Situated in the Ernakulam district, Chengamanad is a census town in the southern state Kerala. It is situated on the banks of the River Periyar.
Origin of the name - Chengamanad
Legends say that the place Chengamanad derives its name from Jangama Muni who meditated in a cave in Munikkal Guhalaya. The place was initially called Jangamanad which later became Chengamanad. Another account says that Chengamanad derives its name from a special kind of soil called Chengal in Malayalam which is found in this place.
Demographics of Chengamanad
Chengamanad has a population of about 29,775 according to 2001 census. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Kerala is the state with the highest literacy rate and Chengamanad has an average literacy rate of 80% which is quite higher than the average literacy rate of 59.5%. 11% of the population is under six years of age. Out of the males 82% are literate and out of the females 78% are literate.
Places of Worship at Chengamanad
Chengamanad is a town of temples and churches .One of the most important Shiva temple of Ernakulam district, The Chengamanad Mahadev temple is located here .The deity of Shiva is in the form of Kirata Murthi and it is facing eastwards. There is also the shrine of Shri Parvati and Ganapati facing west and south respectively. Another attraction of Chengamanad is Munikkal Temple which is dedicated to Lord Subramanyan, son of Shiva and is situated on a large rock resembling the back of an elephant. The Roman Catholic Church in the Name of St. Antony is another attraction in the place. On the last week of January Holy Feast of the Church is celebrated. Panayakkadavu Muhiyadheen Juma Masjid is situated half kilometres away from Chengamanad Junction. Palaprassery Juma Masjid which represents the Muslim community of western area is another landmark. The masjid situates 1 km away from Chengamanad Junction on the Parur road.
Connectivity of Chengamanad
Chengamanad is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest railway stations are Aluva and Angamaly and the nearest airport is the Cochin International airport.
