Mal: പന്തളം pantaḷaṁ
‘Pandalam (Dynasty)’ Town, Kerala
The Pandalam dynasty was a branch of the Pandya kingdom which fled here in the 10thC. Their territory covered nearly 3,000 sq. km: Konni, Achankovil, Tenkasi and the forest regions of Sabarimala, the abode of Ayyappa.
Pandalam Palace, on the banks of Achankovil river, was the royal residence.
Sabarimala pilgrims, devotees of Ayyappa, come to Pandalam to worship him at the Valiyakoikkal Temple near the Pandalam Palace.
The Pandalam Mahadeva Temple hosts the 10-day Kettukazhcha Festival every year dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Pandalam: Kettukazhcha Festival Sanju സഞ്ജു