Area: 2731 sq. km. Population:
1,186,628 Altitude: 500-1000 mt. above sea level
Pathanamthitta, a hilly terrain of
pristine beauty is popular as the headquarters of pilgrim
worship in Kerala. More than 50% of the total area of
this simple land of temples, rivers, mountain ranges
and coconut groves covered by forest, this little district
is frequented by visitors from India & abroad often
for its water fiestas, religious shrines and cultural
training centre. Pathanamthitta is boarded by the Western
Ghats on the east, Kollam district in the south and
Kottayam & Idukki districts in the north.
Sabarimala : One of
the most famous pilgrim centers 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). November to mid January
is the season which is called as "Mandalakalam".
Mandalapooja & Makara Vilakku 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 is 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. Pilgrims will
go with their "Erimudikettu" which contains
ghee filled coconuts. "Neyyabhishekam" is
the main offering.
Mannadi : this is
where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned freedom fighter
of Travancore, spend 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.
Pandalam : As a holy
town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala.
Sree Ayyappa the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his
human solourn here as the son of the Raja of Pandalam.
The Valiyakoikal temple near the palace on the banks
of river Achankovil was modeled on the Sabarimala Shrine.
Pilgrims usually stop here to worship before proceeding
to Sabarimala. Three days prior to the Makara Vilakku
festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken
in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.
The Rock Cut Cave Temple : The Rock Cut Siva temple, is of great archeological
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.
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 all over the world. This is perhaps the largest
Christian convention in Asia.
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