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Churches Of Kerala

Kerala is Asia's cradle of Christianity. Majority of the population in Kerala comprises of Christians. One can enjoy the rich architectural beauty (reredos) of a number of Churches in Kerala and the colorful festivals.

Arthunkal Church, Alappuzha

St. Andrew's Forane Church at Arthunkal, 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. Owing 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. This is known as 'Ettamperunnal'. Of late this feast also has attained as much importance as the principal feast.

St. Mary's Church, Kottayam

Built in 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah, St. Mary's Church is an architectural splendor. It displays outstanding architecture - a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. Visit the church just to admire the walls adorned with beautiful murals made in oriental and western styles on biblical and non biblical themes. Located in Cheriapalli near Kottayam.

Thazhathangadi Valiapalli

Thazhathangadi Valiapalli, built in 1550 AD, belongs to the Knanaya Orthodox Syrian Community. The Persian cross and the Pahlavi inscriptions of this church are famous. Located near Kottayam town.

St. Mary's Church, Manarcad

It is one of the most important churches of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Christians. The main annual event, 'ettunompu' (8 day fasting) is worth mentioning. Devotees from far and wide congregate to participate in the prayers and rituals. Manarcad church is near Kottayam.

St. George's Church, Puthupalli

St. George's Church which 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, the CSI Cathedral Church is a monument from the British Era. The Old Seminary, Marthoma Seminary and Vadavathoor Seminary proclaim Syrian and Roman Christian traditions.

St. Thomas Mount, Malayattoor

This holy place of Christians is located 1200 ft above sea level. Located near Kaladi in Ernakulam distirct. Festival is in the Sunday after Easter.

St. Mary's Church, Kuravilangad

St. Mary's Church, built in 355 AD, has an old bell which bears un traced inscription. Located in Kottayam district.

St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam

St. Joseph's Monastery was built by the blessed Father Chavara Kuriakose Elias. The mortal remains of this saintly priest are preserved here. Thousands of devotees gather here to pay homage to the saint every day. Located in Kottayam district.

Vimalagiri Cathedral, Kottayam

The Cathedral with soaring spires is located in the town and is seen from most of the places in the town. IT is under Vijayapuram Diocese and the St Mary's feast is celebrated here in Dec 8 every year. The church interiors are beautifully decorated and is a nice place for meditation and prayers.

BHARANAMGANAM FEAST

Bharanamganam, a small village town in Meenachal Taluk of Kottayam District, has been famous for long as one of the hallowed places in Kerala. It is about 14 miles from the Ettumanoor railway station. Bharabangaban has always been a refuge of the afflicted and the miserable as well as of the faithful. It is here that the famous St. Mary's Forance Church, one of the oldest churches in Kerala dedicated to the Holy Mother, stands, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the country. The important annual festivals of this church are the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, celebrated on the 9th of November, and the Feast of St. Sebastian on the 20th of January.

Christian Festivals