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PILGRIMS' PLACE
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Pathanamthitta,
the district was Carved out of Idukki, Alappuzha
and Kollam districts in 1982. The district is bounded
by Kottayam and Idukki districts in the north, Alappuzha
district in the west, Kollam district in the south, and
portions of Idukki district and Tamil Nadu state in the
east. The district is situated near the Western
Ghats and is blessed with scenic landscape comprising
of low undulating hills, extensive stretches of lush forests,
rivers and charming countryside. Pathanamthitta district,
is also known for its exuberant fairs and festivals. The
district is industrially backward. Some traditional
industries of the district have been thriving since
early times. Thiruvalla taluk is known for its cane and
rattan work industry. Copra is produced and exported from
the district in large scale. Other important cash crops
produced in the district are pepper, tapioca and rubber.
Pathanamthitta district is rightly recognised as the 'headquarters
of pilgrimage tourism', in the State. Sabarimala,
the major Hindu pilgrim centre, attracting millions of
devotees annually, is located in the district.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
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Aramnula
The
picturesque Hindu pilgrim centre is located on the banks
of river Pampa. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
The town is famous for the Aranmula Vallamkali (Boat
Race), which
is held on the annual commemoration of the week long Onam
festival. The exciting event begins in the afternoon.
Each snake boat is thirty feet long containing four helmsmen,
hundred rowers and twenty five singers.
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Sabarimala
The
Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa.
It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim
centre in the Country. The holy shrine is located
amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of Western
Ghats, inhabited by various wildlife species. Lord
Ayyappa also known as Sastha in the puranas, is
the presiding deity. The Lord is also referred as
Harihara Puthran, as he is believed to be the son
of Mohini (the female form of Lord Vishnu) and Lord
Siva.
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Lord Ayyappa is equally venerated
by the Vaishnavites as well as Saivites, and is a
symbol of unity between them. The temple
hill was also consecrated by the holy life of Sabari.
Lord Rama met Sabari on his way to Lanka during his
exile. Traditionally the devotees who wish to worship
Lord Ayyappa, have to undertake 41 days of penance,
following strict celibacy, morning and evening ablutions,
growing of beard accompanied by daily prayers. Millions
of pilgrims from all parts of the Country gather here
during the most ardous festivals called as Vishu
Vilakku in
April, Mandalapooja, in the months of Vrichikam Dhanu (Nov. Dec.) and Makaravilakku in mid Jan., coinciding with Sankramam. The
traditional route to Sabarimala is from Erumeli (40
km.). Other routes are from Vandiperiyar, Uppupara
and Chalakkayam via Plappally. These routes are famous
for their scenic splendour and mythological value.
Vehicular traffic is only up to Pamba, located 5 km.
from the holy shrine.
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Mannadi
It is the centre
for Kerala Institute of Folklore &
Folk Arts. The town has an ancient Elhagavathi
temple, housing some interesting stone
sculptures. The annual festival at
the temple is
held in the month of Feb. / Mar.
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Maramon
Convention
The annual Christian religious convention
is held on the dry river bed at Maramon in
Mallapuzhasseri village near Kozhenchery.
The convention is held in the month of
(Feb/ Mar), attracting large number of Christians
from all over the Country. Christians come
with cadjan leaves and bamboo poles and erect
a huge "pandal". Gospels are read
and expounded by the Christian scholars coming
from different parts of the Country and abroad.
The Maramon Convention is believed to be the
largest religious congregation of the Christians
in Asia.
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Achankovil
The
Hindu pilgrim centre is 80 km. away
from Punalur. The town is known for
the temple dedicated to Dharmasastha,
holding an everbright shield and sword
in hand. The legendary temple is believed
to have been founded by Lord Parasuram.
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Kozhenchery
It
is a trading centre and flourishing
market for agricultural goods. Located
13 km. from Pathanamthitta, on the left
bank of river Pamba. It has a fine church.
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Niranam
It is famous for the oldest
church, believed to have been
built by Saint Thomas the Apostle
in 52 AD.
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Perunthenaruvi
Waterfalls
The
spectacular waterfalls plunge
down into a ravine from a rocky
height of 60 - 100 ft. It is accessible
by bus from Kollam.
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Communication
Nearest
airport is at Nedumbassery,
Kochi (152km).
Rail:
Nearest railhead is at Thiruvalla.
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