|
|
|
| Religion |
|
|
| Kottayam Valiyapally |
This ancient Syrian Knanaya Church
is the oldest in this part of the country,
and the mother church for almost all
the Christians of this area.
This
church was built in the year 1550 A.D
by the descendants of the Syrian Knanaya
Christians who migrated to India in
345 A.D. from Jerusalem and nearby places
under the leadership of kana Thoma.
The migrants consisted of Bishop |
 |
|
| Joseph
of Urha, two priests and two deacons, besides a
group of four hundred persons, representing seventy-two
families from seven clans. They landed at Crangannore
and were cordially welcomed by Cheraman Perumal,
the then ruler of Malabar (Northern region of present
Kerala) . |
| Good Shepherd Church |
Top |
Situated behind the civil station
at Kottayam, this is the first church
of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The construction
work of this church was completed in
1882. It was renovated in 1964. It is
constructed in the Italian style. The
feast of St. Sebastian is on 20th January
and that of Good Shepherd is from 10th
to 12th of April.
|
 |
|
| St: George's Church, Aruvithura |
Aruvithura is 35kms east of Kottayam town. The St. George’s
Church here is one of the oldest churches in Kerala.
It is believed that this church was constructed
by St. Thomas. The reconstruction of this church
was done in the 16th century A.D. The
feast of Aruvithura Church fall on 23rd,
24th and 25th of April every
year. |
| St.Mary’s Church , Manarcad |
Top |
Situated 10 Km. east of Kottayam town,
Manarcad Church is famous for the 'Ettu Noyampu'
i.e., the eight-day retreat and fast which
begins on the 1st of September every year. The
Perunnal (Feast) falls on 8th and 9th of September.
The pilgrims participating in the retreat stay
in the church itself for these days and spend
all the time fasting with prayers. The Church
has a tank and a cross which are considered sacred
|
| St. George’s Orthodox Church,Puthupally |
Puthuppally is 8 Km. away from Kottayam
town. The church in the name of St.
George is located at the centre of the
famous temples of Vennimala, Kadamuri,
Iravinelloor and Vazhakkulam. It is
believed that the Kings of Thekkumkur
had constructed this church when they
ruled Vennimala. The Perunnal which
is in the month of May attracts a large
crowd.
St. George Church, popularly known as
'Puthupally Pally' is a famous pilgrim
center. |
 |
|
Thousands of devotees throng to the
church to celebrate the annual feast of St George
in the first week of May every year. A noon meal
served to the pilgrims at church courtyard (Vechoottu),
colourful procession carrying the Gold Cross of
the Church and fireworks are the main programmes
of the feast. |
| St: Mary's Church, Athirampuzha |
Top |
Situated 10 Kms. north of Kottayam town,
though this ancient church is dedicated to St.
Mary, it is the feast of St. Sebastian that attracts
a large crowd to the church. The statue of St.
Sebastian installed here is considered very ancient.
During the days of the Portuguese three statues
were brought to. Kerala; the legend says that
the smallest of them was-brought to Athirampuzha
by local traders. This is known as Adiyelpicha
Roopam (representing St. Sebastian after being
flogged by his persecutors). The original church
here, it is said, was constructed in 1080 A.D.
The feast here lasts for 5 days. The display of
fireworks in connection with the celebration is
very famous |
| Valiyapally at Palai |
Situated in Palai about 30 Kms. away
from Kottayam town, it is generally accepted that
this church was built in 1002, and is in the name
of St. Thomas. This church was destroyed by the
Muslim invaders in 17th century A.D. and was reconstructed
in the next century. Important festival of this
church is the 'Rakkuhthirunal ' which is
celebrated on 6th January every year. For more
details Click here to visit www.palai.com a WorldViewer.Com/Kerala.com site. |
| Bharananganam Church |
Top |
Also
known as 'Anakkallu Palli' Bharananganam
is an important pilgrim centre in Kottayam
district. The mortal remains of Sister
Alphonsa in kept here. This church is
now internationally known. She died on
28th July 1946. Thousands of devotees
reach here on that day every year to observe
her death anniversary. Bharananganam is
5 kms. away from Palai.
|
 |
|
| Church at Mannanam |
This church in the name of St. Joseph
is another important pilgrim centre in Kottayam
district. The mortal remains of Fr. Chavara Kuriakose
Elias is kept in this church. Thousands of believers
reach here to offer their prayers at his tomb |
| Vimalagiri Church, Kottayam |
Top |
Vimalagiri
(Ankathattu Palli) is the cathedral of
the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The foundation
stone of the church was laid in 1956 and
the construction was completed in 1964.
This church constructed in the Gothic
style is an example of excellence in architectural
beauty, the main tower has a height of
172 ft. which is considered as the highest
church tower in the State. Vimalambika
is the deity here. The main feast is in
December. This church is situated near
Kottayam railway station.
|
 |
|
| Cheriya Pally - St. Mary's Church |
Cheriya
Pally is one of the few old churches
that still exist in the near original
state.Cheriya Pally which literally
means small church in fact much bigger
than Valiya Pally(big church) - which
is closeby.
This
church was built in 1579 by the local
Rajah, ruler of the native state for
his Christian subjects and it shows
strong temple architectural influences
including . |
 |
|
| an
outer wall of the type found around temples with
niches for the oil lamps. It is interesting to see
the Christian and the Hindu synthesis in the design
of this church. The Facade of the church seems to
be influenced by the Portuguese with galleries,
pillars, cornices and pediments. |
|
Top |
