An international Christian shrine in Kerala, believed to be established by St. Thomas, featuring a Greco-Roman style church, a hilltop pilgrimage site with the Golden Cross, and relics of the apostle.
The Malayattoor Church or the St Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic church, situated on the Malayattoor Hill in Ernakulam district, Kerala is one of the most important Christian pilgrim centres in Kerala.
The church is believed to have been established by St Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, who came to the Kerala coast at Muziris, Kodungalloor Port in 52 C.E. The beautiful church is built in Greco-roman style with the front portion designed in distinct style of Roman Catholic Churches and the altar in traditional Greek style. The paintings found inside the church depict important events in the life of Jesus Christ.
The Malayattoor church has been designated by the Vatican as one of the eight International shrines in the world.
The Golden Cross and Footprints
St Thomas, while travelling through Malayattoor, is said to have fled to a hilltop after having faced hostile natives and that he drew a sign of the cross on one of the rocks and prayed. Legend has it that the locals saw a golden cross appear at that particular spot. Hence this hilltop is known as 'Kurisumudi' which means 'Hill of the Cross'. The church now has a replica of the Golden Cross which remains a central symbol for pilgrims coming to Malayattoor.
One can see imprints believed to be the footprints and knee marks of St. Thomas on a rock which signify the time he spent in prayer and reflection. There is also a well near the top of the hill which is believed to have divine healing powers. It is believed to be the spot from where St. Thomas quenched his thirst during his time of prayer.
The ruins of an ancient chapel with deep tusk marks on its back wall can be seen at Kurisumudi. This chapel is supposed to have been attacked by elephants a long time ago when it was surrounded by thick jungle.
The Journey to the Shrine
Malayattoor is a place that is visited by devotees regardless of the religion they belong to. During the lent season, especially during the holy week, a large number of pilgrims climb Kurisumudi, which is around 3 kilometers and 1269 feet high, the climb taking about 1 to 1.5 hours. 'Pudunjayar', the Sunday after Easter, the day when the 'Malayattoor Perunnal' or Malayattoor feast is celebrated, many pilgrims visit the church to fulfill their vows and to seek holy blessings.
The pilgrimage starts at the foot of the hill with the pilgrims carrying heavy wooden crosses, stones or brooms symbolizing the burdens of life. As they ascend the hill, they call out "Ponnum Kurishu Muthappo, Ponmala Kayattom", meaning ''O Patriarch of the Golden Cross! Climb we shall, this golden hill!''. They stop to pray at 14 spots called 'stations of the cross' which symbolise Jesus' journey to crucifixion.
The pilgrims visit the 'Marthoma Mandapam' where the relics of St Thomas are preserved and worship at the 'Sannidhi', a spacious place which has a capacity to accommodate 10,000 people.
How To Reach
By Bus
Kalady Bus Stand, about 15 km away
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By Flight
Cochin International Airport, about 22 km away
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By Train
Angamaly Railway Station, about 23 km away | Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, about 46 km away
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