Niranam
| Niranam നിരണം | |
|---|---|
| Large Village | |
  Niranam | |
| 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 |
 India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Pathanamthitta |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 10,770 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Malayalam, English |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN number | 689621 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-27 |
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.
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.
Saint Thomas the Apostle is believed to have landed here and founded the Christian church. Perhaps the importance of Niranam as a port was the reason for his arrival.
The community were probably Jewish traders who became Christians and later were part of the Syrian Church of Antioch and Edessa.[2]
The Christian community in Niranam is therefore is the oldest in India and among the oldest in the world. 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 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, though the most easy way would be to move through the Edathva Road. 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.
Places of Interest
Niranam, being an old settlement of both Brahmanic and Christian people, has a composite culture and historical buildings.
The Thrikkapaleeshvara Temple
This is a very old Shiva temple, famous for its mention in the works by Niranam poets. This temple, like the Sree Vallabha Temple, also housed a Vedic school system "Niranathu sala", though not popular or rich as the former. 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
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 the Apostle. This is a very important place for the Christians.
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.
Notable natives and residents
Kannassa poets (Niranam poets) - 14th century CE
- K.P.Yohannan
- K C Mammen Mapillai
- Kochummen Perumal Panangottathu Pallivathukal
- C.P. Mathen
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. |
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