Pandalam: Difference between revisions

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<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Pandalam
| name               = Pandalam
| other_name             = Panthalam
| other_name         = Panthalam
| settlement_type         = Municipality
| settlement_type   = Municipality
| image_skyline           = Pandalam palace2.JPG
| image_skyline     = {{Photomontage
| image_caption          = Pandalam Palace  
| photo1a = Pandalam palace2.JPG{{!}} Pandalam Palace
| nickname               = ''''Kurunthottayam''''
| photo1b = NSSCollegePandalam3.jpg{{!}} NSS College Pandalam
|pushpin_map             = India Kerala#India
Mannam Ayurveda Co-operative Medical College,
| pushpin_label_position = right
| photo2a = പന്തളംപുഴ.JPG{{!}} Achankovil River
| pushpin_map_alt         =  
| photo3a = Kettukazhcha.jpg{{!}}Kettukazhcha at Pandalam Mahadeva Temple
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in Kerala, India
| spacing = 2
| coordinates             = {{coord|9.225|N|76.679|E|region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| position = center
| subdivision_type       = Country
| color_border = black
| subdivision_name       = {{flag|India}}
| color =  black
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| size = 300
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| foot_montage = from left to right: [[Pandalam Palace]], [[NSS College Pandalam]], [[Achankovil River]] and Kettukazhcha at [[Pandalam Mahadeva Temple]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Kerala]]
}}
| subdivision_name2      = [[Pathanamthitta District]]
| nickname           = '''Kurunthottayam'''
| pushpin_map       = India Kerala#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt   =  
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates       = {{coord|9.225|N|76.679|E|region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Pathanamthitta District]]
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date  =
| founder            =
| named_for          =
| government_type    = [[Pandalam Municipality|Municipality]]
| leader_title      = Municipal Chairman
| leader_name        = Achankunju John ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])<ref>{{cite news|title=BJP again in Pandalam Municipal Council; new chairman elected|url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/mobile/news.php?id=1448629&u=bjp-again-in-pandalam-municipal-council-new-chairman-elected-1448629}}</ref>
| leader_title1      =
| leader_name1       =
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes    =
| area_total_km2    = 28.42
| area_rank          =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m        =
| population_total  = 42,793<ref>{{citation|url=https://pandalammunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/en/|title= Population of Pandalam Municipality, 2015}}</ref>
| population_as_of  = 2015
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank    =
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam]], English
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type  = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 689501
| area_code_type    = Telephone code
| area_code          = +91
| registration_plate = KL 26
| blank1_name_sec1  = [[Kerala Legislative Assembly]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1  = [[Adoor Assembly constituency|Adoor]]
| blank2_name_sec1  =
| blank3_name_sec1  = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_info_sec1  = [[Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency|Pathanamthitta]]
| blank1_name_sec2  = Official website
| blank1_info_sec2  = {{URL|https://pandalammunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/en/}}
| footnotes          =
| official_name      =
}}


| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
'''Pandalam''' is a [[Municipalities of Kerala|municipality]] in [[Pathanamthitta district]] [[Kerala]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite web| title=Grama Panchayaths | url=https://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417130137/http://lsgkerala.gov.in:80/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf | archive-date=2018-04-17}}</ref> Pandalam is known for its connection with [[Ayyappan]] and [[Sabarimala]]. Rightly recognised ''as the cultural capital of [[ Central Travancore]]'', Pandalam hosts educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to post graduate, training, [[Ayurveda]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Ayurveda varsity taking shape at Pandalam — Defunct sugar mill's brush with health|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2005/09/24/stories/2005092402211900.htm|access-date=27 December 2013|newspaper=The Hindu Business Line}}</ref> 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]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Pandalam to be made a special township: V.S. Sivakumar|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/pandalam-to-be-made-a-special-township-vs-sivakumar/article4018571.ece|access-date=27 December 2013|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> by including the Pandalam municipality and [[Kulanada]] panchayat.<ref name=OC>{{cite news|title=Government to set up township at Pandalam|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/government-to-set-up-township-at-pandalam/article5524084.ece|access-date=2 January 2014|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>
| established_date        =
 
| founder                =
The neighborhoods of Pandalam town include [[Thumpamon]], [[Pandalam Thekkekara]], [[Kulanada]], [[Nooranad]], [[Padanilam]], and [[Venmony]].
| named_for              =
 
