Pathanamthitta

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = PATHANAMTHITTA | type = town | latd = 9.27 | longd = 76.78
locator_position = left | state_name = Kerala
district = Pathanamthitta
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 19
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 37,802| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 91-468
postal_code = 689647
vehicle_code_range = KL - 03
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website = http://www.pta.kerala.gov.in/intro.htm
http://www.dtpcpathanamthitta.com/
footnotes =
:"For the district with the same name, see Pathanamthitta district"Pathanamthitta is a town situated in the very heart of the Central Travancore region of Kerala State, India.It is the administrative capital of The Pathanamthitta District. The town has a population of 38,000. It is known as the 'Pilgrim Capital of Kerala'. Pathanamthitta is a fast-developing town and business center. It is the main transport hub to the famous Hindu pilgrim center of Sabarimala. The main trunk road to Sabarimala is from Pathanamthitta. The Main Eastern Highway (Punalur-Pathanamthitta-Muvattupuzha Road/SH-08) and T.K.Road (Thiruvalla-Pathanamthitta-Kumbazha Road/SH-07) pass through Pathanamthitta. Pathanamthitta is a cosmopolitan town, with people of different faiths like Hindus, Christians, and Muslims live in harmony. Pathanamthitta District has a communal break up of Hindus 55.58%, Christians 40.35%, Muslims 4.03%.

Etymology

The name Pathanamthitta is derived from two Malayalam words Pathanam and thitta, which together mean "houses by the riverside".

Geography

Pathanamthitta is located at coord|9.27|N|76.78|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/Pathanamthitta.html FallingRain Map - elevation = 17m (Red dots are railways)] ] . It has an average elevation of 19 metres (62 feet) above sea level.

The Pathanamthitta town is located on the banks of the River Achankovil.

Climate

The town enjoys a tropical climate, the monsoons start in June. The months of April-May can get pretty humid. The best weather is from October to February.

Pathanamthitta experiences three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Typical summer months are from March to May. The warmest month in Pathanamthitta is April. Although summer doesn't end until May, the city often receives locally developed heavy thundershowers in May (although humidity remains high).

The monsoon lasts from June to August, with moderate rainfall. Most of the heavy rainfall in the city fall between June and July, and June is the wettest month of the year. Last weeks of June is also days of floods. The three major rivers viz Pampa, Achankovil and Manimala swell with rainwater.

Winter begins in December. December and February are the winter months. The lowest temperatures are experienced during January.

How to get here

Air

Thiruvanathapuram International Airport (113 km) and Cochin International Airport, at Nedumbassery, Kochi (142 km) are the nearest airports. The proposed Aranmula International Airport is just 14 km from Pathanamthitta.

Rail

Chengannur (26 km) and Thiruvalla(30 km) are the nearest railway stations. Direct Bus services to Pathanamthitta are operated right from the Chengannur railway station exit gate.

Road

Pathanamthitta is the meeting point of two major State Highways T.K.Road (SH - 07) and Main Eastern Highway ( Punalur-Muvattupuzha Road / SH - 08 ). The town is well connected to major towns and cities inside and outside Kerala by the State run K.S.R.T.C and private buses as well as Luxury Services. Both KSRTC and Pvt Buses play equal role to satisfy the transportation needs of the town. The cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur etc are connected by KSRTC whereas Hi-range townships like Punalur, Kumali, Pala and the Malabar Area of Northern Kerala are connected by Pvt Buses. Plenty of A/C Luxury Bus Services are operated from Pathanamthitta to Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore, Mumbai on a Daily basis.

The Drive Route

Cochin - Cherthala - Alappuzha - Changanasserry - Thiruvalla - Kozhencherry - Pathanamthitta 128 km

Thiruvananthapuram - Kilimanoor - Kottarakkara - Adoor - Pathanamthitta 99 km

or Thiruvananthapuram - Kilimanoor - Chadayamangalam - Ayur - Kottarakkara - Adoor - Pandalam - Pathanamthitta - 115 km or Thiruvananthapuram - Ayur - Anchal- Punalur- Konni- Pathanamthitta - 112 km

Kumily/Thekkadi - Mundakkayam - Erumeli - Ranni - Pathanamthitta 102 km

Munnar - Thodupuzha - Muttom - Erattupetta - Kanjirappalli - Erumeli - Ranni - Pathanamthitta 160 km

Tirunelveli/Thenkasi - Shenkottai - Punalur - Pathanapuram - Konni - Pathanamthitta

Kottayam - Changanasserry - Thiruvalla - Kozhencherry - Pathanamthitta 56 km

Business Barons

A large number of successful business enterprises find their roots at Pathanamthitta. Though the list is too long to be listed out here; few can't left without a mention.

