Malayatoor, set in the backdrop of the Western Ghats and overlooking the picturesque Periyar River, is known as the land of St. Thomas.
It is the place where the hills embrace the white clouds lovingly, the sparkling river spreads its bounty, the Golden Cross emanates a divine aura, and the well-preserved footprints of St. Thomas, the holy Malaytoor shrine and the miraculous water well speak of their divine past.
Location
: This internationally famed church lies52 kms from Kochi and stands at the top of the Malayatoor Hill that is 609 m high.Dedicated
: The church is consecrated to St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ.History
: In AD 52, St. Thomas set ashore at Kodungalloor port in Kerala, established 7 churches and set up a Christian community at Malayattoor. He founded the Malayatoor Church at the top of the hill. A Golden Cross on the mountain was found glowing later and a rock with the impression of the pious feet of St. Thomas was also discovered in this holy place.Religious Significance
: The church enshrines a full-size effigy of St. Thomas and the footprints of the holy man engraved in a rock. The age-old pond used for baptism and the ancient podium are of religious and historical importance.Festival
: The first Sunday following Easter is regarded as a very sacred day. Pilgrims mount the steep hill of Kurisumudi to visit the Malayatoor Church by intoning the name of St.Thomas('Ponninkurisumala Muthappa'). They assemble for celebrating the yearly festival of 'Malayatoor Perunnal', observed during the months of March and April.Architecture
: The church is constructed in the Greco-Roman architectural style. The altar is adorned in the classical Greek style, while the It has a combination of architecture with the altar designed in traditional, and the frontage resembles the ancient Roman Catholic Church architecture. At the rear of the main altar, the sculptures, patterns and paintings depicting the five joyous enigmas of Jesus Christ are found. The church has different arrangements for adoration and confession.Other Facts
The church offers bathing facilities in the adjacent river. Before bathing in this river, the pilgrims shave their beard and hair according to the custom.
There is an assortment of other religious ceremonies in this Parish church .Ordinary mass, high mass, Adima, Novena, Vedi Litany and so on are some services of this church.
Around the Church
Marthoma Mandapam - The treasured, sacred relics are kept safely in this impressive edifice. Golden Cross- In this famous hill of Kurishumudi, the Golden Cross is enclosed which is believed to have become prominent on a rock signed a cross with his finger.
The Miraculous Water Well- Near the holy shrine of Malayatoor, the miraculous well is located from where St. Thomas drank water during his prayer.
Pilgrims believe that the water of this extraordinary well has miraculous healing powers.
Connectivity
Rail
: The nearest railway station is Angamaly, which is located about 17 km from Malayattoor.Air
: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, at Nedumbassery, which is about 15 km from Malayattoor.Last Updated on 24 May 2011
