Thunchan Memorial Located 32 kms from Malappuram at Tirur is the hallowed Thunchan Parambu, the birthplace of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language.
Ezhuthachan is considered as the Father of the Malayalam language, because of his devotion to the language, his influence on the acceptance of the Malayalam alphabet, and his extremely popular poetic works in Malayalam. The kilippaattu style in Malayalam was introduced by Ezhuthachan.
Thunchan Memorial is a cultural and research center raised by the people of Kerala in honor of the most celebrated poet and cultural catalyst in the history of the Malayalam language. The institution is situated at the same location as the house and open-air school where the bard lived and taught in the 16th century. Thunchan Memorial is in the small town called Tirur in Malappuram District. It is accessible by rail and road from all the important cities of Kerala.
The Thunchan memorial is situated at the site of the house in which he was born. It is said that Thunchath Ezhuthachan prompted the Sanskrit poet Melpathoor Narayana Bhattathiri to write his Magnum Opus, the “Narayaneeyam”. Thunchath Ezhuthachan re-wrote the two great epics “Ramayanam” and “Mahabharatham” in Malayalam.
The Thunchan Memorial showcases the cultural and literary significance of Ezhuthachan’s contributions, fostering a deep appreciation for the Malayalam language and its evolution over the centuries. Visitors can explore the life and works of this iconic poet and gain insights into the linguistic and literary history of Kerala. The memorial also hosts various events and programs dedicated to promoting Malayalam literature and preserving the legacy of Thunchaththu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan.
On Vijayadasami Day, many come here for vidyarambham, the ceremony in which children are initiated into learning. The iron stylus with which Ezhuthachan wrote his texts on palm leaves and the ancient kanjira tree under which he composed his poems are treasured exhibits here.
Whether you’re a literature enthusiast or someone interested in Kerala’s cultural heritage, the Thunchan Memorial offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Malayalam literature and pay homage to one of its greatest luminaries. Explore the life and times of Ezhuthachan while experiencing the cultural richness of Kerala at this historic monument.