Pandalam
Around the 1200s, the Venad Kingdom helped establish the Pandalam principality, which later became part of the Travancore state.
Initially, the Pandalam principality was under the control of Venad. Later, it was given to exiles from the Pandya as a new base. After the Pandyas recaptured Madurai, the Pandalam kings maintained close relations with the Venad rulers.
During Tipu Sultan’s campaigns, Travancore faced financial difficulties. Pandalam, connected with the hill kings, collected taxes from Sabarimala and sent them to the British. Later, the British took control of Travancore, and Pandalam(Zamindar - Landlord) acted as a middleman between the hill groups and the administration.
Until 1903, the Thiruvabharanam was kept in the palace near Sabarimala. After the fire of 1903, it was moved to Pandalam(Zamindar). Following the temple’s reconstruction, the Thiruvabharanam boxes were enlarged, and designs depicting the story of King Rajashekhara were added. Later, a story was included about a child found near the Pampa river connected to King Rajashekhara.
Over time, many narratives about Mahishi/Manikantha focused mainly on Pandalam(Zamindar), gradually losing the historical context.
Inside the Thiruvabharanam, the animal idols represent Ayyappa’s forest cult, while the Arayan Thidambu reflects forest culture, including features such as ears and facemasks.
After the reconstruction of Sabarimala, the Thiruvabharanam procession began from Pandalam.
Due to internal disputes within the Pandalam family, particularly between the Valiya Koyikkal and Cheriya Koyikkal branches, issues related to the ownership and administration of the Thiruvabharanam remain unresolved.
In 2006, a Devaprasnam suggested that custody of the Thiruvabharanam be handed over to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB). The Pandalam family objected, stating that they were not consulted.
In 2020, the Supreme Court of India examined the security and custody of the ornaments and appointed Justice C. N. Ramachandran Nair to assess their value and safety.
It is important to note that the Thiruvabharanam belongs solely to Bhagwan Ayyappa.
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