The foot print of St. Thomas, in printed and visible on this rock. The marks seen on the rock, which are said to have appeared once the saint knelt on the ground.
A hostile reception was given and his life was in danger. According to the Ramban Paattu, he was forced to flee to the top of the mountain and had spent days in the abode of God. In deep anguish and agony St. Thomas prayed to the Lord and upon touching the rock, blood sprang forth from it. In A.D.52 he reached Malayattoor and selected the place for prayer and worship. His zeal for the Lord took him to Mylappoor and later died a martyr's death there in A.D. 72.
Later , while on hunting the local people found a divine light emanating from the hard rock and upon examining the source they found a golden cross. They later discovered the footprints of the great saint and when this extra ordinary piece of news reached the plains , people began to flock the hills of Malayattoor.
St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kerala at Kodungallur (Cranganore) in AD 52. Oral tradition says that while travelling through Malayattor, faced with hostile natives, he fled to the hilltop where he is said to have remained in prayer and that he left his foot prints on one of the rocks. According to beliefs, during prayer, he touched a rock, upon which blood poured from it.
The chief festival is on the first Sunday after Easter. It is traditionally believed that St. Thomas used to make the Sign of the Cross on the rock, kiss it and pray at Kurisumudi. The story has it that a miraculous golden cross appeared at that particular spot.The annual festival of this church is known as 'Malayatoor Perunal' and it is celebrated in the months of March-April.
Best Season: March/April
Transport Terminals: Nearest City: Kalady (10 km)Location: 47 kms away from KochiHow to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Angamally ( 17 kms away)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport ( 15 kms away)
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