Malayatoor Church

About Malayatoor Church

Malayatoor Church which is 47km from Cochin. A very important and famous Christian pilgrimage of Kerala, the Malayatoor Church of Cochin attracts a large number of devotees from not just Kerala, but also all over India. It is believed that St. Thomas prayed at this church when he landed in Kerala. St. Thomas was the one who took initiative to begin a Christian community over here. He is supposed to have come here in 52 A.D. Situated near the church is a hill that is supposed to have his footprints on a rock. Read on further to know more about Malayatoor Church of Kochi.St. Thomas founded churches in different places in Kerala including Kollam, Kodungalloor, Nilakkal, Niranam, etc. One can easily seek spiritual happiness and satisfaction amidst the calm and serene locales surrounding Malayatoor. It is a popular tourist center and many people throng this place to have a look at this magnificent church. It is a must visit while traveling to Cochin.

The architecture of the church is very interesting and uses a combination of unique styles that are a delight to the eyes. It is a combination of Greco-Roman architecture with a traditional Greek styled altar. The front of the church has been built in the typical Roman Catholic architecture. The church has been decorated with beautiful carvings, designs and paintings that depict the life of Jesus Christ. There are facilities for confession and adoration also in this church. The church also has an ancient pond that was sued for baptism purposes and a traditional pulpit that is considered to be of much historical significance.

St Thomas is known as Muthappan and so while climbing the hill everyone should pray Ponnum Kurishu Muthappo, Ponmala Kayattom and while climbing down the hill after visiting the church we should pray all the way down Ponnum Kurishu Muthappo, Ponmala Irakkom. Pilgrims climb the hill saying the way of Cross Prayers also. Brooms are given as offering by some people and some people offer big Crosses that they take to the top of the hill. We can also see the place where he drawed a cros on the rock from which blood started coming and this Ctoss started growing as the Golden Cross.At the church on the top of the hills we can see a rock on which the Saint thomas lefy his footprints while he prayed.

History

According to the local beliefs, it is said that St. Thomas visited the church in 52 AD and offered his prayers to Jesus Christ. The hill, on which the Church is located, still holds the footprints of the Apostle. It is said that St. Thomas first established the Christian community in Kochi. In order to pay homage to the Apostle, thousands of devotees visit the church on the day of Malayatoor Perunal.

According to the story when the saint first came to Malayatoor he had to face a very hostile reception and was forced to flee to the top of the mountain. There he prayed intensely for days together making sign of the cross on the rock. It is believed that Mother Mary appeared to console and strengthen him. Later at this spot on the rock, a golden cross was found. Thus the hillock came to be known as ‘Ponnin Kurishumudi’ (hill of the golden cross). Nearby the saints footprints and marks of his knees were also found on the rock.

Interesting things to Visit

Foot prints of St. Thomas on the Rock:

People flock around the foot print of St. Thomas, inprinted and visible on this rock. There are also marks seen on the rock, which are said to have appeared once the saint knelt on the ground.

Malayatoor Hill:

Malayatoor perunnal is the perunnal (religious ceremony) celebrated at malayatoor church which is located at malayatoor hill.It is a great religious festival where catholics from different parts of country are coming. perunnal is the perunnal (religious ceremony) celebrated at malayatoor church which is located at malayatoor hill.It is a great religious festival where catholics from different parts of country are coming.

St. Thomas and Thamizakam:

The place of St. Thomas in the life of Tamil believers is something not to be overlooked. Anyone would be moved at the sight of an ardent but the simple faith of a Tamil pilgrim, a usual seen on the mountain. According to Rt. Rev. Dr. Soosa Pakiami the “Archbishop of Trivandrum, “Muthappan” the name by which the devotes invoke St. Thomas on the mountain, may have come from Tamizakam.

Kurisumudy:

Kurisumudy is a mountain at Maiayattoor, 1269 ’Ft. above sea level.Kurisumudy has its fame as a place visited by St. Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave a mandate to his Apostles to go out to the whole world and to proclaim the Good News. Taking upon himself this commandment.

Nearest Visiting places

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace):

Built by the Portuguese in 1557, the Palace was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi (Cochin). The palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful Murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the puranic Hindu legends.

Chinese Fishing Nets:

The fixed and cantilevered Chinese Fishing Nets are the icon of Cochin sea trade. The fishing nets like these are not found anywhere else in India. Some traders brought these huge cantilevered fishing nets here from the court of Kublai Khan.

Santa Cruz Basilica Church:

This Roman Catholic church, built in 1503 and situated near the St. Francis Church, is a specimen of the Portuguese architecture. Frescoes and mural paintings decorate its ceiling and interior parts. The Gothic architecture and the lofty spires give it a unique grandeur.

Cherai Beach:

This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. There are a couple of simple cafes and guesthouses too. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.

Kaladi:

Legend holds that one day, the widowed mother of Little Sankara, Aryadevi, fainted after walking three kilometers for her daily bath in the Periyar river. Feeling helpless, Little Sankara prayed to Lord Krishna. The tears of the child moved Krishna, who blessed him thus: ‘the river will flow where your little feet marks’.

Marine Drive:

Marine Drive is a picturesque promenade in Kochi, Kerala, India. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Ironic to its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway.

