 9°18′0″N and Longitude: 76°28′0″E, and lies at an elevation of 13 meters.<ref name=IQ>{{cite web | url=http://www.holidayiq.com/destinations/Haripad-Overview-2438.html | title=About Haripad | publisher=holidayiq.com | access-date=24 January 2014 | archive-date=24 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924031226/http://www.holidayiq.com/destinations/Haripad-Overview-2438.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> It is bordered on the east by Pallippad, Karuvatta to the north, Kumarapuram and Mahadevikadu to the West, and on the south by Cheppad. Haripad is close to the Arabian Sea and connects Mavelikkara and Thrikkunnappuzha. Haripad Railway station is located in the heart of the town. The nearest airport is at [[Kochi]] which is at a 3 h 5 min away (114.1 km) via NH66.

Being located in southwestern India, the summer months are characterized by moderately high temperature and high humidity. Monsoon brings rains between late April and July with the best weather being from November to March. As Haripad locates close to the coast heavy annual rainfall is received.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.topindiatour.com/climate-in-india.html | title=Climate in India | publisher=topindiatour.com}}</ref>

==Arts and culture==

The two most famous temples in Haripad are Subrahmanya Swamy temple and Mannarasala Temple.<ref name=Tourist>{{cite web | url=http://www.touristlink.com/india/haripad/overview.html | title=Haripad | publisher=Touristlink.com}}</ref>

The [[Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple|Subrahmanya Swamy temple]] in Haripad is one of the oldest temples in [[Kerala]],This temple is also known as "Dakshina Palani" which means Palani of south. Dedicated to [[Subrahmanya|Subrahmanya Swamy]], it is believed that the temple was established even before the advent of [[Kali Yuga]]. The temple was consecrated on the [[Pushya]] star of Makara Masa. This day is celebrated as the founding day of the temple every year. It is believed that Lord [[Vishnu]] appreaded as a saint to consecrate the temple. In 1096 of the [[Malayalam calendar]], the temple caught fire, but the golden flag mast (erected 1067) and the [[Koothambalam]] were saved from the fire. The current temple was built during the period of King [[Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma]], who reigned from 1930 to 1949 ([[Gregorian Calendar]]).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.haripadsubrahmanyaswamytemple.com/content_more.php?linkid=4&id=2 | title=Legends | publisher=haripadsubrahmanyaswamytemple.com | access-date=24 January 2014 | archive-date=1 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001091029/http://www.haripadsubrahmanyaswamytemple.com/content_more.php?linkid=4&id=2 | url-status=dead }}</ref> This temple holds three festivals yearly.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.haripadsubrahmanyaswamytemple.com/showContent.php?linkid=5 | title=Festivals | publisher=haripadsubrahmanyaswamytemple.com | access-date=24 January 2014 | archive-date=1 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001091201/http://www.haripadsubrahmanyaswamytemple.com/showContent.php?linkid=5 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The Chithira Ulsavam which starts on the day of Vishu and lasts ten days.

The [[Mannarasala Temple]] is a [[Nagaraja]] temple situated near Haripad. Like most snake temples, it is nestled in a forest glade, and has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees. It is the largest such temple in Kerala. Women seeking fertility come to worship there, and upon the birth of their child, they come again to hold thanksgiving ceremonies, often bringing new snake images as offerings.<ref name=Tourist /> Sri Ramakrishna Asram at Haripad is the first one in the State of Kerala established in 1913.

Another main feature of Haripad which attracts even the foreigners is the [[Payippadu Vallam Kali|Payippad Jalolsavam]], a three-day water festival conducted on the nearby Payippad Lake. It is believed the current idol of Lord Subrahmanya was brought from Kandalloor with escort of snake boats and vallasadya. Payippad Jalolsavam is conducted to renew this memory.<ref name=Blessings />

