CATEGORY : MAJOR TOWNS
 |
| Pandalam Town |
Pandalam
is a municipal town which is one among the fastest growing towns in Kerala.
Known for its mythological connection with Lord Ayyappa and Sabarimala,
Pandalam is considered to be a holy town. It is also a renowned educational and
health care center in central Travancore. Rightly recognised as the educational
and cultural headquarters of Central Travancore, Pandalam hosts a lot of
educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to post graduate,
training, ayurveda, and engineering colleges. The Kerala state government plans
to make the place a special township, by including the Pandalam municipality
and Kulanada panchayat.
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 is constructed at Pandalam over the Achankovil river. The
bridge is 70 meter long and 2.5 meter wide.
According
to myth, Lord Ayyappan, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn
at Pandalam as the adopted son of the King of Pandalam. During Sabarimala
pilgrimage season, devotees come to Pandalam in large numbers to worship the
deity of Valiyakoikkal Temple near the Pandalam Palace. This temple is on the
banks of river Achenkovil. Three days prior to the Makaravilakku festival, the
Thiruvabharanam (sacred ornaments) is taken in a procession from Pandalam to
Sabarimala.