The business groups of Aban, Malayala Manorama, Muthoot are prominent names in Indian and International Business consortiums. Aban is group which is vastly diversified from refineries to plantations to information technology. The Aban Arcade at Pathanamthitta houses a Hotel, Banquet Hall, a number of commercial banks, super markets etc.

Malayala Manorama is one of the largest publishing houses of Kerala and is one of the most read regional language news paper in India.

Muthoot is one of the Largest business houses in South India, with its core business in Finance and allied services. Muthoot has diversified into various sectors such as Media, Power Generation, Real Estate, Travel & Tourism, Health care, Education etc. With more than 800 Branches in 20 states in India, Muthoot has come a long way from its humble beginnings in the town of Kozhencherry (near the town of Pathanamthitta).

Culture Zone

Pathanamthitta is rich in cultural heritage and communal harmony.Pathanamthitta is the motherland of The Snake Boat Race and The Padayani. Though the snake boat race is performed at nearby places also, the snake boat race held at Aranmula, Pathanamthitta is unique in the shape and design of the boat itself. Also the race is conducted with great devotion to Lord Parthasarathy (Krishna who advices the knowledge of Bhagavat Gita to Arjuna); where as at other places it is conducted with a competitive mindset. The padayani is another unique ritual in and around Pathanamthitta. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakaali. The Padayani is a marvellous combination of music, dance, painting and satire. The Padayani is conducted during the Malayalam Calendar months of Kumbham, Meenam and Medam (The English months of February, March and April).

All the annual ritual festivals and celebrations are conducted with great zeal. The active participation of people from different religions can be vitnessed in all such occasions.

Omallur (3 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

The Rakthakanda Swamy Temple here attracts a large number of devotees. The annual cattle and agricultural fair held here during the Malayalam month of Meenam is hundreds of years old. People from both within and outside the State participate in the fair. It is known as "Omallur Vayal Vaanibham". From Cattle to Cattle feed; from seeds to latest technology farm equipments are on the display and sale.

Malayalappuzha (6 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

The Goddess at the Bhagavati Temple here is believed to grant boons to devotees and help them realize there dreams. Goddess Durga is being worshiped here. The Temple has beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone carvings.

Kadammanitta (6 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

The Kadammanitta Devi Temple is famous for the ten day long "Padayani" performances held in connection with the annual festival in April/May.

Vazhamuttom (4 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

Vazhamuttom is equally famous with Kadammanitta for the "Padayani" performances held at the Thazhoor Bhagavati Temple. The Temple is located on the banks of River Achankovil, with doors opening to the river. The Temple is also famous for the folk arts and the "Kettukaazhcha" procession with Kaala (bull motif) and Kuthira vela (horse motif).

Kodumthara (2 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

The Lord Subrahmania Swamy Temple at Kodumthara is built in ancient architectural designs .

= [http://aranmula.wetpaint.com/ Aranmula] = (16 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the weeklong Onam festival. The Vijnana 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 has fine murals from the 18th century.

Aranmula is also known for the Vaasthu Vidya Gurukulam, the traditional way of constructing buildings. Aranmula is located on the banks of the river Pamba, which hosts another important annual event called the Maramon Convention.

The famous Aranmula Mirror locally known as Aranmula kannadi, kannadi meaning mirror, is made here. This mirror is made out of high tin bronze.

The Place is of historical importance, The Thiruaranmula Parthsaaradhi temple. It is believed that the main idol was originally the "Thevaara vigraha"(one which was used for daily personal worship) of Arjuna the third Paandava. It is also believed that the thevaars vigrahas of the four other Paandavas are placed in the nearest four villages namely Thrchittaat, Thrppuliyoor, Thiruvanmandoor near Chengannur, Thrkkodithaanam near Changanassery.

