Niranam
Niranam
Niranam is a small village in the Travancore region, the eastern part of Upper Kuttanad, near Mannar. It was a port in ancient Kerala, on the meeting point of the Manimala and Achankovil River. Niranam is almost 5 kilometres from Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala. It is a typical agricultural village, full of paddy fields and coconut trees.There is a mention about Niranam in the writings of Pliny and Cosmos Indicopleustes as a trade centre. The ancient Roman coins were found from Niranam,thus it was confirmed that once Niranam had trade relations with Roman Empire.
Niranam, which is six kms from Thirualla, is famous for the Orthodox Syrian Church, built by St.Thomas. Saint Thomas the Apostle is believed to have landed here for his missionary works and founded the Christian church. It is one of the oldest Christian churches in India, which is believed to be one of the seven churches founded by St.Thomas. The Christian community in Niranam is therefore is the oldest in India and among the oldest in the world. Niranam Cathedral has been the seat of the various Malankara metroplitians.
As a result of the flood of 1341, the soil of nearby areas of Niranam is still sandy and resembles beaches, though presently these palces are not close to the sea.
This place is also the birthplace of the great Malayalam poets, popularly known as the ‘Kannassa Panickers’.
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