Achenkovil
| Achankovil River | |
|---|---|
Achankovil river
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| Native name | അച്ഛൻകോവിൽ നദി |
| Other name(s) | Achankovil aar |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| Districts | Kollam, Alappuzha |
| Cities | Pathanamthitta, Chengannur, Adoor, Mavelikkara, Konni |
| Basin features | |
| Main source |
Pasukidamettu, Rishimalai and Ramakkalteri rivers originating from Devarmalai of Western ghats 700 m (2,300 ft) |
| River mouth | Joins Pamba at Veeyapuram 9°19′0″N 76°28′0″E / 9.31667°N 76.46667°ECoordinates: 9°19′0″N 76°28′0″E / 9.31667°N 76.46667°E |
| Basin size | 1,484 km2 (573 sq mi) |
| Landmarks | Thazhoor Bhagavathy Kshetram, Thrippara Shiva temple, Kandiyoor Mahadeva temple, Chettikulangara Devi temple, Venmani Sargakavu temple |
| Bridges | Pulakadavu bridge, Chamakkavu pedestrian bridge, Kollakadu bridge, Prayikkara bridge |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Length | 128 km (80 mi) |
Achankovil is a river in Kerala, India, created towards the southern tip of the peninsula by the confluence of the Rishimala, Pasukidamettu, and Ramakkalteri Rivers. The Anchankovil enriches the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala state. It joins with the Pamba River at Veeyapuram, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. Achankovil is also the name of the forest area, which is the catchment area for this river, and of a small town situated in the Achenkovil forest area. The Achankovil village is not easily accessible; however, it can be reached through forest routes.The river also passes through the village Vazhuvadi.
The River Achankovil nurtures numerous townships on its fertile banks. Among them is Pathanamthitta Town, which is the capital of the Pathanamthitta district. It derives its name from its association with the river; Pathanamthitta, from the Malayalam words Pathanam and thitta, means "houses by the riverside".
Other townships/ places include:
Achankovil Shastha Temple, or the Dharmasastha Temple, is one among the five important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. Lord Ayyappa leads the Grihastha Ashrama life here – he is depicted as a family man or leads married life here. He is depicted along with his two wives – Purna and Pushkala. It is believed that the idol here was installed by Parashurama.
The Achankovil Sastha Temple is famous for curing poisonous snake bites. The left hand of the idol of Ayyappa at Achankovil Shastha Temple always holds ‘Chandan’ (sandalwood paste) and Thirtha (holy water). The Chandan and Thirtha are considered to have medicinal properties to cure snake bites. The temple complex also contains other deities associated with the Ayyappa legend. The festivals and rituals held here have strong Tamil roots.
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Wikipedia