Buddhist Tradition of Alappuzha

One of the lesser known aspects of socio-religious history of Alappuzha has been its tradition of Buddhism Early history of Alappuzha is replete with reference to the wide spread prevalence of Buddhism in Ambalappuzha , Thrikkunnappuzha, Mavelikkara, Kayamnkulam etc areas. Buddhist images have been discovered at Bharanikkavu, Mavelikkara and Karumadi, of which one at karumadi is the most famous.

A famous temple of lord Buddha flourished during the reign of King Vikramadithya Varaguna (885-925AD) at a place called Sree Moolavasam . The Trivandrum district Gazetteer testifies to this fact. The paliyam plates of King Vikramadithya testify that the King had granted extensive landed properties for the temple of Sree Moolavasam. There are also references to Sree Moolavasam in the Sanskrit work Moolavasam in the Sanskrit work 'Mooshakavamsha' Vallabha who is said to have marched to the south to join the army of ruler of Kerala which was being attacked by the Chola rulers is said to have visited the Buddha temple at Sree Moolavasam on his way back. There are differences of opinion among scholars regarding the location of the ancient temple town of Sree Moolavasam, but there has been some consensus of late among scholars that Sree Moolavasam was located some where in the coastal region between Thrikkunnappuzha and Karumadi.

The stone images of Buddha in the Yagasana posture have been discovered from Karumadi , Mavelikkara , and Bharanikkavu. They are the finest examples of the sculpture of the period ( 7 to 9 century A D ) the idol discovered at Karumadi is known as the'Karumadi Kuttan' it's prominent feature are the 'Ushnish'(top knot) and the Jwala (flame) on the head and the traces of the upper cloth passing over the chest . The Buddha image at Mavelikkara also features the Ushnisha and Jwala . But the upper cloth is worn in the Upavida sacred thread fashion which makes the image unique. The Buddha image at Bharanikkavu has a very elegantly executed upper cloth which has many folds. The cloth passes over the left shoulder and lies flat on the chest. The Karumadi and Mavelikkara images are about 3 feet in height while the one at Bharanikkavu is about 2 feet in height

It is doubtful whether the Buddhist connection in the Socio-religious history of Alappuzha has been properly documented or researched. It is high time that the historians looked into this aspect of history of Alappuzha . By careful planning and development if the Buddhist link of Alappuzha is highlighted, Alappuzha can find a place in the itinerary of Buddhist pilgrims and can add one more argument to its claim as one of the premier destinations of tourists in Kerala.