Pulimath
Grama Panchayat

Pulimath Grama Panchayat is situated about 34 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Pulimath, which has an ancient historical background, was formed in the plains of the Vamanapuram River and the Kilimanoor Chittar River, and has developed and grown over periods of time. Pulimath is a land that contributed many patriots who took part in India's struggle for independence. The social background that prevailed in other parts of Kerala was also present in the region encompassing Pulimath Panchayat. Control by regional landlords (Naduvaazhi Bhooprabukkanmar) and an administrative system based on the caste system existed here. However, fundamental changes in the social system and the introduction of new laws in the later period resulted in a complete transformation.Regarding how the Pulimath region, which was under the direct control of the monarchy, got its name, various opinions have been passed down from the older generation. The main one among these is that this area was a dense forest and was subject to constant harassment from wild animals, especially wild tigers (Kattupulikal). Unable to tolerate this menace, the people performed rituals (Devipooja), and subsequently, a divine female figure appeared atop a tiger. This divine female figure was conceived as the beloved deity and consecrated at the spot where the Pulimath Devi Temple now stands. To commemorate this event, the place was initially called 'Pulimathaav' (meaning 'Mother who came on a tiger to save them'), which later supposedly became Pulimath.Another prevailing argument is that the name came about because a very large number of tamarind trees (Pulimarangal) were present in the area, even from the time it was a dense forest.The Panchayat, which is spread across the villages of Pulimath and Koduvaazhannoor, has a geographical area of 26.96 square kilometers. According to the 2001 census, the population of the Panchayat is 31,219.There have been significant changes to the administrative boundaries of Pulimath Panchayat since its formation. The current boundaries are: Kilimanoor, Pazhayakunnummel, Kadakkal, and Kummil Grama Panchayats to the north; Kallara and Vamanapuram Grama Panchayats to the east; the Vamanapuram River to the south; and Nagaroor Grama Panchayat to the west.