Kerala - Kochi

Where the soul rests in peace

— Photo: Vipin Chandran

SERENE Site: Santhivanam, the crematorium set up at Maradu in the city.

KOCHI: Santhivanam resembles more of a designer park than a crematorium.

The landscaped courtyard and the building made along the traditional architectural style of Kerala deceive any first time visitor to the place.

One cannot be blamed if he takes it as an ideal place for calmly spending the evening or to jog along the track and occasionally enjoying the breeze from the backwaters.

Located on the banks of the Maradu backwaters is the newly constructed crematorium of the Maradu panchayat.

The park is complete with a fountain, fishpond, lawn, walkway and a small open-air auditorium for organising condolence meetings.

Slides and toys for children have also been arranged at Santhivanam as part of the efforts of the panchayat to make Santhivanam a place one can spend some leisure time, said K.A. Devassy, president of the Maradu panchayat. The park at Santhivanam is complete with 68 varieties of medicinal plants and all the big trees that were there earlier have also been maintained.

The panchayat also plans to set up a birds’ nest on the premises of the crematorium, said M.R. Chandran Pillai, who undertook the landscaping. There are also provisions for performing the last rites. A huge Kalvilakku overlooks the crematorium where one can light a lamp as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

The Rs. 50-lakh project was completed using the funds of the panchayat and a sponsorship of Rs. 3 lakh, said Mr. Devassy.

At the Santhivanam, one can sponsor trees in memory of the departed souls.

Santhivanam has rewritten the traditional concept of crematorium and also erased the dreadful images that have been engraved in the minds over the years.

Let there be peace for the departed souls and the mourners at Santhivanam.

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