Kerala, the land of rivers and backwaters, is a green strip of land in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. In Kerala you can experience freshness and touch of mother earth in every where.This is the reason why the keralites calling their State "God's Own Country" Kerala.
The major tourist destinations in the State include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Munnar, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sabrimala.
The Church of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam is a famous
pilgrim centre. People from all parts of Kerala and outside, irrespective of
caste or creed come to the church to seek the Blessings of Mary, the mother of
Jesus, popularly known as 'VALLARPADATHAMMA'. Vallarpadath Amma is believed to
have miraculously saved her devotees several time from violent storms. The
Feast of Vallarpadathamma is celeberated from 16th to 24th September every
year. Pilgrims, thousand in number, come to Vallarpadam to participate in the
Feast, especially on 24th September.
For More Information Visithttp://www.vallarpadathamma.net/
How to reach
Nearest railway station:Ernakulam Junction/Town Railway Station
Nearest airport:Cochin International Airport
Sunday, May 15, 2016
St. Alphonsa Church is an important pilgrim centre in South
India, is located on the banks of Meenachil river, 5 km east of Pala in
Kottayam district in the state of Kerala. It is also called Bharananganam . Thousands
gather at this holy shrine during the annual festival: Feast of the St.
Alphonsa (July).
For more information,please visit http://alphonsa.net/
How to reach
Nearest railway station:Kottayam Railway Station is 25 km away
Nearest airport:Cochin International Airport is 62 km away
St. Mary's church Kudamaloor is one of the ancient churches
of the Syro-Malabar Rite. It is a Marian pilgrim center. Kudamaloor is the home
parish of St. Alphonsa, the first saint from India. The saint was baptised in
the baptismal pond in the old church. Rev Fr Placid Podippara CMI (considered
as the Father of modern Syro- Malabar Church) and Very Rev Nidhiri Manikathanar
are also from this parish. It is situated 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north of
Kottayam town. "Alphonsa Bhavan" - the birthplace of Blessed Alphonsa
is under this parish. Mannanam, a pilgrim centre, where the tomb of Blessed
Kuriakose Elias Chavara situates, is also under this parish. The old church was
built by King Chempakasserry on AD 1125.
Kaduthuruthy Valiapally - Ave Maria of Knanaya Community is
a historic church, originally established in AD 400. Located in Kaduthuruthy,
the present Kaduthuruthy St. Mary’s Valiapally is a third building serving the
congregation, and is linked to the history of the Knanaya community known as
Southists, who migrated to Kerala under the leadership of Kanai Thommen in AD
345 from East Syria to escape from the severe persecution of Persian emperor
Shapor-II. For more information: Please visit:http://www.kaduthuruthyvaliapally.com/
The St.Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral,commonly known as
"Thumpamon Valiyapally" is an ancient church located here.It is the
headquarters of the Thumpamon Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian
Church.The church first was built in AD 717 and it is among the one of oldest
churches in Kerala.Established in AD 717. Re-constructed in the present
location during the 10th century. Modified by St. Gregorious of Parumala.
There are no written records to support the popular belief
that the Nazarene Christian came and settled in and around Thumpamon about 1600
years ago.
Nor is there record about the exact date of establishment of
the ‘Thumpamon Valiyapally’ the ancestral place of worship of the Nazarene
Christians who had settled down in Thumpamon. This is perhaps due to our
negligent attitude towards preserving, maintaining and safe guarding written
records about our heritage for the benefit of posterity. Accordingly, for
writing a history of ‘Thumpamon Valiyapally’, credence has to be a placed on
the stories and legends transmitted by word of mouth from generation to
generation and also on random references made in certain works on Travancore
history.
St. Mary's Orthodox Church is situated at the heart of a
small village called Kallooppara, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. It is
one of the oldest and renowned churches in Kerala and a priced possession of
Malankara Sabha. The church have a legacy of around seven centuries, keeping
its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values.
The church is a perfect example of the ancient temple architecture and is an
elegant representation of the beautiful shingled roof tops in the early
Travancore style. The church has a splendid blend of beauty and science in it
and is a mystery the way it has overcome all the challenges of time. The church
which is the worshiping place of thousands has been a topic of research for
many.
Even though there are no clear evidence for the origin and
age of the church. It is commonly believed that the founding stone of the
church was laid on Malayalam month Karkadakam 3rd of 515 (A.D.1339).
The church has been declared as the "Pilgrim center of
St. Mary" on January 9th 2009 by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didimos
Ist.
