Sabarimala (Ayyappa Temple) - 60 KM from Arayanpara Estate

 

Sabarimala is a famous pilgrim centre in Kerala in the Western Ghat mountain ranges of India. Lord Ayyappan's temple is situated here in the midst of 18 hills. The area is in the Sahya hilly regions of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu. The temple is situated on a hilltop at an altitude of 1260 m/4135 ft. above mean sea level, and is surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Sabarimala is believed to be the place where Ayyappan meditated after killing the powerful demon, Mahishi. Sabarimala is one of the most visited pilgrim centres in the world with crores of devotees coming every year. According to Government statistics, in the year 2005, about 50 million (5 crore) devotees visted this temple.

 

 

 

 

This is an ancient temple, enshrining Sree Vallabha at Tiruvalla near Pathanamthitta(DIST). It has been glorified by the tamil hymns of Tirumangaialwar and Nammalwar of the 1st millennium CE. This is the only temple that shows performances of Kathakali every day. This is because the devotees offer to sponsor kathakali performances as their offering to the temple. Those whose prayers are answered offer to have a performance arranged here, as a token of acknowledgement and as a gesture of support of the arts.The name Tiruvalla originates from the presiding deity Vallabha.Tiruvalla is an ancient town with a hoary past. It has been referenced in 7th century sanskrit literature of Dandin the sanskrit poet of Kanchi. The Tiruvalla plates contain inscriptions regarding the administration of the temple in ancient times.

 

 

     

 

Niranam Church, also known as St Mary's Orthodox Old Christian Church, is believed to have been founded by Apostle St Thomas in AD 54. It is situated at Niranam, a popular Christian pilgrim center in Pathanamthitta District.
The church is one among the seven and a half churches built by St Thomas in Kerala. The present building, supposedly the fourth, was built in 1912. This parish is under the Niranam Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
The wall of the church is decorated with paintings and sculptures. The main attraction is the statue of St Mary, carved in marble and gold.