The legacy of Nila
Story Dated: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 22:2 hrs IST
Kerala culture is indebted to the Nila river valley culture. Nila (Bharathapuzha) valley, a unique river system, was the cradle of civilization in Kerala.
For he people living here it is the very basis of their cultural and historical heritage. Extraordinary rituals, myth and history dwell on its banks.
The contribution of this river to the socioreligious cultural and literary life of Kerala is immense.
On the either banks of the Nila reside such famous temples like Thirunavaya, Mahadev at Thiruvilwamala and Mezbathur.
The river mothered Sanskrit, Tamil and Malayalam literature profoundly. Many great literary giants lived on its banks and drew sustenance from it their creative inspiration.
Beginning with Thunchath Ezuthachan, father of Malayalam language who wrote the 'Adhyathma Ramayanam' while living on the banks of this grand river.
Kunchan Namblar and Poonthanam followed paving the way for a line of geniuses.
