Pathanamthitta
Pathanamthitta-Dist at a Glance ,,,,,
Pathanamthitta district covers two Revenue Divisions, viz. Thiruvalla and Adoor. The district includes 5 Taluks viz., Ranni, Kozhencherry, Adoor, Thiruvalla and Mallappally. There are Sixty Eight Villages in the district. The headquarters of District Panchayat is at Pathanamthitta. There are Nine Blocks viz., Parakode, Pandalam, Kulanada, Elanthoor, Konni, Mallappally, Ranni, Koipuram and Pulikkeezhu and Fifty Four Grama Panchayats in the district. Adoor, Thiruvalla and Pathanamthitta are municipalities.
1 Area 1475.69 Sq.Km
2 Taluks 5
3 Blocks 9
4 Panchayat 54
5 Revenue Villages 68
6 Municipalities 3
7 Corporations Nil
History
Pathanamthitta is a combination of two words Pathanam and Thitta which mean an array of houses on the river side. This district was formed on Ist November 1982 in the interest of the hastening process of development. It is presumed that the regions presently under the district were formerly under the Pandalam reign which had connections with the Pandya Kingdom. Pathanamthitta now includes portions of the erstwhile Kollam Alappuzha and Idukki districts. Pathanamthitta, Adoor, Ranni, Konni and Kozhencherry are some of the important places taken from Kollam district, whereas Thiruvalla and Mallappally are the major places taken from Alappuzha district.
National Movement
The district can be proud of its rich contribution to the struggle for freedom. When Mahatma Gandhi visited the erstwhile Travancore in 1937, he asked his follower Khadar Das T.P. Gopala Pillai to spread the message of Khadi and Charka. Inspired by Gandhiji he founded the 'Mahatma Khadi Ashram' at Elanthoor 1941.He launched a scheme for mobilizing funds for khadi activities known as 'ek paise fund'in order to ensure the participation of the whole people in the khadi movement. There was strong protest in Travancore against the British in connection with the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1921. In 1922, a student's strike was held which instilled a lot of spirit and enthusiasm among the freedom fighters. During the same period, Congress leaders like Ponnara Sreedhar and K. Kumar, the participants from Kerala in the flag Satyagraha at Nagpur were arrested and beaten up by the police. The contributions of lanthoor K.Kumar, Thadiyal Raghavan Pillai, Pandalam KP and N.G. Chacko to the National Movement have much significance in the history of freedom struggle.
Art & Culture
Although Pathanamthitta is the youngest among the districts of Kerala, the area comes under the district has a rich tradition of art and culture. The rich art includes the famous folk called Padayani. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, constituted by the State's Cultural Department is a unique institution functioning for the promotion of Vasthuvidya.
Aranmula Kannadi
'Aranmula Kannadi' is a unique art which cannot be found else anywhere in the world. The making of the metal mirror is a long process that needs enough patience. Some undisclosed metals are alloyed with copper and tin to cast the Aranmula Kannadi in typical clay moulds.it takes not less than 14 days to make a dozen metal mirrors, and the smallest Aranmula Kannadi of one-and-a-half inches costs about Rs.950 The technique of production of this mirror is a closely guarded secret handed over from generation to generation of craftsmen.
