Kottayam

Kottayam is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. The city of Kottayam is also called as "Akshara Nagari" which means the "City of Letters" considering its contribution to print media and literature.


Kottayam is located in southern Kerala and is also the administrative capital of the Kottayam district.The town is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber.It is believed that the name kottayam originated from the Malayalam words "kotta" meaning fort and "akam" meaning inside, giving the word the meaning of "the interior of the fort". The old town of Kottayam was originally founded on the hilltop now known as Kunnumpuram. This fortress was called Thaliyil Kotta and was founded by the local chieftain or RAJA known as the Thekkumcoor RAJA. The small hamlet developed within the walls of the fort and thus was derived the present name from the words "Kottackk Akam" which literally means "Inside the Fortress". It is commonly believed that down the ages this gradually assumed its present form, Kottayam.

Kottayam is an important commercial centre of Kerala, India, thanks to its strength as a producer of cash crops. Most of India's natural rubber originates from the acres of well-kept plantations of Kottayam, also home to the Rubber Board, One of the country's primary commodities board. Kottayam, among the state's more mountainous districts, provides some of Kerala's finest natural scenes sandwiched as it is between serene palm-fringed backwaters on the west and the Western ghats on the east.


Bordered by the lofty and mighty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake and paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a land of unique characteristics. Panoramic backwater stretches, lush paddy fields, highlands, hills and hillocks, extensive rubber plantations, places associated with many legends and a totally literate people have given Kottayam District the enviable title: The land of letters, legends, latex and lakes. The city is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber.

RELIGION

Thirunakkara Temple

In the festival months of August and September, the rivers in and near Kottayam are turned into festival centres. In the Kumarakom Boat Race, conducted at Kavanar and Kottathodu rivers, about 50 types of boats, viz. Veppu, ody, Churulan and few snake boats, participate.

Kumaranelloor

Situated 6 kilometers away from Kottayam, Kumaranelloor is famous for the Karthyayani (Devi) temple. Here "Trikarthika" day is important which is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December). The display of lights in the evening (Karthika Vilakku) is the highlight of this celebration.

Pallippurathu Kavu

Situated in the southern part of the Kottayam town this temple is devoted to Devi. The 'Kumbhakuta Mahotasva' here attracts a large crowd. It is held on the day of Pathamudaya (Tenth day of the month of Medam). The 'Garudan Thukkam' at night is also famous.

Saraswathy Temple, Panachikkad

Situated 8 kms away from Kottayam town, this temple is famous for Saraswathy Pooja in the month of Thulam (September-October). Saraswathi is worshipped as the goddess of learning. On the day of Durgasthami, the pooja veppu is performed with books arranged in a decorated room and all sorts of study and work are given up for the day. The Mahanavami Day is devoted to the worship of Saraswathi. The Vijayadashami day is observed as the day of conclusion of Pooja (pooja eduppu). On that , thousands of people arrive at this temple to initiate their children to learning.

Thiruvarpu

Situated 6 kms North-east of Kottayam town, this temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. Offerings start as early as 3 o’ clock in the morning. The festival here, is in the month of April, which lasts for ten days. The Vilakkeduppu i.e, carrying lighted lamps by virgin girls during the festival, is famous. Thiruvarupu is also famous for Usha Payasam which is the main Vazhipadu.

Kidangoor

Situated 25 km. north-east of Kottayam, the Subrahmanyia Swamy temple here attracts a large crowd of worshippers on the day of Shashti every month. In Kumbham (February-March) a 10 day long festival is celebrated here. The Chakiarkooth performed here is a speciality.

Perunnai (Changanacherry)

About 20 km. south to Kottayam town this is also one of the famous Subrahmanya Temple. The festival is in Dhanu which lasts for 10 days. Hundreds of worshippers especially ladies attend the 'Shashti' here.

Temples at Ramapuram. Kadappattur, Vazhappallil, Udayanapuram, etc., are also famous.

Kottayam Valiyapally

Valiya Palli

This ancient Syrian Knanaya Church is the oldest in this part of the country, and the mother church for almost all the Christians of this area.

This church was built in the year 1550 A.D by the descendants of the Syrian Knanaya Christians who migrated to India in 345 A.D. from Jerusalem and nearby places under the leadership of kana Thoma. The migrants consisted of Bishop

Joseph of Urha, two priests and two deacons, besides a group of four hundred persons, representing seventy-two families from seven clans. They landed at Crangannore and were cordially welcomed by Cheraman Perumal, the then ruler of Malabar (Northern region of present Kerala) .

Good Shepherd Church

Situated behind the civil station at Kottayam, this is the first church of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The construction work of this church was completed in 1882. It was renovated in 1964. It is constructed in the Italian style. The feast of St. Sebastian is on 20th January and that of Good Shepherd is from 10th to 12th of April.

St: George's Church, Aruvithura

Aruvithura is 35kms east of Kottayam town. The St. George’s Church here is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. It is believed that this church was constructed by St. Thomas. The reconstruction of this church was done in the 16th century A.D. The feast of Aruvithura Church fall on 23rd, 24th and 25th of April every year.

