If you’re looking for a destination in Kerala, you might want to check out Pala. This town and municipality is located in Meenachil taluk and is the headquarters of the Pala Revenue Division. While you’re here, you should take the time to visit the town’s temples and historical sites.
Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple
If you are in Pala, do not miss out on the Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple. It is a four-acre temple complex that is surrounded by various plants and trees. It has one of the largest Koothambalams in Kerala and shrines for various sub deities. The shrines are located on the southeast, northeast, northwest, and eastern sides of the temple complex. The northeast section features the installation of Brahmaraksha, the soul of a priest who was assassinated inside the temple.
The temple has two major festivals every year. The first one is a celebration for the goddess Raja Rajeshwari and the second is the Thaipooyakavadi festival. Both of these festivals are celebrated with colorful elephant procession and cultural programs. On the first day of Thaipooyakavadi, a large elephant is dragged across the temple grounds, and the second festival is held in the month of November/December.
There are several other temples in Pala. The Chotti – Sri Mahadeva Temple has three poojas a day. On the previous day of Sivaratri, the temple also holds Aarattu. This temple is situated near the Kottayam-Kumaly route.
Another place to visit in Pala is the Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is made in the Kerala style and was established in the 16th century by the king of Thekkumkur. The temple is decorated with murals from the epics. The temple is a popular tourist destination in Kottayam.
The temple also houses the mortal remains of St. Alphonsa, a religious educator who was born in Kerala. In fact, the Catholic Church canonized him as a saint. Today, the shrine is visited by pilgrims on the 28th of July each year. Visitors can also visit the museum, which has many belongings of St. Alphonsa.
Anakallu St Mary’s Forane church
The church has a rich history. It was built by the Syrian Christians in the year 1100. In the town of Aruvithura, the church has the tomb of St. Alphonsa. The church is considered a part of the Muziris heritage monuments.
The town of Pala is home to a number of religious and cultural institutions. In the past, Pala was the headquarters of the Meenachil Region, but today most residents are farmers and businesspeople. The town also has some of the best educational institutions in the state. It is also close to the Poonjar Kingdom. The town is also home to the St Thomas cathedral, which was built in 1002 CE. Its architecture is reminiscent of Portuguese style churches. The cathedral is surrounded by beautiful art and is worth a visit.
Another place to visit in Pala is the New Cathedral, which was originally built on a temple and is reminiscent of Portuguese architecture. The church also houses the tomb of the revered Saint Alphonsa, which was beatified and canonised by Pope John Paul II in 1986. You can also visit the Sr Alphonsa Museum, which has photographs of the saint’s home and school.
The church’s main altar contains beautiful Portuguese and Roman sculptures. The main altar is home to the holy relics of Saint Sebastian and Virgin Mary. During the fast period, thousands of pilgrims visit the holy shrine. They may also visit the adjacent mortuary chapel, where the mortal remains of Saint Alphonsa are kept.
The church is an important place for Christians in Kerala. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the state. It is also the site of the feast of St. Joseph, which is held every 19th of March. The church is connected to the Thattil family, a dynastic family in Thrissur. It is believed that this family was associated with the army chief of the King of Kochi, who promised the king to build a church in memory of the great warrior. The church also commemorates the Rogation of the Ninevites, which commemorates the repentance of the Ninevites following the preaching of Jonah.
Madurai Meenakshi and Sastha temples
Madurai Meenakshi Temple is located in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most sacred Hindu temples. The Meenakshi Amman Temple is also known as the Shri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple.
Located next to the palace, the Madurai Meenakshi temple has beautiful stone carvings. The idol is transported from Madurai, and it has a Ramayana inscription on the stone. The Satha temple is a work of art in its own right. The roof support of the temple is made from one single piece of wood.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple has an interesting legend. According to it, the Malayadwaja Pandya wanted a son and performed a yagya to gain the desired result. During the yagya, a young girl named Meenakshi emerged from the fire. The Malayadwaja Pandyar raised Meenakshi as his son and she ruled the city of Madurai for many years. Later on, she captured the neighbouring kingdom of Indralok.
In Madurai, Meenakshi temple is home to a number of shops. The Sungundi saris are a popular buy. These saris are made using natural dyes and feature bright colours. They are usually decorated with polka dots and bordered with contrasting colors. There are also textile and brass wares shops.
The Meenakshi temple has 14 colourful gopura, or gateways, which lead to the different shrines inside. They depict scenes from Hindu legends. There is also a small sway mandapam, where the Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar images are placed on the swing each Friday.
Madurai Meenakshi temple is an important pilgrimage site. Dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, this temple is located near the Vaigai River in Madurai. The temple is the site where Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati, were married. Its architecture is also renowned, and was once nominated for a place in the Seven Wonders of the World.
Vazhikkadavu hill station
Located between Kottayam and Idukki, Vazhikkadavu is a beautiful hill station. It offers breathtaking views and is surrounded by lush greenery. The town is also known for its spectacular rock formations. This is a must-visit place during your holiday in Kerala.
The hill station is surrounded by lush greenery and is characterized by a rocky terrain. The Meenachil River threads across the hill station, creating a unique landscape. Wild flowers and orchids grow here, giving the area a beautiful and diverse feel.
Visitors can take a trek through the Mankallu Mudikal, a formation of three flat-roofed hills. The hills look like three over-sized shoulders of clay or stone. This place has a misty air, giving visitors the feeling they are walking in clouds. The mountains are covered with fluffy, moisture-laden clouds, which makes the air feel fresh and clean.
The area is accessible by car and state buses. From Kottayam, it is approximately a 1-hour drive. If you’d prefer to travel by public transport, you can take the NH 220 bus. Once you’re there, you’ll find a number of tourist attractions in Pala-Town. Some are educational centers while others are meant for entertainment purposes.
Located at an elevation of two thousand feet above sea level, the temple of Panchalimdu is a must-visit destination. It is home to several ancient temples, including the Lekshmana temple and the Sreerama temple. The town also boasts rubber plantations and lush greenery.
Near Kottayam, the waterfall of Arurikkuzhi is a visual treat. The five-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush tea plantations, and is a great picnic spot.
St Thomas cathedral
The St Thomas cathedral is one of the most important religious places in the town. It is the cathedral church and parish hall of Palai diocese. This ancient church dates back to more than 2000 years. It is home to a parish with more than 6,000 members and 1200 families. The cathedral is visited by thousands of pilgrims every Wednesday during the Novena.
The Pala town is one of the most important Christian cultural centers in Kerala. It was founded in 1002 CE with the patronage of the Hindu feudal chiefs. Although the church is still a cathedral, it was a replica of an old temple. Despite being a replica, the architecture of this church retains a Portuguese flavor.
The St Thomas Cathedral is an ancient church located in Pala, Kerala. It follows the Syro-Malabar East Syriac rite. The cathedral serves as the mother church of the Syro-Malabar Diocese and the Eparchy of Palai, which was established by Pope Pius XII. In addition, the cathedral houses a hospital and a provincial house.
The St Thomas cathedral is one of the must-see places in Pala. Pala is sometimes called the ‘city of churches’. The unassuming little town lays on the Meenachil river and is home to many churches. There is also a beer parlour in every street!