Niranam Valiapally (St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church,
Niranam), is a parish under the Niranam diocese of the Malankara Orthodox
Syrian Church. This church was founded by St. Thomas (Mar Thoma), the Apostle
of Jesus Christ, in AD 54. The present building, supposedly the fourth, was
constructed in 1912 and was renovated during the year 2000. For more information:Please visit:http://niranamchurch.com/ How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur ,Harippad and Thiruvalla
Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram & Cochin International
Airport
The St. George's Church at Puthupalli in Kottayam district
of Kerala, is believed to have been built by the Thekkumkoor Rajas. The golden
cross in this church is well known. The feast of St. George (Gee Varghese) is
the annual event.The CSI Cathedral Church, built over 175 years ago, is a
monument from the British Era. The Old Seminary, Marthoma Seminary and
Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman Christian traditions.
The Marthamariam Cathedral (St. Mary's Cathedral) at
Manarcad has been internationally Famous for centuries and draws believers from
far and wide.Manarcad is situated just 9 kms away from kottayam town, the
headquaters of Kottayam district in Kerala.This is one of the most important
churches of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christians. Manarcad cathedral is the
most important church among the ancient churches of Malankara. The stone
inscriptions found at the church reveal that the church was built more than a
1000 years ago. Archeologists have found out that these stone inscriptions were
memorial stones set up at the tombs in 910 A.D. and 920 A.D. and the writing on
them are in Malayalam and Tamil scripts prevalent 600 years ago.
Afterwards, on several occasions, the church was rebuilt and
renewed. In the 16th century there was not a single church in the land which
was not re-built in the Portugese style. It is believed that the Manarcad
cathedral also was re-built at that time in the model of the Kottayam Small
Church .The Manarcad Church has been in existence right from its inception till
date under the leadership of the Holy Bava, the Patriarch of Antioch and of all
East from the throne of St.Peter and the Blessed Catholic Bava and the Arch
Bishop appointed by the Throne of Antioch.
The ettunompu (8 day fasting) is the main annual event when
devotees from far and wide congregate to participate in the prayers and rituals.
The ancient practice of 8 day fast and the Feast of Virgin Mary's Birth are
celebrated between September 1st and 8th of every year at the cathedral.
The Arthunkal St. Andrew's Forane Church is located at Arthunkal, Alappuzha district, Kerala, India
was originally built by the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. It was
rebuilt in 1584, under the then vicar Fr. Jacoma Fenicio, whom the devotees
claim, possessed magical powers to heal the body and mind. Devotees fondly
referred to him as "Arthunkal Veluthachan", which in English
translates to "fair skinned father". Fr. Fenicio died in 1632. Eight
years after his death, the church was rebuilt again, this time facing the west
towards the long white-sand beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea. In 1647, a
statue of St. Sebastian, struck with arrows all over his bleeding body (he was
executed on the order of the Roman emperor for embracing the Christian faith)
sculptured in Milan, was brought and placed in the Arthunkal church.
Arthunkal St Andrew's Basilica (St. Andrew's Forane Church
at Arthunkal) is one of the sacred churches in Kerala, attracts lakhs of
devotees both Christians and non-Christians every year from all parts of the
State. The feast of St. Sebastian is celebrated on a grand scale for eleven
days in a year. Owning to the unmanageable crowding of pilgrims and the
resultant confusion on January 20 the final day of the feast, the church
authorities have instituted another minor feast on the 8th day after the
principal feast (Octave). This is known as 'Ettam perunnal'. Of late this feast
also has attained as much importance as the principal feast.
Holy Mass Timing
Daily Mass at 0530 am, 0700 am and 0530 pm. Baptism on 2nd
and 4th Sundays at 1030 am. St Sebastian's Novena, Holy Mass & Adoration on
Thursdays at 1100 am and 0430 pm. Daily Adoration in the Old church from 0800
am to 0530 pm.
How to Reach Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery
is about 80 km from Arthunkal Nearest Railway station : Cherthala (6 km) / Alappuzha (22
km).
Kurisumala Ashram is at the heart of the Sahya Mountains,
which run parallel to India's south west coast.It is a famous Christian Pilgrim
center located at a distance of 60kms from Kottayam.
Kurisumala Ashram is a community of spiritual seekers who
have become one in the spirit. The spiritual light of Kurisumala is the
Acharya, the leader of seekers. The history of Kurisumala Ashram is the history
of Acharya. It was in 1955 that John, at baptism, a Belgian by birth, but
brother Francis as a Cistercian monk, and an Indian citizen since 1968, reached
Kerala. He was prompted by an inner call, a call to a new life.