| government_type        = Municipality
==Trade and Commerce==
|leader_title            = Municipal chairperson
The centuries-old ''Kurunthottayam'' market (now known as the Pandalam market) was one among the largest agricultural markets in central [[Travancore]].
|leader_name = Susheela Santhosh ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
 
| unit_pref              = Metric
Kerala's widest suspension bridge was constructed in Pandalam over the [[Achankovil|Achankovil river]].<ref name=bridge>{{cite news|title=Suspension bridge at Pandalam gets ready|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/suspension-bridge-at-pandalam-gets-ready/article5396696.ece|access-date=27 December 2013|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> The bridge is 70 metres long and 2.5 metres wide.<ref name=bridge/>
| area_footnotes          =
| area_total_km2          = 28.72
| area_rank              =
| elevation_footnotes    =
| elevation_m            =
| population_total        = 49099
| population_as_of        = 2011
| population_footnotes    =
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_rank        =
| population_demonym      =
| demographics_type1      = Languages
| demographics1_title1    = Official
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| postal_code_type        = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code            = 689501
| registration_plate      = KL 26
| website                =  
| footnotes          =
| demographics1_info1    = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English
}}
'''Pandalam''' is a municipal town in [[Pathanamthitta]] district [[Kerala]], India. Pandalam is considered a holy town due to its connection with [[Lord Ayyappa]] and [[Sabarimala]]. Rightly recognised as the educational and cultural headquarters of Central Travancore, Pandalam hosts educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to post graduate, training, ayurveda,<ref>{{cite news|title=Ayurveda varsity taking shape at Pandalam — Defunct sugar mill's brush with health|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2005/09/24/stories/2005092402211900.htm|access-date=27 December 2013|newspaper=The Hindu Business Line}}</ref> 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]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Pandalam to be made a special township: V.S. Sivakumar|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/pandalam-to-be-made-a-special-township-vs-sivakumar/article4018571.ece|access-date=27 December 2013|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> by including the Pandalam municipality and [[Kulanada]] panchayat.<ref name=OC>{{cite news|title=Government to set up township at Pandalam|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/government-to-set-up-township-at-pandalam/article5524084.ece|access-date=2 January 2014|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> The Pandalam area consists of the Pandalam municipality, [[Kulanada]] panchayath, [[Pandalam Thekkekara]] panchayath & [[Thumpamon]] panchayath.


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|Achankovil river]].<ref name=bridge>{{cite news|title=Suspension bridge at Pandalam gets ready|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/suspension-bridge-at-pandalam-gets-ready/article5396696.ece|access-date=27 December 2013|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> The bridge is 70 metres long and 2.5 metres wide.<ref name=bridge/>
There are several devotional places at Pandalam. The most famous are [[Valiyakoikkal Temple]], [[Pandalam Mahadeva Temple|Mahadeva Temple]], [[Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi Temple|Puthenkavil Bhagavathi Temple]], [[Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi Temple]], [[Thumpamon Vadakkumnatha Temple]], [[Kadakkad Sree Bhadrakali Temple]] and the  [[Thattayil Orippurathu Bhagavathi Temple]].


There are several devotional places at Pandalam. The most famous are [[Valiyakoikkal Temple]], [[Pandalam Mahadeva Temple|Mahadeva Temple]], Puthenkavil Bhagavathi Temple, [[Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi Temple]], [[Thumpamon Vadakkumnatha Temple]], [[Kadakkad Sree Bhadrakali Temple]], [[Thattayil Orippurathu Bhagavathi Temple]], Kadakkad Juma Masjid, Town Juma Masjid, Muttar Juma Masjid, Cherikkal Juma Masjid, India Pentecostal Church of God[IPC], Assemblies  of God Church[AG],  Thumpamon St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, Pandalam Arathil St. George Orthodox MahaEdavaka, [[St. Bursouma's Orthodox Church]], Pandalam MarThoma church, St Thomas Orthodox Church and St Peter's malankara Catholic Church.
Nooranad [[Padanilam Parabrahma Temple]], which is famous for its [[Maha Shivaratri]] ''Kettukazhcha'' is located 8 Km South West of Pandalam town.


