13 Gorgeous & Famous Churches In Kerala
There are three main religions in Kerala – Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Christianity is a very important religion having a sizeable population. There are several Christian pilgrimage sites spread across the state. Almost all of them are devoted to some of the oldest and architecturally brilliant churches.
Let’s go on a visit to some of the famous churches of Kerala.
1. Malayattoor Church
The St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Malayattoor is one of the most famous pilgrim centers for Christians in Kerala. Malayattoor is situated on the north-eastern side of Ernakulam or Kochi. The name Malayattoor, means the amalgamation of mountain (mala), river (aattu) and place (ooru). The church attained great fame when the apostle of Jesus Christ, St. Thomas came here to start his missionary work.
According to legends, when St. Thomas arrived here to preach the teachings of Jesus Christ, he received a hostile reception. He fled to the top of a mountain at Malayattoor known as Kurisumudi and prayed to the Lord. He was in great anguish, and the Mother of the Lord appeared before him and consoled him. Malayattoor Church was built atop this mountain.
2. St. Alphonsa’s Church, Bharananganam
St. Alphonsa, the first saint of India was a very pious nun and her mortal remains rest here at Bharananganam, 5 kilometers from Pala in Kottayam district. St. Alphonsa’s feast is a very popular event held every year in July. Pope Benedict XVI declared her as a saint on 12th October 2008. The church itself was built after her canonization.
3. Vallarpadam Church
The Vallarpadam Church, located in Cochin, is also known as ‘The Church of Our Lady Ransom’ and dedicated to Mother Mary. The Mother is fondly remembered as “Vallarpadathamma”. The church, built originally by the Portuguese was destroyed during the Dutch period and was rebuilt again in 1676.
The Government of India recognized the church as a divine and holy church in 1951. Irrespective of the caste and religion they belong to, people from all over the world flock to this church. Pope Leo XIII declared the church as a “special church” in 1888.
4. Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi
Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the eight well-known Basilicas in India. It is situated in Fort Kochi – one of the must see places near Kochi. This fine church has an imposing edifice and is extremely popular for its magnificent structure and style. The church was built during the arrival of Portuguese missionaries in 1500 CE, with permission from the then Raja of Cochin.
The church went through major renovations over time; the present church was consecrated in 1905. This church serves as a notable landmark of Cochin.
5. St. Francis Church, Fort Kochi
St. Francis Church is believed to be the oldest European church in the country. The church, situated in Fort Kochi, bears mute witness to the colonialization of Europeans in India. Built out of timber in the 16th century, the church was later reconstructed in stone masonry. Initially, Vasco da Gama was buried here, and years later, the remains were transferred to Lisbon, Portugal.
6. Arthunkal Church
Located 22 kilometers north of Alappuzha district of Kerala, you have the famous St. Sebastian Church known as Arthunkal Church. A yearly feast, attended by thousands of devotees, is held here in mid-January. The fishermen in the nearby areas worship St. Sebastian, fondly known as Arthunkal Punyavaalan before they go out to the sea. The feast is known as Arthunkal feast.
7. St. George Forane Church, Edappally
St. George Forane Church is situated in Edappally, which is located at a distance of about 10 kilometers from the main part of Ernakulam. This church is believed to be the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Kerala. The church is also known as Edappally Palli (church) and was constructed in 594 AD. Several renovations were done, of which the most noted one was done in 1080 AD.
The church has a miracle well, believed to have curing powers. People drink the water from the well, take home the water in bottles and wash their face and hands. The feast of St. George is held every year on April 23rd, and ends on May 15th.
8. Kadamattom Church
Kadamattom Church is a famous Malankara Jacobite Orthodox Syrian Church and is well-known for its old Persian cross. The church was built in the Indo-Persian style and was discovered in the 9th century. The famous Kadamattathu Kathanar, a priest with mystical powers and unnatural capabilities lived here, according to legends, and was closely related to the church. The church is situated 30 kilometers from Kochi atop a hill.
9. Nadamel Marth Mariam Church, Thrippunithura
Nadamel Marth Mariam Church was built during the 12 century by the parishioners of Karingachira Church. Located at Thrippunithura, Kochi, the church is very important to Jacobite Syrians.
10. Vimalagiri Church, Kottayam
Vimalagiri Church situated in Kottayam is famous for its Gothic style architecture. One notable feature of the church is its 172 feet tall tower. The tower is already recorded as one of the “tallest church towers” in Kerala.
There are many more popular churches in Kerala. You can visit them anytime during the year; but a visit to Kerala during Christmas time will be the best as the sight of churches resplendent in bright coloured lights will be simply awe-inspiring!
11. Catholic Rosary Church, Thalassery
Owing to its incredible craftsmanship, Catholic Rosary Church is another delight of the state. The colonial architecture, stained glasses, frescos and the wide façade are highly admirable, making it one of the must-see names in the list of churches in Kerala. The church is located near Thalassery fort and beach, hence offers unobstructed sea views as well.
12. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, Thrissur
Our Lady of Dolours Basilica alias Puthanpally is a minor basilica of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Thrissur City in the Indian state of Kerala. The third tallest church in Asia, it is famous for its Gothic style architecture. Built in fine Indo-Gothic style with an area of 25,000 square feet (2,300 m2), it has soaring belfries at the entrance, double storeyed aisles all along the nave and transepts, and eleven altars, five on either side of the main one. It is the largest church in India and its exuberant interior decorations include fine specimens of murals, images of saints and scenes from the scriptures.
13. Parumala Church, Kottayam
St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Parumala, also known as Parumala Pally, is a parish church of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The present church, which can accommodate more than 2000 worshippers, was designed by Charles Correa. It is a circular design with an inner diameter of 39 meters. This circle is again divided into three segments by two chords of 16 meters length. The church contains the tomb of St.Gregorious of parumala, who died on 2 November 1902 at the age of 54. Belief in his saintly qualities caused it to become a centre of pilgrimage and in 1947 he was beatified by the Catholicos of the church, Baselios Geevarghese II.
Article written by Sunu Philip.
