Thenhipalam is a census town and a panchayat in TirurangadiTaluk in Malappuram district of Kerala, Indiawith a population of 27,273 as per 2001 census, with 13,293 males and 13,980 females. Indian census. University of Calicut, the first university in Malabar region is located north-west part of the panchayat. 'Chelari' is the main commercial place in Tenhipalam panchayat while 'Panambra' is considered as the headquarters of the panchayat. Hindus form the majority. The small town between Chelari and the University is called Kohinoor.
Geography
Tenhipalam panchayat is situated north west region of Malappuram district, about 35 km away from district headquarters Malappuram and 11 km north of Taluk headquarters Tirurangadi. It shares its borders with Chelembra panchayat in north, Pallikkal and Peruvalloor panchayats in east, Kadalundi River separates Vallikkunnu panchayat in west. In Southern side it shares border with Mooniyoor panchayat. It is located 24 km south of Kozhikode on the Mangalore–Edapally national highway 17.
Transport
Tenhipalam is well connected with all parts of Kerala by road. National Highway 17 passes through Tenhipalam. All rural localities in the panchayat are well connected to the arterial national highway by good quality roads. Mini buses operate from rural areas to nearest small towns such as Chemmad, Feroke, Kondotty and Kottakadavu. Private Buses operating between Thrissur and Kozhikode call at the University of Calicut. KSRTC buses, which operate between Kozhikode and various southern towns and cities in Kerala also have stop at the university on route to Tenhipalam. There are seven towns and one Corporation in 30 km circle of Thenhipalam. Nearest railway stations are Parappanangadi and Feroke; which are located 12 km South-West and 14 km North-West respectively from the centre of Tenhipalam. The major railway station of Kozhikode is located 24 km away. Calicut International Airport at Karipur is located 12 km east of Tenhipalam.
Education
The main campus of the University of Calicut is located in Thenjipalam. Chelari is also known for head Office of Samantha Kerala Islamatha Vidhybhysaa Board, who is sometimes known as Chelari samastha. SKIMVB has more than 10,000 Madrassas throughout the world.
Kadakkattu Para is a small village included in Tenhippalam panchayath. It is at a distance of three kilometers west of Upper Chelari bus stop. The main villages on this route are Shanthi Corner, Alungal, Mukkood and Pichanadathilpady. The important places of worship are Thrakkannoor Shiva Temple, Pichanadathil Masjidh and Kadakkattoor Masjidh. Other important landmarks are AEMS Public School, VEM Public School and Shamsul Hudha Madrassah
Chenakkalangadi
Chenakkalangadi is a small town near branching out from Mele Chelari. The road from Mele Chelari goes through Alungal, Chenakkalangadi, Pallippuraya, Nechinathil, Kolathode and terminates at Irumbothingal Kadavu. The important landmarks in this area are Kunnummal Bhagavathi Kavu, Thrikkannur siva skhethra,Cheenikkanari Bagavathi kshethra,Muhiyadheen masjid,Padinjare Palli,Thomb of Nossan thangal uppappa,Subulul Huda Madrassa chenakkalangadi, Irumbothingal Madrassa,Areepara Madrassa,Alungal Madrassa,GUP school, AEMS Public School, Chenakkalangadi Masjidh,Mathapuzha Srambya, Masjidhul Mujahidheen and Alungal Shariath College for Women. The Y-junction at Chenakkalangadi forks to Kolathode on the right and Mathappuzha river on the left side. The ancient Thrikkannur Shiva temple and Muhyudheen masjid is two km from Mele Chelari on this route.
Culture
Chelari village is a predominantly Muslim populated area. Hindus exist in comparatively smaller numbers. So the culture of the locality is based upon Muslim traditions. Duff Muttu, Kolkali and Aravanamuttu are common folk arts of this locality. There are many libraries attached to mosques giving a rich source of Islamic studies. Most of the books are written in Arabi-Malayalam which is a version of the Malayalam language written in Arabic script. People gather in mosques for the evening prayer and continue to sit there after the prayers discussing social and cultural issues. Business and family issues are also sorted out during these evening meetings. The Hindu minority of this area keeps their rich traditions by celebrating various festivals in their temples. Hindu rituals are done here with a regular devotion like other parts of Kerala.
