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PATHANAMTHITTA |
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Situated
near the western ghats and bordered by the hills, Pathanamthitta
district is a treat to the eyes with its vast unending stretches of
forests, rivers and rural landscapes. Blessed by nature, the district
is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.
Pathanamthiita, a true tropical diversity adorned with fertile
agricultural land where plantations, Paddy, tapioca, varieties of
vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively
cultivated. The district known for it's extensive forest cover also
abounds in rubber plantations. |
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It is
presumed that the regions presently under the district were formerly
under the reign of the Pandalam king which had connections with the
Pandya kingdom. Pathanamthitta now includes portions of the erstwhile
Kollam, Alappuzha and Idukki districts.
Pathanamthitta is a combination of two words Pathanam and
Thitta which means an array of houses on the river side. This district
was formed on 1st November 1982 with a view to hastenng the process of
development. The total area of the district is 2642 sq.kms; of this
1300.73 sq.kms come under forest. |
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Pathanamthitta Town:
This is the district headquarters. The town is a land of
religious and cultural harmony, where a number of churches, temples and
mosques can be found close to each other.
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Sabarimala |
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One of the
most famous pilgrim centres in India, Sabarimala is situated on the
mountain ranges of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 914 m above sea
level and is accessible only by foot from Pamba (4 km). The temple is
dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Pilgrim season: November to mid January.
Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim
season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for
the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla (102 km)
People of all castes and creeds are permitted into the temple.
However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age.
Sabarimala (65 km from Pathanamthitta town, 180 km from
Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi): |
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Pamba:
This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known
as Thriveni Sangamam - the meeting point of three rivers. |
Distance
from Pamba (km)
Pathanamthitta – 65, Pandalam – 80, Adoor – 81,
Chengannur – 93,
Thiruvalla
–102, Punalur – 101, Ochira – 116, Alappuzha (via MC Rd.) – 137,
Kottayam
(via Pathanamthitta - Kozhencherry, Thiruvalla) – 130, Thiruvananthapuram
(via Pathanamthitta - Adoor) – 180,
Kottayam
(via Manimala) – 116, Kodungaloor - 275, Guruvayoor – 288, Palakkad – 330,
Kozhikode – 388, Kannur – 486. |
Nilackal (5 km
from Plappally):
The old Siva Temple on the Pamba - Pathanamthitta Road is an important
place of worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation and the Ecumenical
centre of the Christians are located here. |
Pandalam
(Nearest railway station: Chengannur - 14 km) :
As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. Sree
Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here
as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the
palace on the banks of River Achenkovil has been modelled on the
Sabarimala shrine. Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before
proceeding to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the Makaravilaku
festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a
procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala. |
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Omallur
(5 km from Pathanamthitta):
The Rakthakanta Swamy Temple and the annual cattle fair held in the
Malayalam month of Meenam are the main attractions of Omallur. People from
both within and outside the State participate in the fair.
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Malayalapuzha (8 km from Pathanamthitta):
The goddess at the Bhagavathy Temple here is believed to grant boons to
devotees and help them realise dreams. The temple has beautiful wall
paintings and artistic stone carvings.