The Aranmula Vallamkali, the wold famous water carnival is the main important event related to this place. It started in relation with the thiruvonathoni which starts on Uthraadam (day before Onam) evening from Kaattoor Mahavishnu temple with provisions for the 'Nivedyam' and 'samoohasadya' (mass feast) on Thiruvonam at the temple. The provisions are offered by the Mangattu Bhattathiry, thekaranavar (the eldest member) of Mangattu Illom. (There is a legend also behind this.) Preveously the Mangattu Illom was situated near Kaattoor temple and now it is at Kumaranalloor near Kottayam. There will be a representative from the family on the thoni (canoe), as a part of tradition. It is a nice sight to see the thoni moving down the river Pampa without rowing. The thoni is symbolic of Garuda the vehicle of Lord vishnu

FOKANA, a consortium of Non-Residential Malayalis in the United States of America and Canada is promoting a company, Central Travancore Development Corporation (CTDC) for the overall development of Central Travancore region. CTDC is planning to build an international airport in Aranmula. Apart from the above specialities, Aranmula is famous for many other things like - Valla Sadhya, thanungu perukku. The Aranmula Tiruvaranmulayappan temple is vey famous and one of the biggest in Kerala. other small temples in Aranmula are: Ganapati Temple, Kadakal, Punnamthottam, Kuruvilakkavu, Kaippuzha, Pallimukkom etc.

Aranmula Kannadi:

Aranmula is also famous for its metal mirrors, a unique craft which is not found anywhere else in the world.

Sabarimala (65 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

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 (4 km). The temple is dedicated to Sree Ayyappa. Pilgrim season: November to mid January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku 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). People of all religion and creeds are permitted into the temple. However, entry is not allowed to women between 10 and 50 years of age.

Pamba (60 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

This is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. It is also known as Thriveni Sangamam - the meeting point of three rivers.

Nilackal (45 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

The old Siva Temple on the Pamba - Pathanamthitta Road is an important place of worship. The estate of the Farming Corporation and the Ecumenical centre of the Christians are located here.

Pandalam (15 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

As a holy town, Pandalam is perhaps second only to Sabarimala. Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn here as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. 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.

Muloor Smarakam (12 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

The memorial to Muloor, the renowned social reformer and poet is located at Elavumthitta

Kodumon (15 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

Kodumon Chilanthiyambalam - The chilanthikkinar (well) in the premises of this temple is believed to cure skin diseases. Kodumon is also the birthplace of Shri Shaktibhadra - the anciet Sankrit scholar and poet. Shri Shaktibhadra is the author of "Aashcharyachoodamani" the first Sanskrit drama of South India.

Parumala (30 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

The Ormaperunnal (commemoration day) of Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of Malankara Orthodox Church, is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November.

Cherukolpuzha (15 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

An important religious convention of the Hindus is held at Cherukol on the riverbed of the Pamba, usually in February every year.

Maramon (16 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

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 across the world. This is perhaps the largest Christian convention in Asia.

Thumpamon (12 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

Thumpamon is an ancient place, St.Thomas Cathedral is situated in Thumpamon which is about 1000 years Old.Thumpamon is a central point to all four towns like 4km to Pandalam, 8km to Adoor, 12 km to Pathanmthitta and 15km to Kozhenjery.

Maroor (1 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

MAROOR (MARAVOOR)- nice place, just 1 km away from pta town. The Kulappara Sree Dharma Sastha Temple at Maroor is an old temple built on a big rock named as Kulappara. This temple is famous for "Thiruvathira Mahothsavam", the annual festival celebrated on the day of Thiruvathira in Malayalam month 'Makaram' (January/February) & "Kotta kayattam" held in connection with the annual festival.

Palamuttathu Maha Devar & Maha Ganapathi Temple here is believed to large number of devotees. This Temple is located on the banks of River Achankovil.

Pramadom (2.5 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

One of the famous Old Siva temple is situated in Pramadom. This temple is built in ancient architectural designs. The main festival celebrated by Pramadom Community is 'Maha Sivarathri Mahothsavam', the annual festival of Sree Mahadevar Temple during February/March.

Valamchuzhy (3 km from Pathanamthitta Town)

Valamchuzy "Sree Bhuvaneswary" temple is one of the oldest temples in Pathanamthitta, also known popularly as the town of temples. Valamchuzy temple is in fact considered one of the most renowned temples in South India. The temple is situated at a distance of 3 km from the city centre. The temple is surrounded by the sacred river anchankovil that has its origin in the Achankovil mountain ranges. The very name " Valamchuzy" derived from the fact that the river circumvents the temple on three sides. Due to the constant fury of the river over the past 3000 years large tracts belonging to the temple have been washed away. The temple presently is well protected from the ravages of floods. Formerly this area was under dense forests and its remnants can still be seen in the "Sarpakavu" that presently exists there. The sarpakavu is also home to a large variety of rare medicinal herbs. Constant threat due to illegal sand mining from the river is posing a danger to the Sarpakavu.

