St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church, Malayattoor

Malayattoor is located in Ernakulam Dt of Kerala, the southern state of India. Malayattoor, as the name implies, is a meeting place of mountain, river and land. The shrine dedicated to St. Thomas, draws thousands of visitors from all over the world.

History

St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is believed to have arrived in Kerala in A D 52. He had done several preaching on Jesus in various parts of Kerala. The saint went to Kurisumudy, the mountain in Malayattoor and prayed to Lord Jesus for several days. He used to draw an image of the holy cross on mountain while praying. The symbol of the holy cross can still be seen on the mountain. Mary, the mother of Lord Jesus, appeared before him and blessed the saint.  He travelled in different parts of India to spread the spirituality among the people.

Later, the people of the locality found the footprints of St. Thomas, the saint and a Holy Cross besides this. They lit a lamp in this place as a respect and began to worship. It is believed that a herd of nilgiri thars(mountain goats) came down the mountain to give intimation to the local people that the wind  doused the lamp. Then the people climbed up and lit the lamp again. In memory of this, the pilgrims who climb the mountain carry sesame seeds to feed the goats, which are rare now days.

Festivals of Malayattoor Church

The feast of Kurisumudy is one of the major festivals of Malayattoor Church. It is held every year on the first Sunday after Easter. The devotees carrying the holy cross reach this pilgrimage centre by walking kilometers and climbing up the mountain. The pilgrims as a part of their vow climb the 1269 ft. mountain with lighted candles and chanting prayers. According to believes the women who climb the mountain with brooms will have thick and long hair. Some of the devotees carry stone on their head to get relief from the headache.

There are online services for offerings and thanks giving. The Marthoma Mandapam is the holy place with a statue of Saint Thomas. The pilgrims can offer their prayers here. Sannidhi, the chapel is located on the hill-top. The water in the well near to this chapel is said to have miraculous effects of healing. The golden cross in Kurisumudy, where the Saint used to draw the holy cross during his prayers, attracts visitors.

How to reach Malayattoor Church?

By Road: Nearest bus stations are Kalady and Angamaly.
By Rail: Nearest railway- Angamaly(17 km from Malayattoor).
By Air: Nearest airport Cochin International   Airport, Nedumbassery (15 km from Malayattoor).

For details:
St. Thomas International Shrine,
Kurisumudy, Malayattoor – 683587, Kerala.India
Ph: Tel: +91 484 2468990, 2283450, 2283608
www.malayattoorkurisumudy.in