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Kadamanitta (8 km from Pathanamthitta):
The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani
performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. |
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Kodumon
Chilanthiyambalam (15 km from Pathanamthitta town):
The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is
believed to cure skin diseases. Kodumon is also the birthplace of Sree
Shakthi Bhadra, author of Ascharya Chudamani. |
The Rock Cut
Cave Temple:
The rock cut Siva Temple, half a kilometre away, is of great
archaeological significance. Dating back to the 8th century AD, this
temple bears close resemblance to the Pallava style of architecture. The
stone engravings here are among the earliest specimens of stone sculpture
in Kerala. |
Parumala
(10 km from Thiruvalla):
The Ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan,
the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the
1st and 2nd of November. |
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Muloor
Smarakam (12 km from Pathanamthitta):
The memorial to Muloor, a renowned social reformer and poet, is located at
Elavumthitta. |
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Konni
(11 km from Pathanamthitta):
An agricultural region, Konni is rich in cash crops like rubber, pepper,
coffee, ginger etc. It used to be a centre for training elephants. Konni
is also known for its elephant rides and the Anakoodu where elephants are
tamed and trained for work. |
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Perunthenaruvi (36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira)
The Perunthenaruvi waterfalls on the banks of the Pamba River is a
favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists. |
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Aranmula
Boat Race:
This famous water fiesta is held during Onam (August - September). The
snake boats assemble near the Sri Parthasarathy Temple before the
grand procession. Each boat is 100 ft. long and accommodates 4
helmsmen, 100 oarsmen and 25 singers. The snake boats move in pairs to
the rhythm of full-throated singing and shouting, watched by an
excited crowd.
16th Sept. '08, 06th Sept. '09. |
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Charalkunnu:
This picturesque hill station offers a panoramic view of the nearby
valleys. A camp house on the hill provides comfortable lodging. |
Kakki
Reservoir:
Tigers, elephants and monkeys can be sighted in the forest surrounding the
reservoir. |
Maniyar
(20 km from Pathanamthitta):
This is a beautiful dam site. Seethathode: The Kerala State Electricity
Board has a power generating station here. Moozhiyar (57 km from
Pathanamthitta): This is an enchanting dam site. |
Cherukolpuzha:
An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukol on the
riverbed of the Pamba, usually in February every year. |
Maramon:
Situated near Kozhencherry, Maramon is the venue of a mammoth
religious convention of Christians from all over the world. It is
attended by people from all communities. The convention which is
usually held in February is addressed by religious thinkers and
Christian scholars from across the world. This is perhaps the largest
Christian convention in Asia. |
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Aranmula (Nearest railway station:
Chengannur - 10 km):
The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of
the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed
Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam
festival. The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the
traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as
well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to
get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala. The Parthasarathi
Temple here has fine murals from the 18th century. |
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Aranmula
Kannadi:
Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, a unique craft which is not
found anywhere else in the world.
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Mannadi
(13 km from Adoor):
This is where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned freedom fighter of
Travancore, spent his last days. The ancient Bhagavathy Temple here has
some exquisite stone sculptures. The annual festival is held in
February/March. The Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts functions
here. |
Niranam
(7 km from Thiruvalla):
The oldest Christian church in India, believed to be built by the apostle
St. Thomas in AD 52, is situated at Niranam. This is also the birth place
of the poets and social reformers popularly known as the Karnassa Kavikal.
The St. Thomas art gallery here has been built by an Ecumenical body known
as Niranam Thomathu Kadavu Smaraka Trust. Phone: 0469-2710137 |
Manjanikara Church:
Mar Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthiod while on a visit to
India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are preserved at
this church. Later this place developed into a pilgrim centre. The annual
festival (Ormaperunnal) is held in February. |
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Events |
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Mandala
Pooja at Sree Dharmasastha Temple, Sabarimala. The day marks the
end of 41 day period of austerities and prayer (December) |
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Gajamela
at Parthasarathy Temple, Adoor. Highlight: Grand elephant
procession (January) |
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Thaipooya Mahotsavam at Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple. Highlights:
Thaipooya kavadiyattam, Chuttuvilakku (January) |
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Utsavam
at Sree Parthasarathy Temple, Aranmula. Highlights:
Kodiyettam, Ritual arts, Kathakali, Pallivetta, Arattu (January)
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Utsavam
at Poruvazhi Malandam Temple. Highlights: Folk arts,
Kettukazhcha procession with kaala (bul0l motif), kuthira vela (horse
motif) and decorated temple chariot (March) |
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Paper published in JIDA (The official publication of the Indian Dental
Association).
Published in September 2003, Mansoon series.
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Dr. Samuel K. Ninan |