==Government==

Haripad is the headquarters of [[Karthikappally]] taluk, which includes 18 small villages: Arattupuzha, Cheppad, Cheruthana, Chingoli, Haripad, Kandallor, Mahadevikad, Karthikappally, Karuvatta, Keerikkad, Krishnapuram, Kumarapuram, [[Muthukulam]], Pallippad, Pathiyoor, Puthuppally, Thrikkunnapuzha and Veeyapuram.<ref name=AboutHari>{{cite web | url=http://www.haripad.in/about-haripad/ | title=About Haripad | date=January 2018 | publisher=Haripad.in | access-date=23 January 2014 | archive-date=28 February 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228224421/http://www.haripad.in/about-haripad/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

These all places come together to form the [[Haripad (State Assembly constituency)|Haripad Legislative Assembly Constituency]]. The current MLA of Haripad Assembly Constituency is Shri [[Ramesh Chennithala]] of [[Indian National Congress]] .

The [[Haripad (State Assembly constituency)|Haripad Assembly Constituency]] is part of [[Alappuzha (Lok Sabha constituency)]]. [[K. C. Venugopal]] of [[Indian National Congress]] is the current MP of Alappuzha.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf
|title = Assembly Constituencies – Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies
|access-date = 20 October 2008
|work = Kerala
|publisher = Election Commission of India
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090304011026/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf
|archive-date = 4 March 2009
}}</ref>

==Notable people==


* [[Ashokan (actor)|Ashokan]] (1961–), actor
* [[Ramesh Chennithala]], present MLA of Haripad, Former Home Minister
* [[V. Dakshinamoorthy]] (1919–2013), carnatic musician
* [[K. S. Harisankar]] (1993-), singer
* [[Lopamudra R.]], poet, translator, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar and OV Vijayan Sahitya Award, Thunjan Smaraka Award Winner
* [[Meena (Malayalam actress)|Meena Joseph]] (1941–1997), actress
* [[T. K. Madhavan]] (1885–1930), social reformer
* [[K. Madhu]] (1953–), director
* [[Madhu Muttam]] (1951–), script writer
* [[Navya Nair]] (1985-) film actress
* [[Nirmalananda]] (1863–1938), a direct monastic disciple of [[Sri Ramakrishna]] (1836–1886)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.vivekananda.net/PDFBooks/Nirmalananda.pdf | title=Swami Nirmalananda: His life and teachings | publisher=vivekananda.net}}</ref>
* [[K. Omanakutty]] (1943–), musician
* [[K. S. Harisankar]] (1993-), singer
* [[Padmarajan]] (1945–1991), Malayalam film director and writer
* [[Rajesh Pillai]] (1974–2016), film director
* [[M. G. Radhakrishnan]] (1940–2010), carnatic musician
* [[Sangeeth Sivan]] (1959–2024), film director
* [[Santhosh Sivan]] (1964–), cinematographer
* [[M. G. Sreekumar]] (1957–), musician, singer, music director
* [[Mallika Sukumaran]] (1954–), actress
* [[Erickavu N. Sunil]] (1977-), National award-winning [[Mridangam]] artist, author
* [[Sreekumaran Thampi]] (1940–), writer, lyricist
* [[Kerala Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran]] (1845–1914) author of ''Mayurasandesa,'' stayed in Haripad while writing the ''Mayura Sandesam'' which were love letters to his wife sent using peacocks.<ref name="HistoryHari" />
* [[A. P. Udhayabhanu]] (1915–1999), Congress leader, writer
* [[C. B. C. Warrier]] (1932–2013), Ex-MLA, CPM Leader
* [[Nishadh Yusuf]] (1981-2024), film editor



== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.karichalchundan.com About Karichalchundan]
*[http://alappuzhaonline.com/snake-boat-races-alappuzha.htm snakeboat races] – Snake boat races in Haripad
*[http://www.haripad.in/about-haripad/haripad-sociocultural-history/ Sociocultural History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120001202/http://www.haripad.in/about-haripad/haripad-sociocultural-history/ |date=20 January 2021 }} – History of Haripad
*[http://www.haripad.in/ Haripad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228150646/https://www.haripad.in/ |date=28 February 2021 }} – Haripad

{{Alappuzha district}}
{{Central Travancore}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Alappuzha district]]

Haripad - Revision history

Brigette13M at 16:44, 29 January 2026