Pandalam

Pandalam
പന്തളം
Municipal Town

Kettukazhcha at Mahadeva Temple
Pandalam
Pandalam

Location in Kerala, India

Coordinates: 9°19′N 76°44′E / 9.32°N 76.73°E / 9.32; 76.73Coordinates: 9°19′N 76°44′E / 9.32°N 76.73°E / 9.32; 76.73
India  India
State Kerala
District Pathanamthitta
Government
 • Body Municipality
Area
 • Total 28.42 km2 (10.97 sq mi)
Population
 • Total 40,810
 • Density 1,400/km2 (3,700/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Malayalam, English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration KL 26

Pandalam is a municipal town in Kerala, India. Among the fastest growing towns, Pandalam is considered a holy town due to its connection with Lord Ayyappa and Sabarimala. It is also a renowned educational and health care centre in central Travancore. Recognised as the educational and cultural headquarters of Central Travancore, Pandalam hosts educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to post graduate, training, ayurveda,[1] 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,[2] by including the Pandalam municipality and Kulanada panchayat.[3]

The centuries-old Kurunthottayam market (now known as the Pandalam market) is one among the largest agricultural markets in central Travancore. Kerala's widest suspension bridge was constructed in Pandalam over the Achankovil river.[4] The bridge is 70 metres long and 2.5 metres wide.[4]

There are several devotional places at Pandalam. The most famous are Valiyakoikkal Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Thumpamon Vadakkumnatha Temple, Kadakkad Sree Bhadrakali Temple, Kadakkad Juma Masjid, Thumpamon St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Cherickal Juma Masjid and St. Bursouma's Orthodox Church.

Pandalam Mahadeva Temple

Legend

Pandalam Palace

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.[5][6] During Sabarimala pilgrimage season, devotees come to Pandalam in large numbers to worship the deity of Valiyakoikkal Temple near the Pandalam Palace.[7] 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.[8]

History

It is believed that the Pandya kings of Tamil Nadu fled to Pandalam in the face of an attack from Cholas[9] 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.

Notable personalities

Pandalam Kerala Varma

References

  1. ↑ "Ayurveda varsity taking shape at Pandalam — Defunct sugar mill's brush with health". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  2. ↑ "Pandalam to be made a special township: V.S. Sivakumar". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  3. ↑ "Government to set up township at Pandalam". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  4. 1 2 "Suspension bridge at Pandalam gets ready". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  5. ↑ Roshen Dalal (2010). The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths. Penguin Books. p. 43. ISBN 9780143415176.
  6. ↑ Caroline Osella, Filippo Osella (2006). Men and Masculinities in South India. Anthem Press. p. 145. ISBN 1843312328.
  7. ↑ http://sabarimala.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=92
  8. ↑ "Hundreds throng Pandalam to worship Thiruvabharanam". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  9. ↑ Yoginder Sikand (2003). Sacred Spaces: Exploring Traditions of Shared Faith in India. Navi Mumbai: Penguin Books. p. 27. ISBN 9780143029311.
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