During the holy week, thousands of devotees from far and
near converge here to climb this holy hill, carrying small wooden crosses. At
the peak of the hill, there is a Jewish monastery also known as Kurisumala
Ashramam, which has a small community of ascetics who follow Christian faith
but combines with it the Indian spiritual traditions and Gandhian thoughts.
On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a
rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva). The road to
Kurisumala offers some real sightseeing opportunities in a European model house
and the beautiful artificial lake, both designed by the renowned architect,
Laurie Baker.
Christianity has had a foothold in this part of India since
the time of Christ, and this church is one of the oldest in Kerala. Believed to
be one of the seven churches built by St Thomas around the 1st century AD,
Champakulam offers the best glimpse of this religion's influence in the region.
Champakulam Kalloorkadu St. Mary’s Forane Church (also
called Champakulam Valia Palli) is one of the oldest Christian churches in
India and the mother church of almost all Catholic Syrian churches in Alleppey
District. Believed to be established in AD 427. Rebuilt many times and the many
rock inscriptions found around the church tell us about the history of the
church. The open air Rock Cross at Champakulam church is one of the most
ancient ones with clear documentation of its antiquity up to AD 1151. There are
many archaeological artifacts found around the church about its history.
Champakulam church was once under Niranam Church, which was founded by the
Apostle Saint Thomas himself. Champakulam Church had very friendly relations
with the Jacobite Syrian group and had a pivotal role in many ecumenical
efforts in the Eighteenth century.
Vimalagiri Church, Kottayam is one of the prominent churches
of Kerala. It is located in Kottayam, is one of the significant cathedrals
under the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The deity worshiped in the church is Vimalambika.
The church is also popularly known as Angathattu Palli. It has been gathered
from the history, that the foundation stone of Vimalagiri Church was laid in
the year 1956. The construction of the grand edifice was finished in the year
1964. The church has been constructed in the lines of traditional Gothic style
of architecture. The church's central tower rises to a lofty height of 172
feet, thereby making it one of the highest church towers in Kerala. The main
feast of the church is celebrated in the month of December.
St. Thomas Orthodox Valiya Pally is
situated at Kurampala just one kilometer South of Pandalam Junction, not far
away from M.C. Road in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala.
St. Thomas Orthodox Valiya Pally
celebrated its Centenary during 2006. The church has three altars. The centre
altar is dedicated to St. Thomas, the altar on the northern side is dedicated
to St. Mary and the southern side altar in dedicated to St. George. A Chapel is
also constructed at Pandalam Town and weekly Holy Qurabana is conducted here.
The Holy Relics of the Saint Parumala Thirumeni is kept here
Martha Mariam church is the ancestral home of Christian
communities in Kerala and out side the State. It is in Meenachil Taluk, 22 kms
north of Kottayam, on the eastern side of M.C. Road. Martha Mariam Church
belongs to the diocese of Palai. Traditional beliefs, some legendary factors
and historical associations contribute to the actual history of the church. It
is believed that four Christian families - viz. Palli (Kalli), Kaliyakal
(kalikavu), Sankarapuri and Pakalomattam from Palayur arrived at Ettumanoor and
they moved to Kalikavu near Kuravilangad in the beginning of the second century.Kuruvilangad
Church's Altar Fountain It is also believed that Our Lady appeared to a few
children at Kuravilangad, who were tending their flock in the bushes. Our Lady
asked them to build a church at the place from where a miraculous perpetual
spring sprouted, a spring which exists even today. The children reported this
matter to the elders and a church was built there. The present church was
completed in 1960 when Rev. Fr. Thomas Manakattu was the parish priest.
The land of Kuravilangad is blessed by the esteemed presence
of St. Mary’s Forane Church, which was built in 105 A.D(just one hundred years
before Constantine declared Christianity as the official religion in the Roman
Empire). It is believed, Mother Mary's first appearance in the world, was in
Kuravilangad. Our Lady appeared to a few children at Kuravilangad, who were
tending their flock in the bushes. Our Lady asked them to build a church at the
place from where a miraculous perpetual spring sprouted, a spring which exists
even today. The children reported the events to the elders and a church was
built there. The church is noted for its old bell, which contains inscriptions
belonging to some unknown script. Another significant artifact is a model of a
ship made from wood.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
For more information pls visit :www.kuravilangadpally.com
Believed to have been established by the apostle St. Thomas, this church was relocated to the southern banks of the Meenachil River with the cooperation of poet Kunchan Nambiar and his family. In 1107, the Valiapalli was built on the original site. Oil poured into lamps and kept before the image of Infant Jesus is the votive offering here – a ritual similar to the devotional practices of Hindus.
