Panchalimedu

Panchalimedu
പാഞ്ചാലിമേട്
பாஞ்சாலிமேடு
Hill station
Sunrise view from Panchalimedu
Etymology: Derived from Panchali (Draupadi) and Medu (hill), literally means the 'Hill of Panchali'.
Panchalimedu
Location in Kerala, India
Panchalimedu
Panchalimedu (India)
Coordinates: 9°34′15″N 77°00′52″E / 9.57083°N 77.01444°E / 9.57083; 77.01444Coordinates: 9°34′15″N 77°00′52″E / 9.57083°N 77.01444°E / 9.57083; 77.01444
Country  India
State Kerala
District Idukki
Government
 • Type Panchayath
 • Body Peruvanthanam panchayath
Elevation 762 m (2,500 ft)
Languages
 • Official Malayalam, English
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN 685532
Area code(s) 04869
Vehicle registration KL-37
Nearest cities Peermade, Mundakkayam
Website http://panchalimedu.com

Panchalimedu is a hill station and view point near Kuttikkanam in Peerumedu tehsil of Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala.[1] On the Makar Sankranti day, lots of Ayyappa devotees camps there to witness the sacred Makaravilakku (holy flame) that appears in the Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala temple.[2]

Topography

Distant hills as seen from Panchalimedu view point

Predominantly it is a high altitude region situated at a height of 2,500 ft (760 m) above the mean sea level. The place is surrounded by deep valleys and hills, accompanied by meadows, grasslands and cool refreshing climate.[3] From there, the Koruthodu valley near Mundakkayam with widespread rubber plantations can be seen. Parunthumpara hills and Periyar tiger reserve lies to the east of Panchalimedu.[4] Many tourists arrives there during the summer season for trekking and to get refreshed.[5][6] When monsoon arrives, the place will be covered by charming mist and thick fog.[7] Although, a pleasant climate is experienced here throughout the year.[8] Apart from Pullumedu, Panchalimedu is another spot in the district where lots of pilgrims from the various regions gather to witness the Makaravilakku, a holy flame that is believed to a supernatural phenomenon by the devotees, which appears annually on 14 January in the Ponnambalamedu summit.[9]

Location

The road leading to Kanayankavayal via Panchalimedu

Panchalimedu is located on the route to Kanayankavayal in the Azhutha block of Peerumedu tehsil. Geographic coordinates of Panchalimedu is 9°34′15″N 77°00′52″E. The place can be accessed from Murinjapuzha (5 km) and Amalagiri (6 km) on the Kottayam - Kumily state highway (K.K road). People from west and south can reach there through Mundakkayam - Thekkemala route. Jeep and auto services are available from Murinjapuzha at fair rates.[10] There are two hills at Panchalimedu, one has the temple dedicated to Bhuvaneswari Devi and the other one have a main cross accompanied by 13 other crosses, which portrays the crucifixion of Jesus. The presence of these crosses and the temple marks the sign of religious harmony.[11]

Nearby attractions

  • Parunthumpara: It is about 22 km (14 mi) from here, situated at a height of 3,600 ft (1,100 m) from mean sea level and also a popular tourist destination in Idukki district.
  • Peeru hills: It is a panoramic hill station named after 'Peer Mohammed', who was a Sufi saint.[12]
  • Valanjanganam falls: It is only 6 km (3.7 mi) from here, a scenic waterfall locally known as Ninnumullippara located on the route to Kuttikkanam from Mundakkayam.
  • Valliyamkavu Devi Temple: This historic temple lies 10 km (6.2 mi) southeast to Panchalimedu and it is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Myths

Shivalinga with the shrine of Bhuvaneswari Devi at Panchalimedu

According to the myths, Pandavas along with their spouse Panchali had a sojourn there at time of one-year exile.[13] Hence the place got its name Panchalimedu which derived from the words "Panchali" (Draupadi) and "medu" (hill). The local tribes there offered selfless helps to the Kuru princes. Pandavas left the region before the beginning of one year incognito. They rewarded an idol of Goddess Durga to the tribal chief for their helps and instructed them to worship Devi. But, unexpected incidents occurred when the tribes worshipped Devi by following their own uncivilized puja methods. Hence the place became uninhabitable for them. Later, Devi herself moved to the present Valliyamkavu region and presided there. In light of this myth, people still believe that Panchalimedu is the moola sthana or sanctum sanctorum of Devi.[14]

