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Pathanamthitta is an important destination in Kerala with a rich historical past.The word Pathanamthitta is the combination of two words Pathanam and Thitta which means a cluster of houses beside the river. Earlier the historical destination of Pathanamthitta was a part of the erstwhile Pandya kingdom but now all that remains are the remnants of the lost glory. During the freedom struggle amongst the regions of Travancore, Pathanamthitta also raised its protests and hence claims historical importance.

 

Pandalam History

Pandalam is one among the fastest growing towns in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.It is a holy town, considered second only to Sabarimala, with a rich history behind it. It is believed that Sree Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala had his human sojourn at the historical place of Pandalam as the son of the Raja of Pandalam. Before proceeding to Sabarimala, pilgrims usually stop to worship the deity of Valiyakoikkal Temple near the Pandalam Palace. This temple in the historical destination of Pandalam is on the banks of river Achenkovil. Three days prior to the Makaravilaku festival, the sacred ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala.The historical centre of Pandalam in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala is famous for its annual Thiruvabharana Yatra.

It is believed that the Pandya kings of Tamil Nadu fled to the historical centre of Pandalam after losing a battle and settled here in the land they bought from Kaipuzha Thampan, a landlord. The princely state of Pandalam had extended up to Thodupuzha in Idukki district once. Pandalam had witnessed a rare piece of history when it was first converted to a municipality and later back to a gramapanchayat.

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