St.Mary’s Church , Manarcad

Situated 10 Km. east of Kottayam town, Manarcad Church is famous for the'Ettu Noyampu' i.e., the eight-day retreat and fast which begins on the 1st of September every year. The Perunnal (Feast) falls on 8th and 9th of September. The pilgrims participating in the retreat stay in the church itself for these days and spend all the time fasting with prayers. The Church has a tank and a cross which are considered sacred

St. George’s Orthodox Church,Puthupally

Puthuppally is 8 Km. away from Kottayam town. The church in the name of St. George is located at the centre of the famous temples of Vennimala, Kadamuri, Iravinelloor and Vazhakkulam. It is believed that the Kings of Thekkumkur had constructed this church when they ruled Vennimala. The Perunnal which is in the month of May attracts a large crowd.

St. George Church, popularly known as 'Puthupally Pally' is a famous pilgrim center.

Thousands of devotees throng to the church to celebrate the annual feast of St George in the first week of May every year. A noon meal served to the pilgrims at church courtyard (Vechoottu), colourful procession carrying the Gold Cross of the Church and fireworks are the main programmes of the feast.

St: Mary's Church, Athirampuzha

Situated 10 Kms. north of Kottayam town, though this ancient church is dedicated to St. Mary, it is the feast of St. Sebastian that attracts a large crowd to the church. The statue of St. Sebastian installed here is considered very ancient. During the days of the Portuguese three statues were brought to. Kerala; the legend says that the smallest of them was-brought to Athirampuzha by local traders. This is known as Adiyelpicha Roopam (representing St. Sebastian after being flogged by his persecutors). The original church here, it is said, was constructed in 1080 A.D. The feast here lasts for 5 days. The display of fireworks in connection with the celebration is very famous

Valiyapally at Palai

Situated in Palai about 30 Kms. away from Kottayam town, it is generally accepted that this church was built in 1002, and is in the name of St. Thomas. This church was destroyed by the Muslim invaders in 17th century A.D. and was reconstructed in the next century. Important festival of this church is the'Rakkuhthirunal ' which is celebrated on 6th January every year. 

Bharananganam Church

Also known as 'Anakkallu Palli' Bharananganam is an important pilgrim centre in Kottayam district. The mortal remains of Sister Alphonsa in kept here. This church is now internationally known. She died on 28th July 1946. Thousands of devotees reach here on that day every year to observe her death anniversary. Bharananganam is 5 kms. away from Palai.

Church at Mannanam

This church in the name of St. Joseph is another important pilgrim centre in Kottayam district. The mortal remains of Fr. Chavara Kuriakose Elias is kept in this church. Thousands of believers reach here to offer their prayers at his tomb

Vimalagiri Church, Kottayam

Vimalagiri (Ankathattu Palli) is the cathedral of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1956 and the construction was completed in 1964. This church constructed in the Gothic style is an example of excellence in architectural beauty, the main tower has a height of 172 ft. which is considered as the highest church tower in the State. Vimalambika is the deity here. The main feast is in December. This church is situated near Kottayam railway station.

Cheriya Pally - St. Mary's Church

Cheriya Pally is one of the few old churches that still exist in the near original state.Cheriya Pally which literally means small church in fact much bigger than Valiya Pally(big church) - which is closeby.

This church was built in 1579 by the local Rajah, ruler of the native state for his Christian subjects and it shows strong temple architectural influences including .An outer wall of the type found around temples with niches for the oil lamps. It is interesting to see the Christian and the Hindu synthesis in the design of this church. The Facade of the church seems to be influenced by the Portuguese with galleries, pillars, cornices and pediments.

Erumeli

At Erumeli there is a famous mosque dedicated to Vavar - a friend of Lord Ayyappa. The 'Chandanakkudam' festival is celebrated here in January every year. This coincides with the 'Makaravilakku' of Sabarimala. At night there is an attractive procession with caparisoned elephants and 'Panchavadyam'. This is an important festival of locality.

Changanacherry

At Changanacherry there are two famous mosques - Pazhaya-palli and Puthurpalli. The Pazhayapalli is said to be more than 1000 years old and it is constructed at the site which was donated by king of Thekkumkur. A Bhagavathi temple and Catholic church are situated in the neighbourhood of this mosque. This shows the religious harmony among the local residents. The Puthurpalli is about 400 years old. The festival 'Chandanakkudam' is celebrated by the followers of the different religions.

Erattupetta

The mosque at Erattupetta in also one of the famous mosques. Here also'Chandanakkudam' festival is celebrated every year. The processions here also attract a large crowd. The people of the locality as a whole join the celebrations.

Thazhathangadi

The mosque at Thazhathangadi is one of the ancient mosques in India. The belief is that Malik Dinar had built this mosque about 1000 years back.Now it is and important pilgrim centre at Kottayam. The artistic value of this mosque attracts tourists also.