Pandalam Palace

Pandalam Palace is a historic royal palace situated on the banks of the Achankovil River in Pandalam, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. It was the residence of the Pandalam royal family, believed to be descendants of the Pandya kings of Madurai. The palace holds significant religious importance as Lord Ayyappa is said to have been born here. The sacred ornaments for Sabarimala temple are carried from this palace annually.

Visitors can see the historic palace structure located on the banks of the Achankovil River. The site features traditional architecture and offers views of the river. The nearby Valiyakoikkal Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is part of the palace complex area. During the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, devotees visit in large numbers. The palace grounds provide insight into the royal heritage of the region.

Pandalam Palace was home to the royal family of Pandalam, who ruled the princely state that extended up to Thodupuzha in Idukki district. The royal family is believed to have descended from the Pandya kings of Madurai who fled to Pandalam during Chola attacks. The King of Pandalam helped Marthanda Varma conquer the Kayamkulam province. Pandalam was added to Travancore in 1820 and served as the capital of the ancient Travancore kingdom.

The palace holds considerable religious magnitude as it is associated with Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of Sabarimala. According to legend, Lord Ayyappa had his human sojourn at Pandalam as the adopted son of the King of Pandalam. The sacred ornaments (Thiruvabharanam) of Lord Ayyappa are carried from Pandalam Palace to Sabarimala in a grand procession three days prior to the Makaravilakku festival, attracting thousands of devotees during the pilgrimage season.