A pictorial blog about the historic monuments and religious artefacts of St. Thomas Syrian Christians (Mar Thoma Suriyani Nasranis) of Kerala-the oldest Christian community of India. All the known pre-Portuguese churches in Kerala, particularly the ones existed in the time of the Synod of Diamper (1599), and the churches established in the 17th and 18th centuries will be explored, with a special focus on their indigenous and foreign architectural elements. Since traditionally, St. Thomas was martyred at the suburbs of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the concerned sites would also be included. Altogether, a total of 234 churches will be covered in this blog. For a complete list of the churches and their locations in map, scroll down to the end of the blog. Most of the photographs were taken between the periods of 2015 to 2018, and any changes in the structure or the appearance of the monuments after this period are generally not accounted for.
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DETAILS OF THE CHURCHES EXPLORED IN THIS BLOG
I) LIST OF CHURCHES
The blog will go through 234 churches established at various periods, out of which 23 are sites associated with the legends of St. Thomas, the Apostle (1st century A. D.); 148 churches are dated between 2nd and 16th centuries; and 63 churches are from 17th and 18th centuries. It must be noted that the chronologies of the churches listed below, especially the ones before the arrival of Portuguese in 1498 are mostly based on information gathered from local traditions as well as the data given in respective church souvenirs, diocesan directories, ecclesiastical records etc. It is quite intriguing how St. Thomas Christians assign such specific early dates purely based on traditional accounts, when archaeological or epigraphical data supporting these claims are sadly negligible to nil. Today, neither a pre-16th century church building survive in their original built-form nor a complete sample exists in Kerala. This should not strike you as particularly odd since most early churches were small, built of perishable materials like thatched palm leaves, straw, bamboo poles, wood etc., and they would not have lasted more than a few decades in the harsh monsoon weather conditions of Kerala. A significant proportion of the current church buildings are from mid- 20th century or later periods and they have been renovated or rebuilt several times since inception and are beyond recognition of their original form. Nevertheless, indigenous architectural elements and characteristics of the pre-Portuguese buildings are still retained in certain forms or patterns in a few surviving old churches. Unfortunately, given the popular trend among the parishioners to demolish old and unfashionable church buildings with massive and luxurious concrete structures with bold expressions, these old churches of traditional forms are also prone to significant alteration or total destruction.
Documented evidence and reports from early Portuguese period suggest around 100 churches existed at the time of the Synod of Udayamperoor/Diamper (1599) that can be classified as pre-Portuguese. However, when multiple foundation dates are reported for a church, it is generally safe to accept the later dates as the more reliable ones. Regarding the supposed first-century settlements, most of the sites shown today are relatively modern and meant to commemorate and symbolically represent events associated with the St. Thomas legends of the location. For instance, Azhikode (No: 1) and Kokkamangalam (No: 4) claim St. Thomas connection, but foundation of the earliest shrines on the site was laid only in the 20th century. On the other hand, churches in Palayur (No:2), North Paravur (No:3), Niranom (No:5), Thiruvithancode (No: 7) and Mylapore (No: 8 to 10) are older and definitely pre-Portuguese in origin. In certain cases, rival factions argue over who holds the ancient site and have churches close to each other, eg. South Paravur (No: 56 & 57), Chembu (No: 111 & 112), Punnathra (No: 174 & 175) etc. Similarly, when multiple churches at a location share identical establishment dates, the later dates are more acceptable, eg. Angamaly (No: 36, 41 & 41), Akaparambu (No: 38 & 39) etc. Take the case of Karakunnam twin churches (No: 92 & 120), the Catholic Church was established only in early 19th century and a 14th century date can be easily discarded.