Panchalikulam (the pond of Panchali), believed to be constructed by the Pandavas

At present, there is a small temple dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneswari, which can be approached by a walkway from the main road. The temple which hadn't daily poojas in the past is currently under the administration of Travancore Devaswom Board. The granite edicts found there depicts the linkage of the place to ancient history.[15] Several Shiva lingas, Trishulas (trident) and Nāga idols are also placed near the shrine.[16] A small circular pond known as Panchalikulam is situated there, in which Pandavas and Panchali took their daily bath.[17] It is about 5 dm (20 in) in diameter. Even during hot summers, it will be filled by plenty of water.[18] One cave also exist there named Pandavaguha (cave of Pandavas), in which the footprints of Bhima can be witnessed.[19] Local folks still believe that it is the footprints of the mighty Bhima himself.[20]

References

  1. ↑ "Pachalimedu - BlessingsOnTheNet.com - destination › Panchalimedu". blessingsonthenet.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  2. ↑ "Panchalimedu: Beyond a pit-stop". OnManorama. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  3. ↑ "Panchalimedu - Near Kuttikkanam in Idukki district of Kerala". Panchalimedu. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  4. ↑ The Story of Peermade, Peermade; George, Thengummoottil (2014). The Story of Peermade. George Thengummoottil. p. 59. ISBN 8192888606.
  5. ↑ "panchalimedu kuttikanam, parunthumpara kuttikkanam, peeru hills, travancore palace, pattumala church". www.dreamlandhillresort.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  6. ↑ "Places To Visit - Kuttikanam Castle - kuttikanamcastle.com › placestovisit". kuttikanamcastle.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  7. ↑ "The allure of magical Panchalimedu". The Hindu. 2009-03-03. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  8. ↑ "Panchalimedu". Kochi Taxi | Kerala Taxi | Kerala Tour Packages. 2016-01-01. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  9. ↑ "Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Calendar 2016 - 2017 - www.ayyappatemple.in › temple-calendar". www.ayyappatemple.in. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  10. ↑ "Thekkady | Thekkay Kerala | Places in Thekkady | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary | sanctuary watch towers | Kumily | Mangala Devi Temple | Chellarkovil | Vandiperiyar | Pullumedu | Grampi | Mullaperiyar Dam | Mundakayam | Panchali Medu | Valanjaganam Waterfalls | Peru hills | Amrithamedu Hills | Pallikkunnu | Vagamon | The Moonhill | Patumaala | Places in Thekkady | Thekkady". thekkady.kerala1.com. Retrieved 2016-12-04.
  11. ↑ "Panchalimedu, Hill Station". www.keralabeing.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  12. ↑ "Peeru Hills near Kuttikanam, Idukki - Kerala Tourism - www.keralatourism.org › destination". www.keralatourism.org. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  13. ↑ "Panchalimedu, Idukki". Kerala Trips. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  14. ↑ "Valliyamkavu Devi temple - History". www.valliyamkavudevitemple.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  15. ↑ "Peermede Tour - Thrisangu Hills - Summer Palace - Halo Backwaters - halokerala.com › destinations › peermede". Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  16. ↑ "Panchalimedu - Home". panchalimedu.org. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  17. ↑ "Panchalimedu-Idukki tourist places". Beautiful tourist places around Idukki. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  18. ↑ "Panchalikulam - BizHat.com Photo Gallery - gallery.bizhat.com ›Panchalimedu". gallery.bizhat.com. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  19. ↑ "Panchalimedu - About Panchali medu". panchalimedu.org. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
  20. ↑ "Nature Calling | Kattupara trekking". naturecalling.in. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
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