Madayi is a small place in Kannur district, Kerala, South India. It is located near Payangadi. Madayi is well-known for the Malik Ibn Dinar mosque. This beautiful ancient mosque is believed to have been originally built by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by its founder, who came to India to spread the word of the Prophet. Near by, lies a dilapidated fort believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore.
Madayi today hosts a vibrant community of muslims and hindus alike with extended roots in Singapore, Malaysia, the gulf regions as well as Europe and the USA. The close proximity and developed infrastructure makes it an important township in close proximity to the naval academy in Ezhimala.
Mayadi para
The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient Jewish setllers is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva temple and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extension form yet another attraction at Madayipara. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms at Madayipara. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu – family temples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame.
Madayipara is a significant spot owing to its bio-diversity as well as history. In the past, Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings. In and around Madayipara, one can find remnants from the past. At the southern side of the hill, stand the remains of a fort called Pazhi Kotta (kotta means fort in Malayalam). Here one can also find watchtowers at the four corners of the fort). Between AD 14 and AD 18, Madayipara used to be the site for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of the erstwhile Kolathunadu.
