CHERUTHAZHAM

Cherutazham, a nearby village of Payyanur is mainly known for its famous Raghavapuram temple (hanumarambalam).  It was Udayavaraman   Kolathiri who made Cherutazham  a noted place for this temple and the brahmin families here.  Udayavarama who became unhappy with the local brahmin groups brought 237 scholarly brahmin families from Gokarana of  tulunadu(present Karnataka) to Kolathu Nadu. As compensation to the "brahma hatya" he donated the Cherutazham village to the brahmin family of  "Varanakottu Illam" and the newly brought brhamins settled in this village. A temple was being constructed by Udaya Varman Kolathiri and was given to these scholarly Brahmin families. Thus Sree Raghavapuram temple and its village came under the brahmin control.  These brahmins were lovers of arts and literature. The role of "Varanakottu Illam" in the promotion of Kathakali is to be specially mentioned.   Later during the attack of Tipu Sulatan, many of the brahmin families migrated to south Kerala and settled around Tiruvalla.  

Cherutazham is proud of her beloved son Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair who gave a new dimension to the art of Kathakali.  There are many artists in Cherutazham who are experts in the traditional musical items like "panchavadyam", "taayambaka", "chenda melam" etc.  The new generation of Cherutazham is also getting trained in these art forms.