Meditation and prayers in this cool, quiet and serene surrounding will bring in abundant blessing to the devotees. The Kodungalloor temple and Valamchuzy temple are similar in several aspects. It is believed that the sword and the chilambu kept at this temple had been brought over from Kodungaloor. It is also believed that there existed in this temple at one time, both human and animal sacrifice. As elsewhere, the great floods of 1096 had its repercussions in Pathanamthitta and it caused severe damage to the temple.

However, after the floods had receded a lot of reclamation and maintenance work had been undertaken by the temple authorities with the active participation of the government and the landlords within the vicinity of the temple. A bund was also constructed to make access to the temple easier. The temple continued to be under the patronage of the velluvettuvelil madam family till the year 1974. They also served as the priests of the temple all this while. Later on, the administration of the temple passed on to the senior members of the 14 Karas hailing from Pathanamthitta municipality, pramadam and Mylapra Panchayats. A Devasom council and a team of 14 members of executive are elected every two years from this 14 karas. These representatives are the pillars of the temple administration. The administration of the temple is presently on the lines of the Indian Parliament.

Valamchuzy temple is known to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala and was built over 2000 years ago. Legend has it that a devotee brought along from Kodungallur temple, a flower that was the very incarnation of Goddess Bhuvaneswary. He made a frantic search to locate the most suitable spot to install the flower. It was then that the devotee received a divine inspiration that he should install the flower at Valamchuzy where the river Achankovil circumvents the place from three sides. The devotee then informed the residents of what had transpired. It was then that the residents of the surrounding areas gathered together and finally decided that a temple should be built in this very place to install Goddess Bhuvanaswary. The devotee and his long line of successive generations continued to act as the torch bearers of the temple even to this day. The sword and the Chilampu bought from Kodungalloor and displayed at the temple, is a standing testimony to the veracity of the whole episode.

Rudrapongala held in the malayalam month of Kumbam on the Bharani days constitute the main offering to the deity. Innumerable number if devotees from all over the country throng to this shrine during the makarabharani festival.. It is also believed that if "appindy" is ceremoniously carried by the devotes, it will cure them from all forms of incurable diseases and sorrows. The padayani held in the malayalam month of meenam is also celebrated with utmost devotion and fervor. New born babies are brought in cradles and placed in front of the goddess. This ritual is specific to this temple and it attracts devotees from every corner of Kerala and outside. The birth day of the Goddess is celebrated on the bharani day in the malayalam month of makaram. The flag hoisting signalling the start of the festival is held on the pururuttathy day of Makaram and concludes with the Arattu on the 10th day. The most auspicious day, however, is on the fifth day of the festival that coincides with the birth day of Goddes Bhuvanaswary.This particular day is marked by a lot of fervor,celebrations and festivities.

Refresh Zone

Pathanamthitta is abundantly blessed by nature with lush green plains, majestic water falls, mystic woods and sky high mountains.Every nook and corner here is a feast for the eyes.

Only a selected few must see places are mentioned below.

*Konni 11 km from Pathanamthitta Town

Konni is village township near to Pathanamthitta Town. The acres of thick forest with wild animals has now made Konni emerge as another tourist spot for safaris and trekking. The animals make the forest safari very exciting. The trek to hill top and the view from the hill-top gives amazing pleasure and sights.

Konni is famous for the elephant trainning centre since ancient times. The elephants were captured from the dense forests of the western ghats/Sahyadri and brought to the elephant trainning cage at Konni.There these wild elephants are tamed and trained by mahouts specialized as elephant tainers. These trainers take the help of other tamed elephants.

The tamed elephants famous for rendering help to the trainers of the wild ones are

* Konniyil Kochchayyappan
* Ranji Padmanabhan
* Balakrishnan
* Soman
* Venu
* Rameshan
* Mani

The present members of Konni elephant training center are

* Soman
* Priyadarshini
* Meena
* Surendran
* Eva

Eva is the youngest member who is only 7 years old.

The elephant capturing at Konni traces back to 1810 A.D. The major elephant capturing locations include Mundom moozhy, Mannarappara and Thura. The elephant training cage which is present now was built in the year 1942 A.D. The wood of "Kambakam" was used for this. The present training cage has the capacity to train 6 elephants.The dimensions of the training cage are - Length of 12.65 Meters, Width of 8.60 Meters and a Height of 7 Meters.The elephant training cage and its premises comprises 9 acres of land.

The elephant capturing was officially stopped in the year 1977 by Govt: Circular though it was actually stopped many years prior to that.

