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Pathanamthitta
Aranmula
The Parthasarathi Temple, dedicated to Sree Krishna, on the banks
of the holy River Pamba, attractions large crowds of devotees. The
famous Aranmula snake boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong
Onam festival. The 'Vijinana 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 also has fine murals from
the 18th century. Aranmula is also very famous for its hand made
mirrors of polished metal called ' Aranmula Kannadi', which is a
unique craft and not found anywhere else in the world.
Cherukolpuzha (Convention Place)
An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole
on the banks of River Pamba, usually in Feb every year.
Kadamanitta (Famous Temple)
The Akadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten long 'Padayani'
performances held in connection with the annual festival in April
- May.
Kaviyoor (Temple Area)
5kms east of Thiruvalla, situated on the banks of the River Manimala,
Kaviyoor is famous for its temples. The Kaviyoor Temple and the
rock cut temple nearby are of great archaeological importance. The
Hanuman Temple stands on a small hillock and is built in the gable
style architecture. The stone figures here are considered to be
the earliest specimen of stone sculpture in Kerala.
Kodumao Chilanthiyambalam (Miraculous
Water)
The water of the 'Chilanthikinar' well in the premises of this temple
is believed to cure skin diseases.
Maramon Conventio - Kozhencherry
Situated on the banks of the Rver Pamba, Kozhencherry is well known
for the religious Maramon Convention held annually in Feb-March,
which is the biggest gathering of Christians in Asia. People of
all communities attend it, as religious thinkers and Christian scholars
from across the world address the convention.
Malayapuzha
8 km from Pathanamthitta, the goddess at the Bhagavathy temple here,
is believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realise their
dreams. The Temples has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone
carvings.
Manjanikara Church
Mar Ignatius Elias III, the hold patriot of Anthiod, while on a
visit to India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are
preserved at this church, as later this place developed into a pilgrim
centre. The annual festival, Ormaperunnal is held in February.
Nilackal (Place of Worship)
The old Shiva Temple on the Pamba Pathanamthitta road is an important
place of worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation and Ecumenical
Centre of the Christians are located here.
Niranam (Oldest Church)
7 kms from Thiruvalla at Niranam is the oldest Christian Church
in India, believed to be built by St. Thomas in 52 AD
Pandalam (Pilgrim Town)
14 kms from Chengannur railway station, Pandalam, as a holy town
is perhaps second to Sabrimala. Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity
of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here, as the son of Raja of
Pandalam. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace, on the banks
of River Achenkovil has been modeled 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 (festival)
10 kms from Thiruvalla, the Ormaperunal (commemoration day) of Mar
Gregorious Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox
Church, is celebrated on the first and second of November.
Sabarimala (Pilgrim Centre)
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 (4kms).
The hold shrine dedicated to Lord Ayyappa attracts thousands of
pilgrims from all over India, from different castes, creed, especially
from other parts of South India. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku
are the two main events of the pilgrim season, which is from Nov
to mid Jan. The Temple remains closed during the rest of the year,
except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during
'Vishu' in April. Sabarimala is surrounded by hazardous hills like
Karimala and Neelimala. Men of all ages are allowed inside the temple
but women only below 10 years and above 50 years of age are permitted
inside.
Thiruvalla (Religious Place)
This is the headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church.
The Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings. The
SreeVallabha Temple in Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala,
where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday.
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