How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Nearest Airport: Cochin
International Airport
St.George's Forane Church, Aruvithura belonging to the Syro-Malabar Rite in the diocese of Palai, is situated on the left bank of the river Meenachil. A beacon of the nineteen century old Christian faith, the church stands on a picture square spot, about 25 miles due east to Kottayam. The ancient name of the place was Irapuzhai or Irapeli. Irapeli had a vigorous trade with the Tamil countries lying beyond the Western Ghats. The Tamil traders according to their vernacular idioms dubbed the place Aruvithura, as there was a big water fall close to the town. As it is traditionally believed, St.Thomas, the apostle of India, who preached the Christian faith in the important and popular villages of Malabar at the dawn of Christianity also visited Irapeli. The local tradition is that St.Thomas founded seven churches and a half in Malabar and that the church of Irapeli is the half church.
The first edifice of the church at Irapeli was of granite stone after the manner of Hindu temples. It was rebuilt once or twice before the 16th century as it is reported. Towards the beginning of the 16th century a new church was built under the direction of priest Mathew of Kallarackal belonging to the parish. This 16th century church was demolished in 1951 preserving the Sanctuary with its Valuting within the right - transept of the newly built Cruciform church to enshrine the miraculous statue of St.George, its second patron. A cruciform magnifient church in Gothic style, liturgically facing to the west has been completed in 1952.
The church of Irapeli having apostolic origin, was first dedicated to the Virgin mother, assumed into heaven. In the 14th century when the church of Nilackal or Chayal, one of those churches founded by St.Thomas was destroyed, several families migrated to Irapeli .They carried with them a statue of St.George .Ever since the advent of the statue, the people began to have unflinching faith in the saint and he has been particularly beneficial in bestowing favours on his clients. Because of the numerous favours obtained through the intercession of the saint, the 16th century church was dedicated to him and his statue was placed in the central niche above the main alter. And in this way St.Mary’s church Irapeli became known as St.George’s Church Irapeli (Later Aruvithura).
Out of their great veneration and affection towards the saint, the people call him by the popular affectionate term “Valyachan”.(Grand Uncle or Grand Papa). Friday which is believed to be the day on which the saint suffered martyrdom, is observed as a special day of devotion. So, the votive masses in honour of the saint is generally turned “Friday Mass”. In accordance with the tradition of the Syrian Church that was prevalent at Irepeli prior to the 17 th century the feast of St.George is still celebrated on April 24 th.
How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam There are regular trains
from Kottayam to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam (165 km), and Ernakulam (65
km) Nearest Airport: Cochin international Airport, is 76 kms
Fort Cochin (presently Fort Kochi) is the oldest European settlement in India and St. Francis Church is the first European Church that was built in India. The History of this Church reflects the colonial struggle of European powers in India from the 15th to 20th centuries.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to discover the sea route to India when Vasco da Gama landed at Calicut in 1498. Two years later, on 24th December 1500, Portuguese ships, under the command of Admiral Cabral, visited Cochin and the Rajah of Cochin permitted them to engage in trade. In 1503 Alphonso Albuquerque was given permission by the Rajah to build a fort at the mouth of the river which was constructed mainly of the stems of coconut trees bound with iron bands, whilst the rampart of stones and sand formed the inner defence. Within the fort they erected a church made of wood which was dedicated to St. Bartholomew and that stood on the exact place where the more spacious existing structure of the Franciscans later arose. In 1506 Dom Francisco Almeyda, the Viceroy, was given permission by the Rajah of Cochin to build a new city using mortar and stone and building roofed with titles (a privilege hitherto been confined only to the palace of the local prince and to the temples in which he performed puja). The Portuguese vowed that apart from the fortifications, the first permanent erection would be a church for divine worship. Accordingly, the wooden structure was replaced with one made of mortar and bricks. The new church was completed in 1516 and dedicated to St. Antony.
Towards the end of 1524 Vasco Da Gama returned to Cochin (his first visit was in 1502) where he died on the Christmas eve of that year and was buried in this Church. Fourteen years later, his remains were shipped to Portugal and deposited at Vidigveria where they remained until 1872 when they were removed to the monastery of Jeronimos in Lisbon, its present abode.