Presently the elephant training cage is a major tourist attraction. It houses a History Meusium as well. The elephant training centre functions as an elephant welfare centre. The elephant calfs estranged from the herd and found lost in the forest are brought here and are provided with medical facilities and proper care.

The details of Konni Elephant Training Centre and Training Cage are mentioned in the articles of the famous "Aithihyamaala" by Shri Kottarathil Shankunni. "Aithihyamaala" is referred as one of rare collection of articles of Kerala History.

Konni Elephant Training Centre has to its credit of gifting the Elephant "Samyuktha" to the Republic of Portugal as a mark of friendship and co-operation with the Republic of India.

How to reach: Konni is on the Main Eastern Highway (Punalur-Pathanamthitta-Muvattupuzha Highway/SH-08) and is very well connected to major towns and cities of Kerala through Pathanamthitta.

*Perunthenaruvi Water Falls 15 km from Pathanamthitta Town

Perunthenaruvi - (Translation: The Great Honey Stream) is another important tourist destination at Pathanamthitta. Located on the Western Ghats of Sahyadri Range, perunthenaruvi is famous for the water fall there. Rather than the height, the stream here spreads over a wide area. It is a spectacular view of the water bubbling over the rocks.

Moreover, the singing of the birds and the gush of the wild breeze enhances the tour spirit.

The stream later unites with the Holy River Pampa.

How to Reach:

By Public Transport: Perunthenaruvi is easily accessible by daily local bus service from Pathanamthitta Town. Both state run KSRTC and Private operated public buses connect perunthenaruvi to Pathanamthitta.

By Car: Perunthenaruvi can be reached through any of the two different routes from Pathanamthitta. These two routes take you to the two different sides of the stream.

1. Pathanamthitta - Vadasserikkara - Perunad - Perunthenaruvi

2. Pathanamthitta - Ranni - Vechoochira - Perunthenaruvi

*Neervilakom 20 km from Pathanamthitta Town

[http://neervilakom.wetpaint.com/ Neervilakom]

Neervilakom(also spelt Neervilakam, Neervilakem, Nirvilakam, Nirvilakom, Nirvilakem) is one of the beautiful villages situated between Aranmula and Chengannur. This place is blessed with natural beauty where God has shown his artistic ability. The place is located, 5km away from Chengannur and 7 km away from Aranmula. Neervilakom belongs to Aranmula panchayath situated in the extreme west part of Pathanamthitta district. It is the geographical border of Alappuzha and pathanamthitta districts. It shares its border with Malakkara, Arattupuzha, Puthancavu, Kurichumuttam and Piralasherry villages

How to reach

The main access to Neervilakom village is Chengannur- Pandalam parallel road. Other accesses are Arattupuzha - Neervilakom road, Malakkara- Neervilakom road, Chakkittappadi-Neervilakom road and Aranmula- Chengannur parallel road. Limited bus services are available. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available for convenient travel. Chengannur railway station is just 5 km away from this place and so is the main bus station.

Talented Personalities from Pathanamthitta

* Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan - Veteran Poet
* Mohanlal - Award winning actor
* Meera Jasmine - Award winning actress
* Nayantara - One of the highest paid actress of South India
* Adoor Gopalakrishnan - Internationally acclaimed, Award winning movie director
* Blessy - Award winning movie director
* Thilakan - Award winning actor
* Aranmula Ponnamma - Actress
* Kaviyoor Ponnamma - Actress
* Kaviyoor Renuka - Actress
* Adoor Sisters - Adoor Bhavani, Adoor Pankajam - Renowned Theatre Artists and Movie Actresses
* M G Soman - Actor
* John Abraham - Movie Director
* Adoor Bhasi - Actor
* E. V. Krishna Pillai - Writer
* C K Ra - Renowned Artist
* Abu Abraham - Famous Cartoonist
* Kadammanitta Vasudevan Pillai - Exponent of Padayani
* Kandathil Varghese Mappilai - founder Malayala Manorama

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Pathanamthitta had a population of 12.34 lakh. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Pathanamthitta has an average literacy rate of 93%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 96%, and female literacy is 92.5%. In Pathanamthitta, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

There are five engineering colleges and one medical college in Paqthanamthitta District. The Pathanamthitta district is home for a number of famous South Asian religious spots.