The abbreviations used here mainly refer to the various denominations of St. Thomas Christians: SM, Syro Malabar; SO, Syrian Orthodox; LC, Latin Catholic; MT, Mar Thoma Church; MIC, Malabar Independent Church; KN-J, Knanaya Jacobite; KN-C, Knanaya Catholic; CSI, Church of South India; ASI, Archaeological Survey of India. The churches in Chennai are abbreviated RC (for Roman Catholic) and are shown separately since they do not belong the Syro-Malabar Catholic community of Kerala. The majority of indigenous churches (about 70%) discussed in this blog are currently owned by three main denominations of the Syrian Christians of Kerala, viz. the Syro-Malabar Catholic (107 Churches), the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Churches, the latter two are Oriental Orthodox sister churches and are classified under Syrian Orthodox (together they own 54 Churches). The LC churches (a total of 56 here, but the list is incomplete) in general are not pre-Portuguese (with rare exceptions) in origin and have hardly preserved any indigenous or Syrian Christian elements, but are still included since their foundation dates are pre-1800. The Knanaya communities (Catholic and Jacobite) do not consider themselves St. Thomas Christians but believe their ancestry to be from the Jewish Christians migrated from Middle East in the 4th Century A. D., and they own 7 historic pre-Portuguese churches. The church buildings belonging to Syro-Malankara (Catholic) and Church of East (Chaldean) denominations are not considered as they are 19th century or even later in origin. The post-synod of Diamper churches explored here are limited to the 17th and 18th centuries only. Interestingly, Tipu Sultan’s invasion coincides with late 18th century and has resulted in the destruction of many churches and the beginning of 19th century was a new phase with the emergence of novel Christian settlements and churches. Leaving aside a few architecturally important churches, I have not included structures whose foundation dates are from 1800 and afterwards. Most of the photographs were taken during my visit to the sites from 2015 to 2018.
THE COMPLETE LIST OF 234 CHURCHES-arranged chronologically based on the earliest traditional dates of establishment
|
No. |
Place |
District |
Name |
Date |
|
1 |
Azhikode, Kodungalloor |
Thrissur |
St. Thomas/Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine (SM) |
1st C., 1953 |
|
2 |
Palayur |
Thrissur |
St. Thomas Forane Church (SM) |
1st C. |
|
3 |
North Paravur |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas Forane Church, Kottakkavu (SM) |
1st C. |
|
4 |
Kokkamangalam/Kokkothamangalam |
Alappuzha |
St. Thomas Church (SM) |
1st C., 1900 |
|
5 |
Niranam |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Mary's Valiyapally (SO) |
1st C. |
|
6 |
Nilackal/Chayal |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Thomas Church (Ecumenical) |
1st C., 1983 |
|
7 |
Thiruvithamcode, Nagercoil |
Tamil Nadu |
St. Mary's Church or Thomayar Kovil Arapally (SO) |
1st C. |
|
8 |
Mylapore, Chennai |
Tamil Nadu |
St. Thomas/San Thome Basilica (RC) |
1st C., 1523 |
|
9 |
St Thomas Mount, Chennai |
Tamil Nadu |
St. Thomas Mount National Shrine & Our Lady of Expectation Church (RC) |
1st C., 1523 |
|
10 |
Little Mount, Chennai |
Tamil Nadu |
Shrine of Apostle St. Thomas & Our Lady of Good Health Church (RC) |
1st C., 1551 |
|
11 |
Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai |
Tamil Nadu |
Descanso or Our Lady of Visitation Church |
1st C., 1650-1683 |
|
12 |
Piravom |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary's Piravom Valiyapally/Rajadhirajah (3 Kings) Church (SO) |
4th BC, 2nd C., 390, 9th Cent |
|
13 |
Arthat |
Thrissur |
St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral (SO) |
1st C., 999 |
|
14 |
Aruvithura (Erattupetta) |
Kottayam |
St. George Forane Church (SM) |
1st C., 151, 301 |
|
15 |
Cherpunkal |
Kottayam |
Mar Sleeva (Holy Cross) Forane Church (SM) |
1st C., 1096, 1111-12 |
|
16 |
Kothamangalam |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary/Martha Mariyam Cathedral Valiyapally (SO) |
1st C., 4th C., 498, 1240, 1340, 1343 |
|
17 |
Malayattoor |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas/Mar Thomma Kurishumudy Church (SM) |