Padayani
The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. Patayani is a ritualistic dance, which literally means an array of common people.The figures in Patayani consists of Pisachu, Kali, Karakkura, Pillatini, Bhairavi, Kalan etc. The masks are painted with a grotesque surrealistic touch. The round eyes and the triangular ears and abnormal size of the head gear give a touch of super human dimension. Patayani is associated with the Devi (goddess) temples of Central Travancore area. At least in a dozen village temples the art finds its existence, with the active corporation of the villagers who share the ritual experience and the responsibilities. The Velan (the sorcerer) plays on his percussion instrument 'Para' when the areca tree is uprooted and ceremoniously placed at the temple premises as the flagstaff of the festival for 28 days which has to conclude on the 'Bharani' day in the month of Meenam. The 'Velichappadu' who is from the Nayar caste gets possessed and dances to the rhythm of the Para and officiates the ritual of uprooting and placing the flagstaff with the help of the villagers. The Mannan (village washerman) who is also in charge of plucking coconuts supplies the areca sheaths and other materials with which the masks are made. The Kaniyan paints the masks. On the next day of the flag hosting ceremony, the villagers assemble in the temple around 10 in the night with lighted torches and go thrice around the shrine articulating meaningless syllables meant for invoking the subordinate spirits who pay homage to the main deity. This is technically called 'Chuttupatayani' or Patayani with torches. These processes continue for 18 days. On the 19th day the villagers reach the temple in procession singing boat songs in group in a rhythm peculiar to the rowing of a country boat. In front of the temple before a lighted lamp the neighbouring villagers conduct a group dance called 'Kappoli' as a gesture of corporation to the celebrations. In dancing they show a number of acrobatic martial feats accompanied by singing. The first item proper in the series is 'Tavati' in which six to seven experts dance the basic rhythms of Patayani to the accompaniment of the drum called 'Tappu' a round wooden instrument covered with thick hide.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is functioning for the functioning for the promotion of the ancient Indian architecture which is a pure and ethnic expression of Indian socio-cultural heritage. The objective of the Gurukulamis the preservation and promotion of vasthuvidya and mural paintings. It also aims at the renovation and conservation of traditional buildings and mural paintings. The Gurukulam has been conducting a one year Post Graduate Diploma Course in Vasthuvidya. It also conducts a four month training course in the application of principles and practices of Vasthuvidya for the craftsmen belonging to the carpenter’s community engaged in the building industry. Based on the basic texts of Vasthuvidya four academic courses are conducted here and one of them is approved by Mahatma Gandhi University. Gurukulam has a very efficient consultancy center which prepares sketches and plans, designs building for those who are interested in building constructions in the traditional architectural patterns. Mural paintings drawn with natural colours with complex techniques are used and exhibited here. Mural art gallery is designed in such a way as to impart information about these complex art form to the people.
Physiography
The youngest district in the sate of Kerala nestles its head on the slopes of Western Ghats and stretches to the low-lying rice fields bordering Alappuzha district. The district consist of three natural divisions viz the Lowland the Midland and the Highland.
The highlandstretchesthroughthe Western Ghats and descends to midland in the centre, down to the lowland and cocunut gardens on the western borders of Alappuzha district. The topography of the district is highly undulating. It starts from the tall hill slopes covered with thick forests on the east along the mountains down to the valleys and small hills to the flat land of coconut trees in the west. Pathanamthitta engrossed on the hilly terrain of Kerala can rightly be called the headquarters of pilgrimage tourism in the state. Sabarimala, an important Hindu pilgrimage centre attracts crores of pilgrims from the different parts of India and the state.
Climate
The district has more or less the same climatic conditions as prevalent elsewhere in the state viz, dry season from the Dec to Feb and hot season from March to may. The climate is generally moderate, the temperature rising from 20 C to 39 C. The south west monsoon from June to September and the North West monsoon from October to November provide fairly good rain.
Crops
Pathanamthitta is a true tropical diversity adorned with fertile agricultural land, plantations and forest. Paddy, tapioca, varieties of vegetables and spices like cardamom, pepper etc. are extensively cultivated. The district also abounds in extensive rubber plantations
Places of Interest
Pathanamthitta is the head quarters of Pathanamthitta district. The district was formed on Ist November 1982. It was carved out of Idukki, Alappuzha and Kollam districts. The district is close to the Western Ghats and is endowed with scenic landscape comprising of low undulating hills, extensive stretches of lush forests, rivers and charming countryside. It is also known for exuberant fairs and festivals. Pathanamthitta district is known as the 'Headquarters of Pilgrimage Tourism', of the State. Pathanamthitta has an important place in erstwhile Travancore state the biggest Taluks in the old Travancore state was Pathanamthitta and the revenue collection from this taluk played a prominent role in filling the coffers of the state. The district headquarters is noted for communal and cultural harmony. There are numerous churches, temples and mosques built in close proximity. The Chandanakudam festival at the mosque in the centre of the town is quite famous. Situated near the Western Ghats and bordered by the hills, Pathanamthitta district is a treat to eyes with its vast unending stretches of forests, rivers andrural landscapes. Blessed by nature, the district is famous for its scenic beauty, fairs and festivals.