==Legend==
==Legend==


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.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths|year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=9780143415176|page=43|author=Roshen Dalal}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Men and Masculinities in South India|url=https://archive.org/details/menmasculinities00osel|url-access=limited|year=2006|publisher=Anthem Press|isbn=1843312328|page=[https://archive.org/details/menmasculinities00osel/page/n161 145]|author=Caroline Osella, Filippo Osella}}</ref>  During Sabarimala pilgrimage season, devotees come to Pandalam in large numbers to worship the deity of [[Valiyakoikkal Temple]] near the [[Pandalam Palace]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Pandalam Palace decries government affidavit|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/Pandalam-Palace-decries-government-affidavit/article16440847.ece|access-date =21 April 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>http://sabarimala.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=92</ref> This temple is on the banks of river [[Achenkovil]]. Three days prior to the [[Makara Jyothi|Makaravilakku festival]], the [[Thiruvabharanam]] (sacred ornaments) are taken in a procession from Pandalam to [[Sabarimala]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hundreds throng Pandalam to worship Thiruvabharanam|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/10/stories/2011011058310300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115031119/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/10/stories/2011011058310300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 January 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=2011-01-10|access-date=27 December 2013}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths|year=2010|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=9780143415176|page=43|author=Roshen Dalal}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Men and Masculinities in South India|url=https://archive.org/details/menmasculinities00osel|url-access=limited|year=2006|publisher=Anthem Press|isbn=1843312328|page=[https://archive.org/details/menmasculinities00osel/page/n161 145]|author=Caroline Osella, Filippo Osella}}</ref>  During Sabarimala pilgrimage season, devotees come to Pandalam in large numbers to worship the deity of [[Valiyakoikkal Temple]] near the [[Pandalam Palace]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Pandalam Palace decries government affidavit|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/Pandalam-Palace-decries-government-affidavit/article16440847.ece|access-date =21 April 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sabarimala.kerala.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90&Itemid=92|title = Home &#124; Sabarimala|website=sabarimala.kerala.gov.in}}</ref> This temple is on the banks of river [[Achenkovil]]. Three days prior to the [[Makara Jyothi|Makaravilakku festival]], the [[Thiruvabharanam]] (sacred ornaments) are taken in a procession from Pandalam to [[Sabarimala]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Hundreds throng Pandalam to worship Thiruvabharanam|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/10/stories/2011011058310300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115031119/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/10/stories/2011011058310300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 January 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=2011-01-10|access-date=27 December 2013}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
It is believed that the [[Pandya]] kings of [[Tamil Nadu]] fled to Pandalam in the face of an attack from [[Chola]]s<ref>{{cite book|title=Sacred Spaces: Exploring Traditions of Shared Faith in India|year=2003|publisher=Penguin Books|location=Navi Mumbai|isbn=9780143029311|page=27|author=Yoginder Sikand}}</ref>  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.
It is believed that the [[Pandya]] kings of [[Tamil Nadu]] fled to Pandalam in the face of an attack from [[Chola]]s<ref>{{cite book|title=Sacred Spaces: Exploring Traditions of Shared Faith in India|year=2003|publisher=Penguin Books|location=Navi Mumbai|isbn=9780143029311|page=27|author=Yoginder Sikand}}</ref>  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.


==Literacy==
==Administration==
Pandalam has higher literacy rate compared to Kerala. In 2011, literacy rate of Pandalam was 96.74% compared to 94.00% of Kerala. In Pandalam, Male literacy stands at 97.84% while female literacy rate was 95.80%.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
{{Main|Pandalam Municipality}}
 
Pandalam Municipality is the civic body that governs Pandalam. It is surrounded by other local bodies including [[Kulanada]] panchayath, [[Thumpamon]] panchayath, [[Pandalam Thekkekara]] panchayath and [[Nooranad]] panchayat in [[Alappuzha]] district on one side.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pandalam Municipalities and six grama panchayats has turned almost dry in the summer heat|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/water-scarcity-grips-pathanamthitta/article17396224.ece|accessdate=7 April 2017|work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> This is the first ever municipality in Southern Kerala where [[BJP]] is in power.


