Pandalam

Last updated

Pandalam
Panthalam
Municipality
Pandalam palace2.JPG
NSSCollegePandalam3.jpg
pntllNpulll.JPG
Kettukazhcha.jpg
Nickname: 
Kurunthottayam
India Kerala location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Pandalam
Location in Kerala, India
India location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Pandalam
Pandalam (India)
Coordinates: 9°13′30″N76°40′44″E / 9.225°N 76.679°E / 9.225; 76.679
CountryFlag of India.svg  India
State Kerala
District Pathanamthitta District
Government
 • Type Municipality
 • Municipal ChairpersonSusheela Santhosh (BJP)
Area
 • Total
28.42 km2 (10.97 sq mi)
Population
 (2015)
 • Total
42,793 [1]
Languages
 • Official Malayalam, English
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
689501
Telephone code+91
Vehicle registration KL 26
Lok Sabha constituencyPathanamthitta
Official website pandalammunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/en/

Pandalam is a municipality in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. [2] Pandalam is known for its connection with Ayyappan and Sabarimala. It recognised as the cultural capital of Travancore , Pandalam hosts educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to post graduate, training, Ayurveda, [3] and engineering colleges. There are seven colleges and 23 schools at Pandalam, including N. S. S. College, Pandalam. The Kerala state government plans to make the place a special Township, [4] by including the Pandalam municipality and Kulanada panchayat. [5]

Contents

The neighborhoods of Pandalam town include Thumpamon, Pandalam Thekkekara, Kulanada, Nooranad, Padanilam, Venmony, .

Trade and Commerce

The centuries-old Kurunthottayam market (now known as the Pandalam market) was one among the largest agricultural markets in central Travancore.

Kerala's widest suspension bridge was constructed in Pandalam over the Achankovil river. [6] The bridge is 70 metres long and 2.5 metres wide. [6]

There are several devotional places at Pandalam. The most famous are Valiyakoikkal Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Puthenkavil Bhagavathi Temple, Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Thumpamon Vadakkumnatha Temple, Kadakkad Sree Bhadrakali Temple and the Thattayil Orippurathu Bhagavathi Temple.

Nooranad Padanilam Parabrahma Temple, which is famous for its Maha Shivaratri Kettukazhcha is located 8 Km South West of Pandalam town.

Legend

According to legend, Lord Ayyappan, the presiding deity of Sabarimala, had his human sojourn at Pandalam as the adopted son of the King of Pandalam. [7] [8] During Sabarimala pilgrimage season, devotees come to Pandalam in large numbers to worship the deity of Valiyakoikkal Temple near the Pandalam Palace. [9] [10] This temple is on the banks of river Achenkovil. Three days prior to the Makaravilakku festival, the Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments) are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala. [11]

History

It is believed that the Pandya kings of Tamil Nadu fled to Pandalam in the face of an attack from Cholas [12] and settled there in the land they bought from Kaipuzha Thampan, a landlord. The Pandya dynasty had provinces on either sides of the Western Ghats. The King of Pandalam helped Marthanda Varma to conquer the Kayamkulam province. In return for this help, Marthanda Varma did not attempt to attack and conquer Pandalam during the expansion of his kingdom. The princely state of Pandalam had extended up to Thodupuzha in Idukki district once. Pandalam was added to Travancore in 1820. Before the formation of Pathanamthitta district, Pandalam was in Mavelikara taluk of Alappuzha district.

Colleges

Hospitals

Landmarks

Pandalam Bridge

Pandalam Bridge, popularly known as Kurunthottayam Bridge, is situated in Pandalam junction. [14] [15]

Pandalam Suspension Bridge

Pandalam Suspension Bridge, is a pedestrian suspension bridge in Pandalam, that connects Pandalam with Kulanada. [16]

Pandalam Palace

Pandalam Palace, placed on the banks of Achankovil river, was home to the royal family of Pandalam.The royal family of this palace enjoys a significant position in the history of Kerala. It is believed that they have descended from the Pandya kings of Madurai. Pandalam Palace carries not just historical importance, but a considerable religious magnitude as well. According to legends, Lord Ayyappa was born to the King of Pandalam.There is a temple on the banks of Achankovil river which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried from Pandalam Palace to Sabarimala as a grand procession three days prior to the makaravilakku festival

Famous Personalities

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayyappan</span> Hindu deity

Ayyappan, also known as Dharmasastha and Manikandan, is the Hindu deity of truth and righteousness. According to Hindu theology, he is described as the son of Shiva and Vishnu in the form of Mohini, thus representing a bridge between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pathanamthitta district</span> District in Kerala, India

Pathanamthitta District, is one of the 14 districts in the Indian state of Kerala. The district headquarters is in the town of Pathanamthitta. There are four municipalities in Pathanamthitta: Adoor, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvalla.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sabarimala Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kerala, India

The Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Ayyappan, who is also known as Dharma Shasta and is the son of the deities Shiva and Mohini.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Achankovil</span> River in India

Achankovil is a 128 km (80 mi) long west flowing river in Kerala, India. It flows through the districts of Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. The river drains vast tract of fertile plains of Upper Kuttanad in the Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. It also sustains numerous urban settlements along its course such as Konni, Pathanamthitta, Pandalam and Mavelikkara.

