Monkombu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Monkombu
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village
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 Monkombu
Location in Kerala
Monkombu
Location in India
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| Country |  India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Alappuzha |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| PIN |
688502
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| Vehicle registration | KL- |
Mankombu or Moncombu is a village in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. This area is often called the 'Rice bowl of Kerala'. It is one of the main places where rice is grown in the state.
Monkombu has a special geography. It is near the Vembanad Lake. Rivers like Pamba, Manimala, and Achenkovil flow through it. This creates many islands, backwaters, and canals. The rice fields here are even below sea level! Farmers have been growing rice in these challenging conditions for over 200 years.
The village also has important religious places. The Mankombu Bhagavathi Devi temple, St. Pius Church, and Pope John Paul Church hold annual festivals. These events bring people together for fun and celebration.
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Growing Rice in Monkombu
Monkombu is well-known for its rice farming. The Alleppey-Changanasseri road (AC Road) helped connect the village to nearby towns. This road made it easier to transport farm machines and crops. It also helped the local economy grow.
The Rice Research Station
Monkombu is home to the Rice Research Station, Moncombu. This station is part of the Kerala Agricultural University. It started in 1974 as a unit of the All India Co-ordinated Rice Improvement Program.
Scientists here study many things. They work on plant breeding, soil science, and protecting crops. They also research how to grow more rice. The station has developed special rice types. These include UMA, GOURI, and JYOTHI. These rice types grow very well in Monkombu's climate.
Did you know that the family of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan came from this village? He was a famous agricultural scientist. Many call him the father of the Indian Green Revolution. He also won the first World Food Prize.
Important Temples and Stories
The Moncombu Bhagavathy Temple is very famous in Kerala. People visit to pray for good fortune, learning, and safety on journeys. This temple was built when King Veera Marthanda Verma ruled Travancore.
How the Temple Was Built
There is an interesting story about the temple's beginning. A long time ago, a high official was moving wood by river. Three women on the riverbank asked to travel with him to a holy place. He agreed, but only if they looked plain to avoid trouble. When they changed into ordinary-looking women, he realized they were goddesses!
The boat sailed down the river. When it reached near present-day Mankombu, it stopped moving. The plain-looking women then showed their true goddess forms. They told the official they wanted temples built for future generations. After this, they turned into idols.
Two goddesses found their places in Koyikkal and Vadaiattu. For the third goddess, people wondered where to build her temple. She then took over a holy person in the crowd. He picked up a mango log (Manka in Malayalam). He threw it high into the air. Where it landed was declared the holy spot. This place was named Mankombu, meaning "Branch of a mango tree." That is where the temple was built.
Temple Celebrations
The temple was opened in the month of Meenam (March-April). Its founding day is celebrated then. The temple is open daily for prayers. Thousands of people visit on special days chosen by Malayalam astrology. An annual 7-day festival starts every year on April 14. This is followed by the Pathamudayam festival on April 23.
What's in a Name?
The name "Monkombu" comes from the Malayalam language. Since English is different, there can be a few ways to spell it. "Moncombu" is the spelling used by the Postal Department and in government letters. However, you might also see "Mankombu" used by newspapers.
Famous People from Monkombu
Many talented people have come from Monkombu. Here are a few:
- Dr. M.S.Swaminathan – A famous agriculture scientist and the "Father of the Green Revolution" in India.
- Dr. Soumya Swaminathan – Dr. M.S. Swaminathan's daughter. She is a well-known clinical scientist. She has worked on TB and HIV research. She was also a chief scientist at the WHO.
- Late Sri.M.K. Neelakanta Iyer – He was the Chief Secretary of Travancore State. He was also a Sanskrit scholar.
- Dr.K.V.Krishna Das – A retired professor and author of medical textbooks. He is also a farmer and helps others.
- Late Dr.K.K.Haridas – He started the Department of Cardiology at Amritha Institute of Medical Sciences.
- Late Prof. P.S.Mani Iyer – A professor of Electrical Engineering. He received a special award from the President.
- Dr.N.N.Panickar – An expert in ocean engineering and someone who helps the community.
- Late Prof. K. P. Sasidharan – A well-known Malayalam writer and English literature professor.
- Sri. Beeyar Prasad – A poet, writer of film songs, novelist, and TV personality.
- Late Sri. M.K.Ananthasiva Iyer – He founded the ATGVHSS school in Moncombu. He was also a government lawyer and helped others.
- Sri. Moncombu Gopalakrishnan – A poet, writer of film songs, and scriptwriter.
- Prof. K P. Mohandas – A retired professor and author. He is also active on social media.
- M.R.Narayanan – An expert in floating structures and solar energy.
- Dr.Madhu Kumar – He was a Registrar at the University of Kerala.
- Late Prof.Parameswaran – A professor of Zoology at SD College Alleppey.