Princess Street :

Flowerpot-laden window sills, bronze stucco walls and peeling pastel – these all are the symbols of colonial style buildings. See them in Princess street – a back street.Now filled with antique shops,homestays and hotels,with out disturbing the orginality. Fort Kochi really revels in moody pastimes.

Thanthoni Aqua Farm :

Thanthoni Aqua Farm launched in Thanthoni island of Kochi recently is a new edition of tourism attraction in Kerala. The Farm is in two-acre Island with natural beauty retained in tact. The place is amazingly nice to unwind, to fish and to imbibe cool breeze let loose liberally.

Indira Gandi Boat Race :

It is Conducted in August-September during Onam. Scores of sleek snake-boats with over100 oarsmen in each vie with to touch the finishing point first. The furious and sporadic paddling will turn the Marine Drive water front into frothing melee in tune with the Onam revelry.

Cochin Carnival :

Impromptu competitions and the white paper buntings adorned everywhere – streets, homes, shopts etc.in the last 10 days of the year

Hill Palace:

12 km away at Thripunithura. The palace is now a museum, the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Different types of sculptures, collection of rare coins, old weapons, manuscripts in ancient lipis and collections from the Kochi Royal family exhibited here.

Elephant Kraal at Kodanadu :

The Kraal means training camp. The word is in Afrikaans. The training is a long and tedious process. It may take one to two years. The mahouts too get training here. Every year half a million put their feet in Kodanadu to see the intricacies of elephant training.

Boothathankettu Dam :

This is located at 7/8 km from, Kothamangalam. The Dam is a wonderful picnic spot. There is well-maintained Children’s Park here. The Reservoir and Park are big attractions.

Edamalayar Lower Dam :

This Dam is located at ahead of Boothathankett Dam on same route. The picturesque surroundings are great attraction here. The people from far and near throng here to enjoy the nature’s benevolence.

Pallipuram Fort:

Pallipuram Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is one of the oldest existing European monoments in India. The Catholic church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre.

Kerala Historical Museum:

This “live” Museum is not just a retelling of the past but is a Light and Sound show of three-dimensional visuals. 87 figures who shaped the history and culture of Kerala in the last two thousand years have been represented here in Light and Sound Tableaus.

Kodanad:

It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.

Willington Island:

This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to indulge in.

Thattakkadu Bird Sanctuary:

This bird Sanctuary on the Kochi-Munnar road, about 20 km from Kothamangalam. This sanctuary is rightly named after its explorer Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. A variety of native birds like the Malabar grey-horn bill, the woodpecker, the parakeet etc can be seen here. The Ceylon frog-moth and rose-billed roller are among the rare birds found in this sanctuary. Various migrant birds also come here during the season.

Nearest Petrol Pump

Petrol Pump
SH 16, Perumbavoor
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Perumbavoor, Ernakulam
Kerala.

HP petrol pump
NH47, Angamaly South
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Reliance Petrol Pump
NH47, Karayamparamb
Angamaly, Ernakulam
Kerala.

BP petrol pump
Perumbavoor Aluva Road
chalakkal, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Prestige
Opposite Ksrtc Bus Stand
Angamaly, Ernakula
Kerala 680572
Tel: 0484 2452737.

Grandeur Houseboats
VIP road , Opp cochin airport
Nedumbassery, cochin
Kerala 682573
Tel: 0484 3243500.

Hotel Hill Park
Ernakulam, Kerala
Tel: 0484 2452256.

Hotel Delight
1/662, Parade Ground Post Office Road
Fort Kochi, Ernakulam
Kerala 680001
Tel: 0484 2217658.

Shalimar Residency
Near South Railway Station
Masjid Road, Ernakulam
Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2375703.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Kalady Police Station
Kalady Malayattoor Road
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Kuruppampady Police station
Kuruppampady Ernakulam
Kerala.

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Bethsada Mental Hospital
7/503, VengolaErnakulam
Kerala 680547
Tel:0484 2529851.

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad
Kizhakkambalam, Ernakulam,
Kerala 680562
Tel: 0484 2680511.

Gyno Speciality Hospital
Internatioal Airport Junction, Athani
Ernakulam, Kerala 680585
Tel: 0484 2475031.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel: 0484 2302666.

Chaithanya Eye Hospital
Near Sree Krishna Temple, Ravipuram Road
Ernakulam, Kerala 680016
Tel: 0484 2357135.

Link:

http://keralatourist-place.blogspot.com/2009/01/malayatoor.html
http://seeingkerala.blogspot.com/2006/04/malayatoor.html
http://haljosgeo.blogspot.com/2007/04/malayatoor-spiritual-quest.html

Location info

• **Address:**Kurisumudi, Kochi, Kerala, India

• District: Kochi District.

• **Nearest City:**Kochi ,Thrissur , Aluva and Chalakkudy.

• Best time to visit: March and April.

Climate & weather

Tropical climate and Temparaure rangers from Summers: 36°-20° and in Winters: 16°-32°C.

Things to do at Malayatoor Church

You can see the annual festival of this church is known as ‘Malayatoor Perunal’ and it is celebrated in the months of March-April and also see Saint thomas footprints in the hill.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.