==Colleges==
==Colleges==
Line 74: Line 105:
* NSS Training College, Pandalam
* NSS Training College, Pandalam
* NSS Nursing College, Pandalam
* NSS Nursing College, Pandalam
* Government ITC, Cherickal
* [https://itipandalam.kerala.gov.in/ Govt. ITI Cherickal, Pandalam (Under SC department Govt. of Kerala)] <ref>{{Cite web|title=GOVERNMENT ITI [SCDD] PANDALAM|url=https://itipandalam.kerala.gov.in/|access-date=2021-09-07|language=en-US|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907095507/https://itipandalam.kerala.gov.in/|url-status=dead}}</ref> in [[Cherickal]].
 
== Schools ==
 
* Govt Higher Secondary School, Thottakkonam
*NSS B.H.S Pandalam
* NSS High School for Girls
* NSS LP & UP School
* NSS Higher Secondary School, Pandalam
* Eminence Public School
* St. Thomas English Medium High School
* Govt LP School, Poozhikkad
*Amrita Vidyalayam, Kurampala
*St.John's school Thumpamon
* SVLPS School Cherickal


== Hospitals ==
== Hospitals ==
Line 95: Line 112:
* CM Hospital
* CM Hospital
* Chitra Multi-Speciality Hospital
* Chitra Multi-Speciality Hospital
* Mannam Ayurveda Hospital
* Mannam Ayurveda Medical College Hospital
* Primary Health Centre Kadakkad, Pandalam


== Landmarks ==
== Landmarks ==
Line 106: Line 124:


===Pandalam Palace===
===Pandalam Palace===
[[Pandalam Palace]], placed on the banks of [[Achankovil river]], was home to the royal family of Pandalam.The royal family of this palace enjoys a significant position in the history of Kerala. It is believed that they have descended from the Pandya kings of Madurai. Pandalam Palace carries not just historical importance, but a considerable religious magnitude as well. According to legends, Lord [[Ayyappa]] was born to the King of Pandalam.There is a temple on the banks of Achankovil river which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried from Pandalam Palace to [[Sabarimala]] as a grand procession three days prior to the [[makaravilakku]] festival.
[[Pandalam Palace]], placed on the banks of [[Achankovil river]], was home to the royal family of Pandalam.The royal family of this palace enjoys a significant position in the history of Kerala. It is believed that they have descended from the Pandya kings of Madurai. Pandalam Palace carries not just historical importance, but a considerable religious magnitude as well. According to legends, Lord [[Ayyappa]] was born to the King of Pandalam.There is a temple on the banks of Achankovil river which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried from Pandalam Palace to [[Sabarimala]] as a grand procession three days prior to the [[makaravilakku]] festival


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
[[File:Pandalam Kerala Varma.jpg|thumb|Pandalam Kerala Varma]]
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="width:75%"
<!---♦♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦♦--->
! scope="col" style="width:5%" | No
<!---♦♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦♦--->
! scope="col" style="width:40%" | Name
*[[Pandalam Kerala Varma]]: Poet
! scope="col" style="width:10%" | Profession
*[[M. N. Govindan Nair]]: Former State Secretary of CPI, Former State Cabinet Minister and MP
|-
*[[V. S. Valiathan]]: Artist
|1||[[Pandalam Kerala Varma]]||Poet
*[[Benyamin (writer)|Benyamin]]: Novelist
|-
*[[Dr. Biju]]: Film director
|2||[[Alexander Jacob (police officer)|Dr Alexander Jacob]] [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]||[[Director General of Police|DGP]], [[Kerala Police]] (retd)
*[[P. K. Manthri]]: Cartoonist
|-
*[[Kadammanitta Vasudevan Pillai]]: Padayani artist
|-
*[[Pandalam Sudhakaran]]: Former Kerala minister
|3||[[Benyamin (writer)|Benyamin]]||Novelist, Screenwriter
|-
|4||[[Dr. Biju]]||Film director
|-
|5||[[M. N. Govindan Nair]]||Former State Secretary of CPI, former State Cabinet Minister and MP
|-
|6||[[S. Jithesh|Dr. Jitheshji]]||Cartoonist
|-
|7||Joy Kulanada||Cartoonist
|-
|8||[[Kadammanitta Vasudevan Pillai]]||Padayani artist
|-
|9||Kudassanadu Kanakam||Cine artist
|-
|10||[[P. K. Manthri]]||Cartoonist
|-
|11||Pandalam Balan||Playback singer
|-
|12||[[Pandalam Sudhakaran]]||Former state cabinet minister
|-
|13||[[V. S. Valiathan]]||Artist
|-
|14||Pandalam K. P. Raman Pillai||Lyricist famous for writing the song "Akhilandamandalam"
|-
|}


