Niranam
Niranam is a census village in Tiruvalla, in Kerala, India. It was a port in ancient Kerala, on the confluence of the Manimala and Achankovil River. It is almost 8 km from Tiruvalla SCS Junction in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala, lies to the western part of Tiruvalla, identified as Upper Kuttanad region. It can be identified with Nelcynda in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
| Niranam | |
|---|---|
| Large Village | |
| Coordinates: 9°21′N 76°31′E / 9.350°N 76.517°ECoordinates: 9°21′N 76°31′E / 9.350°N 76.517°E | |
| Country |
 |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Pathanamthitta |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 10,770 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Postal Index Number | 689621 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-27 |
Demographics
Niranam is a large village located in Tiruvalla, with 2837 families residing. The population of Niranam area is 10070, average sex ratio is 1118, higher than the state average of 1084. Niranam has a high literacy rate, 96.01%, higher than the state average of 94%.[1]
History
Niranam is mentioned in the writings of Pliny and Cosmas Indicopleustes as a trade centre. Geologists suggest that the sea retracted from this area due to some major geographical changes.
The community were probably Jewish traders who became Christians and later were part of the Malankara Orthodox Church.[2]
Niranam St Mary's Orthodox Cathedral has been the seat of the various Malankara metropolitans.
The Niranam poets, the "Kannassas" are credited to be pioneers in Malayalam bhakti literature, they authored Bhagavata, Ramayana, and Bharata in Malayalam. They lived in the 14th century CE. The great flood of 1341 AD helped to shift the sea westwards from silt filling in the direct sea route from Niranam.
Transport
Niranam is a quiet place, lying between Kadapra to East and Neerettupuram to North. It can be approached through both the State Highway 12, and State Highway 6. The village lies west to Tiruvalla city centre, about 7 kilometres.
The railway station is about 8 km from Niranam, in Tiruvalla city, adjacent to the Mallappally Road, near Kuttappuzha RSPO.
The Thrikkapaleeshvara Temple
Niranam, being an old settlement of both Brahmanic and Christian people, has a composite culture and historical buildings.This is a very old Shiva temple,This temple, like the Sree Vallabha Temple, also housed a Vedic school system. .The temple is in a very old condition, and measures are taken to renovate it. It is believed to be one of the "108 Shiva Temples" established by Parasurama in Kerala by tradition.
Niranam Church (St Marys Orthodox Cathedral)
It is believed to be one of the oldest churches in Kerala and thus in India as well as among the oldest ones in the world. The architecture shows striking similarities to ancient temple architecture. It is believed to have been established by St.Thomas.It is a very important place for the Christians.Pattamukkil Tharavad at niranam is surrounded from three sides of niranam church. Priests From Pattamukkil families used to stay there and done priesthood and governed niranam church and its properties at the ancient days.
Pattamukkil Kudumbam
Pattamukkil Kudumbam and the Christian community in Niranam are one of the oldest in India, they have a rich history of more than 1000 years. It is believed that they are one of the most preeminent among the four Hindu families converted to Christianity by the Apostle St.Thomas in AD 52.Pattamukkil Family is the survivor of that four families converted by St.thomas at niranam today.
Geography
As a result of the flood of 1341, the soil of nearby areas of Niranam is still sandy and resembles beaches, though not close to the Arabian sea.
Other places in Tiruvalla west
References
- ↑ "Niranam Village Population - Thiruvalla - Pathanamthitta, Kerala". www.census2011.co.in. Retrieved 2016-03-12.
- ↑ Niranam St Mary's Orthodox Church
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Niranam. |