Niranam

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%.

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 in AD 54 Now known as *[(Niranam St Marys Orthodox Cathedral)]*. 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 Malankara Orthodox Church.

The Christian community in Niranam is therefore 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 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, 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.

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, 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(St Marys Orthodox Cathedral) Founded By St Thomas in AD 54

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.There is Myth that, Parashurama (Sanskrit: परशुराम), (Paraśurāma), is the sixth avatar of Vishnu, descendant of Brahma and pupil of Shiva,Who and his devotees Build Up Ashram Near Pattamukkil Tharavad for Vedic Devotion,Puja and Prayers. During that Period, the place was known by the name "Bhakta Giri".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