Sabarimala, around 65 km away from the district headquarters is famous for the Lord Ayyappa temple where lakhs of worshippers gather every year during the season from November to January.The temple shrine is also open for five days from 15-20 every English month. Maramon on the banks of the Pampa river is famous for the yearly Christian convention attended by thousands during February, is just 12km away. Cherukolpuzha is also famous for another Hindu religious convention during February. It is also held on the banks of Holy River Pamba.

Manjinnikkara, which is just 7 km away near Omalloor, is famous for another Christian religious convention held yearly during second week of February in the memory of the Antioch Bishop who visited the church, but unfortunately died during the short visit and was buried there later. The other religious places are Pandalam Ayyappa Temple the early childhood place of God Ayyappa, Malayalappuzha Devi Temple, Kodumon spider temple, Chakkulathukavu Devi Temple, Thazhoor Sree Bhagawati Temple at Vazhamuttom, Neervilakom Sree Dharama Sastha Temple, Kadammanitta Devi Temple, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Kodumthara Sree Subramanya Temple, Vallicode Sree Padmanabhswami Temple also known as Thrikkovil, Vallicode Thrippara Mahadevar Temple,PUTHIYEDATHUKAVU DEVI TEMPLEVallicode, Omallur Sree Rakthakandaswami Temple, Vettoor Sastha Temple, Achankovil Sastha Temple, Ranni Devi Temple, Valanchuzhy Devi Temple, Omallur Devi Temple, Pathanamthitta Sastha Temple, Thadiyoor Sastha Temple, Pathanamthitta Amman Kovil, Parumala Church, Niranom Church, Trinity Marthoma Church Mekozhhor, Thiruvalla Shri Vallabha temple and a host of other temples and churches. 6 km away from Pathanamthitta, there is a place called Kadammanitta that is famous for its Devi Temple, and is also the hometown of famous Malayalam poet Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan, another 1.5 km from Kadammanitta you can find the Marthoma Church, Kadammanitta. This church was established back in 1895.

In Ranni, Vadaserikara, there is the Peniel Revival Assembly Church which serves as an important place for religious conventions and fasting prayers, and it also helps Peniel Revival Ministries Inc with its mission to reach out to the community. Malankara Orthodox Christians are the majority in Pathanamthitta among the Christian Groups. Pathanamthitta is one of the few districts in Kerala with the largest number of Pentecostal churches and organizations. Many numerous organizations like Indian Pentecostal Church, Peniel Revival Ministries Inc, Peniel Revival Assembly of Youths (PRAY), Assemblies of God, United Brethren Church of God, Church of God and other organizations all have their main bases and headquarters located in Pathanamthitta. Pathanamthitta is also the home to the start of Peniel Revival Ministries Inc (PRM) and Peniel Revival Assemblies of Youth (PRAY) Organizations. St. Stephens Orthodox Cathedral, Pathanamthitta is the Biggest cathedral in the Heart of the town

Pathanamthitta claims to be first district in India to achieve 100 percent literacy rate and lowest population growth rate in the country.

Pathanamthitta still has quite few settlements of aborigines called 'adivasis' deep in the forest area including areas like Thanithoddu, Chittar. The people from the settlements prefer not to be disturbed by the crowd from outside civilizations or lifestyles, but are indeed harmless.

Pathanamthitta is bordered by Idukki district on the east, Kottayam on the north, Kollam and Aalapuzha on west and south again by Kollam. The villages of Pathanamthitta provides great opportunity to develop, eco, cultural, health care, adventure, monsoon tourism.

Life in Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is an important District Capital in the highrange map of Kerala. It is a meeting place for the agri based economy of the nearby townships like Ranni, Malayalappuzha, Konni, Adoor, Chittar, Kozhencherry etc. It is the market for cash crops like rubber, Coffee beans, Cocoa, pepper, Coconut, Ginger and other major products.

Pathanamthitta is the busiest "Idathaavalam" - Halt Point of Sabarimala Pilgrims. Thousands of devotees from various parts of India pass through this Town. During the pilgrimage season i.e. Dec-Jan, the town is fully active round the clock. Citizens of Pathanamthitta are known for their friendly attitude towards the pilgrims. In turn the economy of Pathanamthitta is getting boosted.

Pathanamthitta's Central Junction serves as the meeting place. It is the very heart of town as well as the District. The market place is also nearby. At night, a number of "ThattuKadas" - Street Food Merchants pop-up at the Central Jn. Most of the shopping centers, business ventures and a mini Civil Station that houses a large number of Govt. Offices are all located near to the Central Jn.

See also

* Main Eastern Highway
* Sabarimala
* Kerala

References