The Church remained in the Order of St. Francis until the arrival of the Dutch in 1663. One of the first acts of the Dutch was to order all European Catholic priests to quit their territory, after which they demolished all the convents and churches of the place, except the Church of the Franciscans, which they reconditioned and converted into their Government Church. On 8th January 1664 they celebrated their first service with a parade of all arms on the anniversary of their entry into the city. During the reconditioning, the stone altar and the wiring guilded screens were removed and taken to the Church of Vypeen, which the Dutch permitted the Roman Catholics to build in 1665, and the communion table and the rostrum furniture were installed in their stead. A tablet over the west door indicates that the Church was renovated in 1779.The Dutch cemetery here is one of the oldest cemeteries in India. Hundreds of Europeans left their homeland on a mission to expand their colonial empires. The tombstones in this cemetery are the most authentic record of these Europeans who changed the course of history of this land. The cemetery was consecrated in the year 1724. It is owned and maintained by St. Francis C.S.I. Church.
When the British captured Cochin from the Dutch in 1795, they permitted the Dutch to retain possession of the Church for a time. In 1804 the Dutch voluntarily surrendered the Church to the Anglican Communion when it was passed to the Ecclesiastical Department of the Government of India. But when Rev. Thomas Norton came to Cochin in 1816 on his way to Alleppey to inaugurate the work of the Church Missionary Society, he found that the Church was just bare walls, the interior was very dilapidated and part of the roof had fallen in. Later, the building was sufficiently restored to enable Bishop Middleton, the Metropolitan, to use it for a confirmation service during his Episcopal visit to the Malabar Coast.
The change of name of the patron saint was presumably due to the Anglicans, for it was not until 1870 that any reference was made to St. Francis Church. The gravestones laid on the walls of the Church were taken from the floor of the grave in 1886. On the northern sidewall Portuguese gravestones can be seen and the Dutch gravestones on the southern wall. The Vasco da Gama stone is on the ground at the southern side. A table inside the building over the west door shows that it was "repaired by the Government of Madras in 1887, being the fiftieth year of the reign of Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India".The Church possesses an interesting link with the past in the form of the 'Doop Book', the old baptism and marriage register from 1751-1804, which may be accessed in the vestry. It was maintained for 40 years in the handwriting of Predikant Cornelies and was sent to London in 1932 for getting the leaves repaired by experts. It was then rebound in the original style. A Photostat copy takes the place of the original for scrutiny by visitors.The Church became a protected monument in April 1923 under the Protected Monuments Act 1904. The Cenotaph in memory of the residents of Cochin who fell in the First Great War erected in 1920 and was unveiled by the Governor of Madras on 21st October of that year. The boundary walls were erected in 1924.
The Clock on this Church was erected in the year 1923 in memory of Hal Harrison Jones, a former Managing Director of Aspinwall & Company.The Pankhas or Fans found in the Church are a reminder of the British opulence of that period.A few memorial brass plates and marble slabs were erected in memory of very important persons who had dedicated their own lives to this Church and the society. The present furniture were installed when it was under the Anglican order of worship.
The Church of South India (C.S.I), spreading as 22 dioceses throughout the four states in the southern part of India, and in Sri Lanka, owns the Church. There is regular worship service in this Church on all Sundays and commemorative days. On weekdays it is kept open for visitors and tourists.The Church of South India (C.S.I) – the second largest Christian community in India-is an ecumenical church since 1947.
How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Railway Station, about 15 kms
away Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 35 kms
Pallikkunnu Church, one of the religious sites, is located at a distance of around 24 km from Vythri. Situated in a village of North Kerala, the Latin Catholic Church also known as the Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral is popular among natives.
The shrine was constructed by Fr. Jefreno, a French priest, in 1908 and is dedicated to the Lourdes Matha. The rituals and customs of the church are similar to those performed in the Hindu temples.The church celebrates its annual two week "Perunnal"festival from February 2nd to 18th. The celebration is at its peak on the 10th and 11th day. A large number of devotees come from various parts of the district to attend the festival.
How to reachBy
road: Catch a bus from Kalpetta to Vilmbumbukandam or Venniyode and get down at
Pallikunnu stop Nearest Railway Station : Kozhikode, about 97 kms by road
from Sulthan Bathery. Nearest Airport : Karipur International Airport,
Kozhikode, nearly 120 kms from Sulthan Bathery.
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.
Malayattoor a meeting place of mountain and river shot into prominence when she was blessed by the missionary work of St. Thomas the apostle of Jesus Christ. He set foot at Kodungalloor, in A.D.52 and founded the famous seven churches. On his way to Mylapoor, he set down at Malayattoor.
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)
