Niranam

Niranam is a small village in Southern part of Kerala in India. This beautiful village has a rich tradition of literature, cultural exchange and religious harmony. According to historians and geologists, Niranam was a sea port hundreds of years ago, having trade relations with the Roman Empire and the Middle East. This fact was confirmed by the discovery of ancient Roman coins from Niranam and nearby areas by archeologists. Niranam is also mentioned in the writings of Pliny and Cosmos Indico Pleustes as a trade centre. Geologists suggest that sea was retracted from this area due to some major geographical changes. Even today the soil of near by areas of Niranam is sandy and resemble beaches, though presently these places are not in proximity of sea. The village next to Niranam is Kadapra, and this name is a derivative of the Malayalam word ‘Kadappuram' which means ‘beach'.

May be this importance of Niranam paved for the arrival of St Thomas here in his missionary visit and then lead to the establishment of a church here. (Read about Niranam St Mary's Orthodox Church). The Christian community in Niranam is one of the oldest, anywhere in the world. Now almost all Christian Churches and denominations as well as other religions have a presence in Niranam. All are living in harmony and take part in festivals of other religions.

Niranam PoetsA group of 3 poets lived in this village in the 14th century.Read about them at Niranam poets