Family History

Poovathumkal is a traditional Syrian Christian family with its Tharavadu (ancestral home) in Mulakulam Village of the Piravom Municipality, Kerala, India. The documented family history dates to the last quarter of the 18th century. Over the years, the Poovathumkal family has accumulated a rich and detailed history, with records dating back to the late 1800s. Today, the family has spread across various parts of Kerala, other states of India, and abroad, with members establishing themselves in diverse fields.

Throughout its history, many prominent members of the Poovathumkal family have made significant contributions to society. Their achievements span multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, business, arts, and public service. These individuals have not only upheld the family’s legacy but have also helped shape the communities they belong to, continuing the tradition of excellence and service that defines the Poovathumkal name.

Early History

Lineage of our forefathers could be traced back to 'Thathyalil' based in Karikode, Mulanthuruthy. Kuruvila left his home at Mulanthuruthy due to the spread of an epidemic and built his house in a barren land (which had a landmark tree poovam) near his wife Anna's house (Kottarakkunnel) in Mulakulam during the last lap of the 18th century. Kuruvila had two sons and two daughters. His son Thommen continued to stay at "Poovathumkal", married Anna from the Chemmanathel . Thommen had four sons, two of them had juvenile death, the third son Varkey, born on 24th April 1813 and the fourth son stayed at Poovatumkal. The fourth son had an accidental death. Thommen Passed away on 18h Dec 1833 and was buried at "Mulakulam Valiya Pally"

Valiya Uppappan

Varkey (24th April 1813 to 26 Dec, 1883) is known in the family as "Valiya Uppappan". His generation is taken as the First generation of the family in the Kudumba Charithram). Valiya Uppappan's wife was Anna from the Thereth family of Brahmamangalam. They had Five sons and a daughter. Valiya Uppappan's Kallara is well preserved at the Mulakkulam Valiya Pally. His death anniversary (sradham) was celebrated on 26h December, in one or the other houses of his sons/grandsons / great grandsons every year uninterrupted.

Branches of Poovathumkal Kudumbam

Valiya Uppappan’s eldest son had a juvenile death. His daughter Anna was married to the Chennampillil family. The four surviving sons (Second Generation of the Poovathumkal family) of Valiya Uppappan - lype, Thommen, Varkey and Kuruvila - have stayed at Ennakkappillil, Vilangappara, Thudiamparampil and Poovathumkal, all the four houses spread out in about three kilometres. Ennakkapillil and Vilangapaara are in the Periyappuram village and Thudiamparampil is in Mulakulam itself. Thus Ennakkappill, vilangappara, Thudiyamparampil and Poovathumkal have become the four main branches of the Poovathumkal family.

Establishing Poovathumkal Kudumbayogam

In 1983, under the patronage of Late Lamented His Grace Joseph Mar Pachomios Metropolitan(5th generation in the family) the 100'th death anniversary of Valiya Uppappan was celebrated and the Poovathumkal Kudumbayogam was formally established, with its annual get together on 26h December.

Family and the Church

The early settlers at Poovathumkal were members of the Mulakkulam Valiapally, the church nearest to the Poovathumkal house. When "Parel Pally” was established as a Kurisupally of the Valiya Pally, the family attended the service at Parel Pally. Later driven by unforeseen circumstances within the parish, the members of the Poovathumkal family took initiative along with few other families to establish the Karmel Kunnu Pally (present St.George Orthodox Church, established on June 13th, 1903). The Kocheril, Poovathumkal and the Pulukkeel families were prominent among these. Dn. Yohannan of Kocheril family and Dn. Thomas of the Poovathumkal family were the two young priests available in the parish at the time of establishment of the Karmel Kunnu Pally. Rev. Fr. Yohannan became the first Vicar and later Rev. Fr. Thomas (third generation in the family) became Asst Vicar in 1912 when he was ordained as a full priest. Rev Fr Yohannan passed away in in 1917. Poovathumkal Thomas Achan continued as Vicar till his death in 1956.