Sabarimala
Sabarimala is situated 72 km from Pathanamthitta town, 191 km from Thiruvananthapuram and 210 km from Kochi. It is the 'Sacred Abode of Lord Ayyappa' and one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centres in the country. 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 these scenic splendour and mythological value. Sabarimala The holy shrine is located amidst dense forests in the rugged terrains of Western Ghats. Inhabited by various wildlife species. Millions of pilgrims from all over the Country assemble here during the most arduous festivals called as 'Vishu Vilakku' in April, 'Mandalapooja', in the months of Vrichikam Dhanu (Nov. - Dec) and 'Makaravilakku' in mid January, coinciding with Sankramam.
Aranmula
Aranmula is a little temple town in Pathanamthitta District, surrounded by undulating green hillocks and girdled by the holy river Pampa. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna.Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors made of bell meta which is known as 'Aranmula Kannadi'.This is a unique art which is not found any where else in the world . It is believed that a divine visitation inspired a window of this village to discover a mysterious blend of bronze which could be waxed bright in to crystal clear mirror. The town is also 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 helmsman, hundred rowers and twenty five singers.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam
It is a unique institution for ancient Indian architecture and mural paintings. It is a school constituted by the state Cultural Department is situated at Aranmula, 16 km away from Pathanamthitta town. The main objective of the Gurukulam is the preservation and promotion of vasthuvidya and mural paintings.
Cherukolpuzha
Ayiroor Cherukolpuzha religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukole on the banks of River Pamba, usually in Feb every year. This famous convention is attended by a large number of people and addressed by prominent religious scholars and cultural personalities.
Kadamanitta
The Kadamanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long Padayani performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May. The temple is situated about 8km away from Pathanamthitta town.
Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam
Kodumon is also the birth place of Sree Shakthi Bhadra, author of Ascharya Chudamani.The water of the Chilanthikinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases. It is 15 km from Pathanamthitta town. The Mahalakshmi of this temple is worshipped by all people irrespective of caste and creed.
Konni
A hill town, Konni is famous for timber trade and wild elephant training centre. This is a charming town with lush meadows and hills stands on the bank of river Achakovil. It is surrounded by clove and pepper plantations. Elephants trapped from the forest area are also tamed here.
Kozhencherry
It lies 13 km. from Pathanamthitta, on the left bank of river Pamba and is a trading centre and flourishing market for agricultural goods.
Maranon
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 ad
Manjanikara
Mar Ignatius Elias III, the holy patriot of Anthiod while on a visit to India, died at this place in 1932. His mortal remains are preserved at Manjinikkara church. Later this place developed into a pilgrim centre. The annual festival (ormaperunnal) is held in February.
Mannadi
It is situated 13 km from Adoor. This is where Veluthampi Dalawa, the renowned freedom fighter of Travancore, spent 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.
Muloor Smarakam
12 km from Pathanamthitta town, the memorial to Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker (1869-1931), a renowned social reformer and poet, is located at Elavumthitta. His home at Elavumthitta is preserved as his monument by the Department of Culture of the State Government.
Pamba
This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam - the meeting point of three rivers.
Parumala
Parumala (10 km from Thiruvalla): The Ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregarious Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.
Pandalam
Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. The Valiyakoikal Temple near the palace on the banks of river Achenkovil has been modelled 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.
Perunthenaruvi Water falls
The spectacular waterfalls pludge down into a ravine from a rocky height of 60 - 100 ft. It is accessible by bus from Kollam.
Thiruvalla
The headquarters of the Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church. The Sree Vallabha temple in Thiruvalla is perhaps the only one in Kerala where Kathakali is performed as a ritual offering everyday.
Niranam
It is famous for the oldest church, believed to have been built by Saint Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD. The Paliakara Church here has some exquisite mural paintings.
Kaviyoor
The Kaviyoor Mahadeva temple, which was constructed in the early years of the 10th century, is one of the oldest of the Mahadeva temples in Kerala. References are there in the Kaviyoor Shasanas of 950 A.D. about the gifts that were offered to this temple. But it is believed that the 'Darusilpas' seen around the temple belong to the 17th century.
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