Vavar, known reverently as Vavarswami, is a legendary figure from Kerala. He is traditionally believed to be a Muslim companion of the Hindu deity Ayyappan. The story of Vavar's association with Ayyappan is a significant aspect of the region's spiritual history. A shrine dedicated to Vavar is located at Sabarimala, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Additionally, a mosque dedicated to Vavar is situated in Erumely, opposite an Ayyappan temple.

The Main Central Road popularly known as MC Road is the arterial State Highway starting from Kesavadasapuram in Trivandrum city and ends at Angamaly, a suburb of Kochi city in Ernakulam District, in the state of Kerala, India. It is designated as State Highway 1 by the Kerala Public Works Department. The highway was built by Raja Kesavadas, Dewan of Travancore, in the 1790s. Plan for a new highway called Thiruvananthapuram–Angamaly Greenfield Highway, which runs parallel to the MC Road is proposed and is under early stage of development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pathanamthitta</span> Town in Kerala, India

Pathanamthitta, is a municipality situated in the Southern Kerala, India, spread over an area of 23.50 km2. It is the administrative capital of Pathanamthitta district. The town has a population of 37,538. The Hindu pilgrim centre Sabarimala is situated in the Pathanamthitta district; as the main transport hub to Sabarimala, the town is known as the 'Pilgrim Capital of Kerala'. Pathanamthitta District, the thirteenth revenue district of the State of Kerala, was formed with effect from 1 November 1982, with headquarters at Pathanamthitta. Forest covers more than half of the total area of the District. Pathanamthitta District ranks the 7th in area in the State. The district has its borders with Allepey, Kottayam, Kollam and Idukki districts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Nearest town is Thiruvalla, located at a distance of 30 km. Thiruvalla railway station is 30 km via Thiruvalla-Kumbazha highway.

Padanilam is a town located in Onattukara region of Alappuzha district, Kerala. The word Padanilam means "land of battles". It is located on the banks of river Achankovil. The Padanilam temple is one of the important centres of worship in Kerala. Nooranad is named as the Nandikesha Paithruka Gramam by the Government of Kerala due to its importance in kettukala construction, which is an icon of Onattukara region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vallicode</span> Village in Kerala, India

Vallicode is a village in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, India. It is situated at about 7 km from the district headquarters of Pathanamthitta at south-east direction.

Perunad (Ranni-Perunad) is a scenic hilly village in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala state, India. Thiruvalla is the nearest railway station located at a distance of 58 km (36 mi). It's located on the banks of Pamba River and Kakkad River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nooranad</span> Town in Kerala, India

Nooranad is a developing town in Mavelikkara taluk of Alappuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is located at a distance of 8 Km south-west of Pandalam, in Kayamkulam route. Padanilam is the cultural centre of Nooranad region. The Padanilam Parabrahma Temple, known for the biggest Shivarathri Kettukazhcha in Kerala, is situated in Nooranad. Nooranad is declared by the Government of Kerala as the Nandikesha Paithruka Gramam due to its importance in Kettukala making, which is an icon of Onattukara region of Central Travancore. Nooranad is also known as Pakshi Gramam of kerala.

Pandalam Thekkekara is a panchayath and also a cultural-spiritual village town in Pandalam in Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India. Thattayil Orippurathu Bhagavathi Temple, Vrindavanam Venugopala Temple, Thattayil Ayyappa Temple, Thirumangalam Mahadeva Temple, Varikolil Vishnu Temple, Kandalanthara Shiva Temple, Anakuzhi Malanada Temple, Mynagappallil Anapoorneshwari Temple, Gurunadankkavu Temple are the main religious centres located here. Orippuram Meenabharani, Meenakarthika and Meena Thiruvathira festivals are the major festivals in Pandalam Thekkekkara Panchayath. Also, there are some important festivals happens in panchayath including Parappetty Pettathullal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valiyakoikkal Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kerala, India

Valiakoikkal Temple is the family temple of the Pandalam Royal Family. The temple is located at Pandalam in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, in the peninsular India. It is situated within the Pandalam Palace premises. The main deity is Ayyappan. Procession of the Thiruvabharanam towards Sabarimala shrine starts from the Valiyakoikkal temple every year before the Makaravilakku festival. Millions of devotees visit this temple every year during the Makaravilakku festive season.