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="135">
<gallery>
File:Pandalam kshethram1.JPG|[[Valiyakoikkal Temple]]
File:Pandalam kshethram1.JPG|[[Valiyakoikkal Temple]]
File:പന്തളംപുഴ.JPG|[[Achankovil river]]
File:പന്തളംപുഴ.JPG|[[Achankovil river]]
File:Pandalam palace2.JPG|Pandalam Palace
File:Pandalam palace2.JPG|Pandalam Palace
File:പന്തളം കൊട്ടാരം.JPG|Pandalam Palace
File:പന്തളം കൊട്ടാരം.JPG|Pandalam Palace
File:NSSCollegePandalam2.jpg|NSS COLLEGE, PANDALAM
File:NSSCollegePandalam2.jpg|[[NSS College, Pandalam]]
File:Pandalam Central Junction.jpg|Pandalam Central Junction
File:Pandalam KSRTC Bus Station.jpg|Pandalam KSRTC Bus Station
File:Mavarappara.jpg|Mavarappara
</gallery>
</gallery>
==See also==
*[[Kadakkad]]


==References==
==References==
Line 134: Line 181:


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Pandalam}}
{{commonscatinline}}
* [http://www.pandalam.org Information portal about Pandalam]
* [http://www.pandalam.org Information portal about Pandalam]


Latest revision as of 18:55, 6 September 2025

This article is about the town is in Pathanamthitta District. For other uses, see Pandalam (disambiguation).
Pandalam
Panthalam
Municipality
Pandalam Palace
NSS College Pandalam Mannam Ayurveda Co-operative Medical College,
Achankovil River
Kettukazhcha at Pandalam Mahadeva Temple
Nickname: 
Kurunthottayam
Pandalam is located in Kerala
Pandalam
Pandalam
Location in Kerala, India
Pandalam is located in India
Pandalam
Pandalam
Pandalam (India)
Coordinates: 9°13′30″N 76°40′44″E / 9.225°N 76.679°E / 9.225; 76.679
Country India
StateKerala
DistrictPathanamthitta District
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
 • Municipal ChairmanAchankunju John (BJP)[2]
Area
 • Total28.42 km2 (10.97 sq mi)
Population
 (2015)
 • Total42,793[1]
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
689501
Telephone code+91
Vehicle registrationKL 26
Kerala Legislative Assembly constituencyAdoor
Lok Sabha constituencyPathanamthitta
Official websitepandalammunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/en/

Pandalam is a municipality in Pathanamthitta district Kerala, India.[3] Pandalam is known for its connection with Ayyappan and Sabarimala. Rightly recognised as the cultural capital of Central Travancore, Pandalam hosts educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to post graduate, training, Ayurveda,[4] 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,[5] by including the Pandalam municipality and Kulanada panchayat.[6]

The neighborhoods of Pandalam town include Thumpamon, Pandalam Thekkekara, Kulanada, Nooranad, Padanilam, and Venmony.

Trade and Commerce[edit | edit source]

The centuries-old Kurunthottayam market (now known as the Pandalam market) was one among the largest agricultural markets in central Travancore.

Kerala's widest suspension bridge was constructed in Pandalam over the Achankovil river.[7] The bridge is 70 metres long and 2.5 metres wide.[7]

There are several devotional places at Pandalam. The most famous are Valiyakoikkal Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Puthenkavil Bhagavathi Temple, Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Thumpamon Vadakkumnatha Temple, Kadakkad Sree Bhadrakali Temple and the Thattayil Orippurathu Bhagavathi Temple.

Nooranad Padanilam Parabrahma Temple, which is famous for its Maha Shivaratri Kettukazhcha is located 8 Km South West of Pandalam town.

Legend[edit | edit source]

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.[8][9] During Sabarimala pilgrimage season, devotees come to Pandalam in large numbers to worship the deity of Valiyakoikkal Temple near the Pandalam Palace.[10][11] 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.[12]

History[edit | edit source]

It is believed that the Pandya kings of Tamil Nadu fled to Pandalam in the face of an attack from Cholas[13] 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.

