Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is the smallest district of Kerala. The name Pathanamthitta is derived from two Malayalam words “Pathanam” and “thitta”, which together mean "array of ten "family" houses by the riverside".

It is the pilgrim center of Kerala, renowned for the shrine of Lord Ayappa in the Sabari Hills, drawing millions of devotees from near and far off places. The district also is known as a center for experiencing and learning some of the cultural as well as traditional practices of Kerala. Kollam, Kottayam and Alappuzha form the adjoining districts of Pathanamthitta.

The district is frequented by visitors from India and abroad often for its water fiestas, religious shrines and the cultural training centre.

This district was formed on 1st November 1982 with a view to hastenng the process of development. It is presumed that the regions presently under the district were formerly under the Pandalam reign which had connections with the Pandya Kingdom. Pathanamthitta now includes portions of the erstwhile Kollam Alappuzha and Idukki districts. Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Ranni, Konni and Kozhencherry are some of the important places taken from Kollam district, whereas Thiruvalla and Mallappally are the major places taken from Alappuzha district.

The district can be proud of its rich contribution to the struggle for freedom.When Mahatma Gandhi visited the erstwhile Travancore in 1937, he asked his follower Khadar Das T.P. Gopala Pillai to spread the message of Khadi and Charka. Inspired by Gandhiji he founded the 'Mahatma Khadi Ashram' at Elanthoor 1941.He launched a scheme for mobilizing funds for khadi activities known as 'ek paise fund' in order to ensure the participation of the whole people in the khadi movement. There was strong protest in Travancore against the British in connection with the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1921. In 1922, a student's strike was held which instilled a lot of spirit and enthusiasm among the freedom fighters. During the same period, Congress leaders like Ponnara Sreedhar and K. Kumar, the participants from Kerala in the flag satyagraha at Nagapur were arrested and beatenup by the police. The contribution of lanthoor K.Kumar, Thadiyal Raghavan Pillai, Pandalam KP and N.G. Chacko to the National Movement have much significance in the history of freedom struggle.

MANNADI :

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.

Velu Thampi Dalawa, the former Diwan of the Travancore Province, had committed suicide at Mannadi Temple, to avoid capture by the British.

NIRANAM :

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.

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.

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.

OMALLUR :

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.

MALAYALAPPUZHA :

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.

KADAMANITTA :

The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May.

MULOOR SMARAKOM :

The memorial to Muloor, a renowned social reformer and poet, is located at Elavumthitta.

KODUMON CHILANTHIYAMBALAM :

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.

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.

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.

ARANMULA :

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.

ARANMULLA KANNADI :

Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, a unique craft which is not found anywhere else in the world.

NILACKAL :

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 :

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.

PARUMALA :

The Ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.

CHERUKOLPUZHA :

An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukol on the riverbed of the Pamba, usually in February every year.

KAVIYOOR :

Situated on the banks of the Manimala river, Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. The Hanuman Temple stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable style architecture peculiar to Kerala.

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.

 Maramon Convention (February)

The Marthoma Maramon Convention is the biggest religious gathering of Christians in Asia. It is held on the banks of river Pamba, Maramon, near Kozhencherry since 1896 usually in the month of February.Thousands of people from all over India assemble here at this great occation.The Maramon Convention displays co-operation and union between different sections of Church in Kerala. It fosters ecumenical outlook. It is also a source of spiritual inspiration and enlightenment for thousands.  Convention is normally scheduled for a duration of 10 days, when the sand bed become dry to accommodate the sea of humanity. About a week before the convention, the vicinity of the venue becomes a scene of great activity for the preparation of the Pandal wide enough to accommodate about 80000-100000 people constructed out of bamboo poles. Huge crowds streamed across temporary bridges and sandbag walkways come to the Pandal for hearing the Word of God from all over India and abroad. It is a phenomenal scenery that around 100,000 people gathered in hot and humid weather in a hot dry sand of the Pamba River to hear of Lord and to sing for Him. All the people well attentively participate in the singing and listen to the religious reading and discourse sitting under this temporary shelter of thatched coconut palm leaves. It is also a source of spiritual inspiration and enlightenment for thousands. Gathering on the sandbanks of the river Pampa attracts all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed or religion. The people in and around Maramon extend solidarity and hospitality to the people coming from far off places. Of the years Maramon has become a meeting place of culture and tradition and it became a stature of Indian Christianity.

 Chandanakkudam Festival (February)

The Chandanakudam at Pathanamthitta is one of the most colourful of Muslim festival in Kerala.Chandanakkudam Festival of the Jama - Al Mosque at Pathanamthitta attracts thousands of devotees. This is a famous Muslim pilgrim center. Many tourists and believers swarm the place to join the famous 'Chandanakkudam' feast and to witness the grand celebration observed then. The many colors, bright lights, majestically decorated elephants and musical accompaniment leave vivid images in the memory of the visitor.

Parumala Orthodox Church

 The magnificent building also houses the tomb of celebrant Mar Gregorios metropolitan, a Saint of Malankara Orthodox Church. St. Gregorios Geevarghese popularly known as "Parumala Thirumeni" was born in the priestly family of "Pallithatta Thanagattu" in Mulunthuruthy near Cochin on 15th June 1848. Devotees from all over the state attended the special rites and prayers offered as part of the commemorative feast of the saint.The annual commemorative feast (Ormaperunnal) of the saint is celebrated with much pomp. There is a ceremonial procession on the day of the feast.

Cherukolpuzha Convention (February)

Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention is another important annual feature on the river bed of Pamba. Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the banks of River Pamba, usually in February every year. This convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.

Manjinikkara 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 Manjinikkara church. Later this place developed into a pilgrim centre. The annual festival ( ormaperunnal) is held in February.       

   

Aranmula Vallamkali (August-September)

Aranmula Vallamkali (Boat race) is a 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. The commencement of the event is marked by a snake-boat race in the afternoon. Early morning, the Snake Boats assemble near the temple, and take off in pairs. Snake-Boats in action, with incessant full-throated singing and vociferous shouting by the crowds in an exciting event.

Aanandapally Maramadi (August- September)

Anandapalli, a tiny village near Adoor in Pathanamthitta district is famous for its annual Maramadi festival, an ox race carnival, commonly held in the villages of Kerala during the harvest season . The cattle race-Maramdi Mahotsav- is slowly regaining its lost charm as part of the ongoing trend of reviving the traditions. Maramdi has a history of about 200 years in Kerala and it is basically a rustic sport connected with the harvest festival. Vast stretches of freshly ploughed paddy fields form the stadium for the race. Excited villagers crowd around the stadium to cheer the participants.