Museum opened in memory of Fr Muniyachan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marking the 400th death anniversary of Padippuraveetil Fr Muniyachan of Kadampanad in Kollam district, a museum was opened at Kadampanad the other day. Fr Muniyachan was a priest at the Kadampanad Valiyapalli (St Thomas Orthodox  Cathedral) who had become a legend  in his lifetime for his  magical powers and services in treating hapless and abandoned smallpox  patients.  Padippura Veetil Muniyachan Memorial Trust,  which is managing the museum, has opened the museum with the support of  the local people. Thomas George, president of the Trust, told ‘Express’ that they had showcased around 1000 ancient coins dating back to the Mughal dynasty, during the reign of Nizam, Edward IV, George V, Queen Victoria, coins introduced by the English East India Company and that of the Travancore kings.Chinese urn of the 15th century, wooden carved pedestal of the 13th century, stone urns and palm leaf manuscripts are also on display in the museum. Thomas George said  devotees from far and wide had started coming to visit the museum. Students from the nearby schools also have shown interest in visiting the museum.  He said the nilavara (cellar) and arappura used by Muniyachan had been preserved as part of the museum where the devotees light the lamp and pray. Metropolitan Kuriakose Mar Cleemis of the Thumpamon diocese  of the Orthodox church inaugurated the museum, renovated prayer hall and family meeting hall the other day.