Administration[edit | edit source]

Main article: Pandalam Municipality

Pandalam Municipality is the civic body that governs Pandalam. It is surrounded by other local bodies including Kulanada panchayath, Thumpamon panchayath, Pandalam Thekkekara panchayath and Nooranad panchayat in Alappuzha district on one side.[14] This is the first ever municipality in Southern Kerala where BJP is in power.

Colleges[edit | edit source]

Hospitals[edit | edit source]

  • NSS Medical Mission Hospital
  • CM Hospital
  • Chitra Multi-Speciality Hospital
  • Mannam Ayurveda Medical College Hospital
  • Primary Health Centre Kadakkad, Pandalam

Landmarks[edit | edit source]

Pandalam Bridge[edit | edit source]

Pandalam Bridge, popularly known as Kurunthottayam Bridge, is situated in Pandalam junction.[16][17]

Pandalam Suspension Bridge[edit | edit source]

Pandalam Suspension Bridge, is a pedestrian suspension bridge in Pandalam, that connects Pandalam with Kulanada.[18]

Pandalam Palace[edit | edit source]

Pandalam Palace, placed on the banks of Achankovil river, was home to the royal family of Pandalam.The royal family of this palace enjoys a significant position in the history of Kerala. It is believed that they have descended from the Pandya kings of Madurai. Pandalam Palace carries not just historical importance, but a considerable religious magnitude as well. According to legends, Lord Ayyappa was born to the King of Pandalam.There is a temple on the banks of Achankovil river which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried from Pandalam Palace to Sabarimala as a grand procession three days prior to the makaravilakku festival

Notable people[edit | edit source]

No Name Profession
1 Pandalam Kerala Varma Poet
2 Dr Alexander Jacob IPS DGP, Kerala Police (retd)
3 Benyamin Novelist, Screenwriter
4 Dr. Biju Film director
5 M. N. Govindan Nair Former State Secretary of CPI, former State Cabinet Minister and MP
6 Dr. Jitheshji Cartoonist
7 Joy Kulanada Cartoonist
8 Kadammanitta Vasudevan Pillai Padayani artist
9 Kudassanadu Kanakam Cine artist
10 P. K. Manthri Cartoonist
11 Pandalam Balan Playback singer
12 Pandalam Sudhakaran Former state cabinet minister
13 V. S. Valiathan Artist
14 Pandalam K. P. Raman Pillai Lyricist famous for writing the song "Akhilandamandalam"

Gallery[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Population of Pandalam Municipality, 2015
  2. ↑ "BJP again in Pandalam Municipal Council; new chairman elected".
  3. ↑ "Grama Panchayaths" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 April 2018.
  4. ↑ "Ayurveda varsity taking shape at Pandalam — Defunct sugar mill's brush with health". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  5. ↑ "Pandalam to be made a special township: V.S. Sivakumar". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  6. ↑ "Government to set up township at Pandalam". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Suspension bridge at Pandalam gets ready". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  8. ↑ Roshen Dalal (2010). The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths. Penguin Books. p. 43. ISBN 9780143415176.
  9. ↑ Caroline Osella, Filippo Osella (2006). Men and Masculinities in South India. Anthem Press. p. 145. ISBN 1843312328.
  10. ↑ "Pandalam Palace decries government affidavit". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  11. ↑ "Home | Sabarimala". sabarimala.kerala.gov.in.
  12. ↑ "Hundreds throng Pandalam to worship Thiruvabharanam". The Hindu. 10 January 2011. Archived from the original on 15 January 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  13. ↑ Yoginder Sikand (2003). Sacred Spaces: Exploring Traditions of Shared Faith in India. Navi Mumbai: Penguin Books. p. 27. ISBN 9780143029311.
  14. ↑ "Pandalam Municipalities and six grama panchayats has turned almost dry in the summer heat". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 April 2017.
  15. ↑ "GOVERNMENT ITI [SCDD] PANDALAM". Archived from the original on 7 September 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  16. ↑ "Pandalam bridge set to be commissioned by November 30". The Hindu. Pathanamthitta. 22 October 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  17. ↑ "Pandalam Suspension Bridge Ready to be used". Kerala News. Kerala. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  18. ↑ "Suspension bridge at Pandalam gets ready". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 August 2017.

External links[edit | edit source]

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