Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 188

Kudamaloor Church
800 years old and was built by
Chempakasseri Maharajah

St. Mary’s Church, Kudamaloor: This church 800 years old, was built by
Chempakasseri Maharajah.
Poonjar Palace: (47 km from Kottayam and 18 km from Palai) This is a glorious testimony to the regal opulence of a past. Within the royal palace
walls is an extraordinary royal collection of antiques and exquisite
furniture. It is a wonderland to a modern tourist. The palace is a treasure
of rare collections such as palanquins, palm leaf engravings, variaties of
lamps, weapons, huge chandeliers, grain measures, sculptures of dancing
Siva (Nataraja) etc. Another attractions here is the Sastha temple which
is a replica of Madurai Meenakshi Temple. Puranic stories are narrated
in the walls with the help of sculptures and a chuttuvilakku (round of
lamps) which is very rare is carved stone walls.
Kottathavalam: Accordig to legends the royal family from Madurai rested
here on their way to Poonjar. The rocks within the cave carved like chairs
and couches and the figures of Madurai Meenakshi, Ayyappa, Murugan,
Kannaki and weapons sculpted on them are all worth exploring.
Ayyappara: Legends explain that the five Pandava Brothers, heroes of epic
Mahabharata,stayed near this rock, 2000 feet above sea level, during
their exile. The name is said to be the modification of the orginal term
Anchupara (five rocks). However, some others say that the term owes its
origin to the Ayyappa temple here. This temple has four pillars which
sopport a flat piece of rock that the roof.On one side of the rock is a cave
that can accommodate over 15 people.
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KOTTAYAM|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS