Panmana Ashram – Mahasamadhi Peedom of Chattampi Swamigal
Panmana Ashram is situated at Edapallykotta, a peaceful village flanked by coconut palms and paddy fields, in Kollam, kerala. It is the ‘Mahasamadhi Peedom’ of Sree Vidyadhiraja Chattampi Swamigal, located 18 km north of Kollam city on NH47. Because of its simple and quiet surroundings, the Ashram is a popular pilgrim centre and several great men have visited this place including Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhiji had visited Kollam on four occasions. The first was in March 1925, second in 1927, third in 1934 and the last in January 1937. During his visit in 1934, Gandhiji had visited Panmana Asharam at Chavara and stayed there for two days and addressed a large public gathering. The palm frond thatched hut constructed at Panmana Asramam for Gandhiji’s stay still stands as a scared monument for the Mahatma. Mahatma Gandhi also spend his time here in prayers and contemplation. Gandhiji planted a neem tree here which adorns the place.
The special cover issued on the occasion of Kollampex 2018 features a colour image of the thatched roof hut where Gandhiji stayed during his visit to Kollam against a background of Khadi texture. The special pictorial cancellation is a green ink graphic sketch of the Neem Tree that Gandhiji planted and which is now a full grown tree. This special cover issued on 31-10-2018 (KL/25/2018).
