Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 168

Krishnapuram Palace: ( 47 km from Alappuzha) This palace in Karthikapally
in Kayamkulam was built by King Marthanda Varma in 18th century. It is
famous for the mural painting of the puranic story of Gajendramoksham
which sized in 14 feet by 11 feet. The museum is the treasure of vast
collection of paintings, sculptures and bronze.
Chettikulangara Bhagavati Temple: The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple
draws large crowds of devotees. This is one of the few temples in Kerala
where ritual arts like Garudan Thookkam is performed. Procession of all
decorated structures on chariots, brightly decorated effigies of horses
and bullocks and cultural performance make the festival spectacular.
Festival - February/March.
Pathiramanal: (½ hrs by speedboat/ 1½ hrs by motor boat from Alappuzha)
‘Sands of Midnight’ is the literal meaning of the term Pathira-manal.
There is an interesting story behind its name. A young Brahmin dived into
the Vembanad Lake to perform his evening ablutions and the water made
the way for land to rise from below, thus creating this beautiful island.
This tiny island on the backwaters is a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare
migratory birds from different parts of the world. Lies between Thanneermukkam and Kumarakom, this island is accessible only by boat.
Champakkulam Church: One of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary’s
Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St. Thomas, the
Apostle. The annual feast of this church is usually celebrated on the third
Sunday of October every year. On March 19th the feast of St. Joseph is also
celebrated.
St. George Church,Edathua: (24 Km from Alap puzha on the Alappuzha Thiruvalla road) This church,established in 1810, is dedicated to St.George.
It is believed that prayers and offerings at this church help to heal all
mental disorders and other ailments. During the annual feast (May 5,6,7)
many devotees, irrespective of cast and creed, visit the church and seek
Blessings.
Munnodi Durga Temple: The Kanjiramchira Munnodi Bhagavathy temple,
well known for its prosperity and bounty, is situated on the Sea-Shore of
Alappuzha. In this temple the main deities are Durga and Bhadrakali and
they are given equal importance. Separate Sree Kovils have been built for
the deities and such temples are rare.
Mannarsala Sree Nagaraja Temple: (32 km South of Alappuzha) Mannarsala
in Alappuzha, situated near Haripad, is perhaps the only temple unique
with its deity of Nagaraja, the Serpant God. Snake worship is common in
Kerala and the temple, it is believed, is the residence of five-headed
snake grant boons to devotees. An Uruli (a brass vessel) is offered to the
temple by the childless couple to get a new born nd overturn before the
Nagaraja. The Uruli which remained overturned is kept upright as a symbol of thanks giving by the couples who is blessed with a child.
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ALAPPUZHA|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS