RELIGIOUS HISTORY

In the ancient days, the people followed an independent religious philosophy related with Dravidian practices. Around 3rd Century B.C., Jainism and Buddhism came into the district. It was the Jainism that set foot in the region. Both Jainism and Buddhism declined consequent on the insurgence of Aryans and by the revival of Hinduism. Efforts of Srimad Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement donated much for the promotion of Hinduism. Contributions of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathirippad and Poonthanam Namboodiri accelerated the Bhakthi movement initially in the central region of Kerala and later to the whole state. Idukki region played a significant role in the spiritual development of the state, especially the south. The Ramayana gives a graphic description of the flora of the Pamba Valley. It is believed that the name Sabarimala, one of the famous pilgrim centres of the state, derived from Sabari Ashram which was located at Sabari Peedom at Pamba valley. The Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala is believed to be a Buddhist shrine in the ancient period (Sabarimala is now in Pathanamthitta district). The Mangaladevi Temple in the dense forest of the district bespeaks of an equally shrouded antiquity. With its undulating hills and valleys and the perennial rivers the district formed a recluse for the spiritual seekers of ancient India. Since a large number of laboureres from Tamil Nadu is working in the tea and cardamom estates, temples dedicated to Mariyamman, Karuppaswamy etc. can be seen in almost all Taluks of the district. Idukki stands the second place in Kerala where most number of tribes and tribal ritual exist. They used to worship deities of their own such as Malayandavar, Muniyandiswamy etc.

 But the present history of the district is a history of colonization of migrants from the plains of erstwhile Travancore region.  According to the census, Hindus and Christians constitute majority of the population.  About 50 per cent of the population is Hindus (including various tribal groups) and 42 per cent belong to Christianity. Muslim constitutes 7 percent and others one percent. There are different groups of tribals in the district. Christians settled in the High Ranges in the course of their search for pastures anew.  Muslims are confined to certain pockets of the district. The municipality of Thodupuzha has a large Muslim population. Similarly, large number of Muslim families is there in Peerumedu. The name Peerumedu itself is derived from the name of a Muslim Saint Peer Mohammed.