Thiruvabharanam is the sacred ornaments of Ayyappan, the presiding deity of Sabarimala temple. The ornaments are made of gold. It is believed that these ornaments are made at the orders of the Pandalam King, who adopted Ayyappan as his child. Thiruvabharanam is kept at Srambickal Palace, which is close to the Valiyakoikkal Temple, inside the Pandalam Palace premises. At the end of the pilgrim season every year, the ornaments are taken to Sabarimala as a procession and poojas are performed on the idol adorned with the ornaments. After the season, the ornaments are taken back to the Srambickal Palace for safe custody. Thiruvabharanam and the caskets are made available for darshan at Srambickal palace during the pilgrim season and at Valiyakoikkal Temple on the day of the procession.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kudassanad</span> Village in Kerala, India

Kudassanad is a village near Pandalam in the State of Kerala in India. Geographically it is situated in the eastern ending of Alappuzha District and western part of Pathanamthitta District. The southern end of Kudassanad is on the verge of Kollam District. Part of Palamel Panchayat and Mavelikara Taluk, Kudassanad comes under the Mavelikara Parliamentary and Mavelikara Assembly Constituencies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Padanilam Parabrahma Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kerala, India

Padanilam Parabrahma Temple is situated at Padanilam in Mavelikara taluk of Alappuzha district in Kerala, India. It is one of the major temples in erstwhile Travancore state. Padanilam is the cultural center of Nooranad region. The temple is situated 17 km east of Kayamkulam and 7 km south west of Pandalam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parabrahma, also known as omkaram.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nariyapuram</span> Village in Kerala, India

Nariyapuram is a village in Vallicode Panchayat of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, India. Nariyapuram is located in the northern part of Pathanamthitta. Pandalam, which is seven km away is the nearest town. The district headquarters Pathanamthitta is eight km away. There are regular bus services via Nariyapuram. Schools, hospitals, places of worship and all other necessities are also available. The population here is not too large. There are vast areas of paddy fields and most of the villagers are farmers. Borders of Nariyapuram are Thattayil along the south, Thumpamon along the west, Achankovil river along the north and Kaipattoor along the east. One of the existing sugarcane cultivation in Central Travancore is in Nariyapuram.

This is the History of Pathanamthitta district. Pathanamthitta district is located in the southern region of Kerala, a state in South India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pandalam dynasty</span> Early dynasty in Kerala

Pandalam dynasty a royal dynasty emerged from a branch of Pandya kingdom. which existed in Kerala during the Kollam era. They came to Kerala fearing the assault of the Nayaks of Madurai. In Kerala they were given land and status by Kaipuzha Thampan of Nilambur Kovilakam a landlord who lived in Amanthur Palace at Kaipuzha from Kottayam Kerala. Today Pandalam is part of Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pandalam Municipality</span>

The Municipality of Pandalam also known as Pandalam Municipality (PM) is the civic body that governs Pandalam, the world famous pilgrim town known as the live place of Lord Ayyappa & and it's connection with famous Sabarimala Temple. Pandalam is known as the pilgrim capital of Ayyappa devotees.In every year lakhs of Ayyappa devotees come here to visit Pandalam Ayyappa Temple & Pandalam Palace where Ayyappa lived.Famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Thiruvabharana Procession starts from here. Pandalam Town is situated in Pathanamthitta, Kerala.It is surrounded by other local bodies including Kulanada panchayath, Thumpamon panchayath, Pandalam Thekkekara panchayath (Thattayil) and Alappuzha district on one side. This is the first ever municipality in Southern Kerala where BJP got power.

References

  1. ↑ Population of Pandalam Municipality, 2015
  2. ↑ https://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  3. ↑ "Ayurveda varsity taking shape at Pandalam — Defunct sugar mill's brush with health". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  4. ↑ "Pandalam to be made a special township: V.S. Sivakumar". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  5. ↑ "Government to set up township at Pandalam". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  6. 1 2 "Suspension bridge at Pandalam gets ready". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  7. ↑ Roshen Dalal (2010). The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths. Penguin Books. p. 43. ISBN   9780143415176.
  8. ↑ Caroline Osella, Filippo Osella (2006). Men and Masculinities in South India . Anthem Press. p.  145. ISBN   1843312328.
  9. ↑ "Pandalam Palace decries government affidavit". The Hindu . Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  10. ↑ "Home | Sabarimala". sabarimala.kerala.gov.in.
  11. ↑ "Hundreds throng Pandalam to worship Thiruvabharanam". The Hindu . 10 January 2011. Archived from the original on 15 January 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  12. ↑ Yoginder Sikand (2003). Sacred Spaces: Exploring Traditions of Shared Faith in India. Navi Mumbai: Penguin Books. p. 27. ISBN   9780143029311.
  13. ↑ "GOVERNMENT ITI [SCDD] PANDALAM" . Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  14. ↑ "Pandalam bridge set to be commissioned by November 30". The Hindu . Pathanamthitta. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  15. ↑ "Pandalam Suspension Bridge Ready to be used". Kerala News. Kerala. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  16. ↑ "Suspension bridge at Pandalam gets ready". The Hindu . Retrieved 13 August 2017.

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Pandalam at Wikimedia Commons

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.