Thursday, 21 October 2010

Pathanamthitta

It is a well-known district for communal and cultural harmony. There are many churches, temples and mosques built in close proximity. There are number of temples including the Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala where thousands of pilgrims reach during the Makara Jyothi festival. Achan Kovil, Manimala and Pamba are the three important rivers that flow through this district. The Pamba river merges beautifully with two other rivers giving the place, the name 'Thriveni Sangamam' which means 'the confluence of three Rivers'.

Sabarimala:

This is well known pilgrim centre of India in Kerala state. It lies 181 Km north of Trivandrum and 210 km away from Ernakulam (Cochin). The holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated 914 metre above the sea level amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats. 

Aranmula:


It is situated on the banks of the sacred Pampa river, 10 km from Chengannur on the Trivandrum-Kottayam road. The Parthasarathi temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna and attracts many devotees and is an important pilgrim centre of Kerala. The town is also famous for Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali, a snake boat race, which is held on the annual commemoration of the week long Onam festival. It is also famous for its hand made mirrors of polished metal called 'Aranmula Kannadi'.

Pandalam:

The holy town include The Valiakoikal temple on the banks of the river Achenkovil bears resemblance to the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala. The pilgrims on their way to Sabarimala customarily worship here since this is the place according to the legends, where Lord Ayyappa, on his human incarnation, was born as the son of the King of Pandalam. As part of the festival formalities, the ornaments of Lord Sree Ayyappa are taken in a grand procession, teemed with ardent devotees, from here to Sabarimala, three days in advance of the famous 'Holy Makaravilaku festival'..

Thiruvalla:

The place is famed by the presence of Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church headquarters. the wall paintings of the Paliakara Church here are extraordinary. Kathakali performances are part of the daily routines in or probably only in the 'Sree Vallaba Temple here'.

Mannadi:

This place about 13 km from Adoor is where the renowned freedom fighter Veluthampi Dalava whoc hailed from Travancore, spent his last days. this is also the venue of folklore and Folk arts Institute of Kerala.

Kaviyoor:

This is 5 Km away from Thiruvalla on the banks of Manimala river. Here is a temple dedicated to Sri. Hanuman stands on a small hill and has been built in the gable style of architecture peculiar to Kerala. One more rock-cut temple 1.5 Km away from the Kaviyur temple, whis is of great archeological importance. The temple has been assigned to the 18th century due to its close resemblances to the Pallava style. It is about 20 feet broad and the central shrine is a square cell with a rock cut 'Sivalinga'. Two inscriptions engraved on the central shrine are dated to the Kali era. The stone figures engraved in this temple are among the earliest specimens of stone culture. This temple is now preserved as a historical monument by the Archeological department.

Maramon convention:

this place is the holy sight of the christians where thousands of them from all over the world congregate for a huge religious convention. It is held in February. this is perhaps the christian convention of maximum turnout in the whole of Asia.

Parumala:

About 10 Km from Thiruvalla, the place is known for the grand festival Ormaperunal which means commemoration day. It is the commemoration of 'Mar Gregorious Metropolitan', the deckared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November every year.

Cherukolpuzha:

This is the place where thousands of Hindu Congregate, usually in February every year and perform an important religious ritual on the river bed of the Holy Pamba.

Niranam:

Here the oldest Christian church, believed to be built by the Apostle St. Thomas in AD. 52, is situated.

Perumthenaruvi:

This is a famous water fall situated in the Pathanamthitta District. The water flows down on the rocks into a sixty to one hundred feet deep. This falls is 36 km from Pathanamthitta via Vachoochira.

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