1st C., 1595 |
|
18 |
Maliyankara |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas Chapel (LC) |
1st C., 1953 |
|
19 |
Mathilakam |
Thrissur |
St. Joseph's Church (LC) |
1st C., 1767 |
|
20 |
Mylacombu |
Idukki |
St. Thomas Forane Church (SM) |
1st C., 600, 686 |
|
21 |
Mattel Thuruth |
Alappuzha |
St. Thomas Mattel Church (SM) |
1st C. |
|
22 |
Port Kollam, Pallithottam |
Kollam |
St. Mary/Our Lady of Purification Church (LC) |
1st C., 1329 |
|
23 |
Thuruthoor |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas Church, Sinai Mount (LC) |
1st C., 1914 |
|
101-1499 |
||||
|
24 |
Kuravilangadu |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Forane (SM) |
105, 335, 345 |
|
25 |
Mattam/Mattom |
Thrissur |
St. Thomas Forane (SM) |
140, 480, 550, 900 |
|
26 |
Pallippuram-Cherthala |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary’s Forane (SM) |
290, 3rd C. |
|
27 |
Ambazhakad |
Thrissur |
St. Thomas Forane (SM) |
300 |
|
28 |
Chengannoor |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary's. Old Syrian Church (SO & MT) |
300, 1175 |
|
29 |
Kadambanad |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral/Valiyapally (SO) |
325 |
|
30 |
Thevalakkara |
Kollam |
Mar Abo/Martha Mariam Church (SO) |
4th C., 9th C. |
|
31 |
Pazhanji |
Thrissur |
St. Mary's Church (SO) |
4th C., 1249, 1852 |
|
32 |
North Pudukad |
Thrissur |
Our Lady of Mount Carmel (SM) |
400 |
|
33 |
Parappukkara |
Thrissur |
St. John's Forane (SM) |
400 |
|
34 |
Puthenchira |
Thrissur |
St. Mary’s Thazhathapally (SM) |
400 |
|
35 |
Kaduthuruthy |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Forane Valiyapally (KN-C) |
400, 510, 1456, 1500 |
|
36 |
Angamali |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Soonoro Cathedral (SO) |
409, 9th C. |
|
37 |
Kalloorkadu/Champakulam |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
427, 550 |
|
38 |
Akaparambu |
Ernakulam |
Mar Saabor Aphroth Church (SO) |
450, 825 |
|
39 |
Akaparambu |
Ernakulam |
Ss. Gervasis and Prothasis Church (SM) |
450, 1541 |
|
40 |
Angamali |
Ernakulam |
St. George Basilica (SM) |
450 |
|
41 |
Angamali |
Ernakulam |
St. Hormis Kizhekkepally (SM) |
480, 1540, 1585 |
|
42 |
Kuruppampady |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO) |
498, 1067, 1150, 1240, 1300, 1355 |
|
43 |
Kottoor, Kolencherry |
Ernakulam |
St. George Orthodox Syrian Church (SO) |
5th C., 9th C., 15th C. |
|
44 |
Paliakkara, Thiruvalla |
Pathanamthitta |
St. George Orthodox Church (O) |
5th C., 1814-1815 |
|
45 |
Enammavu |
Thrissur |
Our Lady of Mount Carmel (SM) |
500, 510 |
|
46 |
Edapally |
Ernakulam |
St. George Forane Church (SM) |
503, 593 |
|
47 |
Muttuchira |
Kottayam |
Holy Ghost Forane Church (SM) |
510, 550, 1400 |
|
48 |
Udayamperoor |
Ernakulam |
Ss. Gervasis & Prothasis/St Mary's/Synod of Diamper Old Church (SM) |
510 |
|
49 |
Chalakudy |
Thrissur |
St Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
600 |
|
50 |
Moozhikulam |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
601, 650, 691 |
|
51 |
Kolenchery |
Ernakulam |
Ss.Peter and Paul Church (SO) |
650, 1474-75 |
|
52 |
Thumpamon |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral (SO) |
717 |
|
53 |
Karingachira |
Ernakulam |
St. George Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO) |
722 |
|
54 |
Kandanad |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary's Orthodox Church (SO) |
775 |
|
55 |
Thazhekkad-Avittathoor |
Thrissur |
St. Sebastian Church (SM) |
800 |
|
56 |
South Paravur |
Ernakulam |
St. John the Baptist Church (SO) |
802 |
|
57 |
South Paravur |
Ernakulam |
St. John the Baptist Church (SM) |
802 |
|
58 |
Manakodam, Thekke Thuravoor |
Alappuzha |
St. George Forane Church (LC) |
805, 1640 |
|
59 |
Kayamkulam |
Alappuzha |
Kadeesha Orthodox Cathedral (SO) |
824 |
|
60 |
Kothanalloor |
Kottayam |
Ss.Gervasis & Prothasis Forane Church (SM) |
826, 1220, 1320 |
|
61 |
Karthikapally |
Alappuzha |
St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral (SO) |
829, 1240, 1581 |
|
62 |
Athirampuzha |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
835 |
|
63 |
Kundara |
Kollam |
St. Thomas Orthodox Valiyapally (SO) |
835 |
|
64 |
Kanjoor |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
863, 1001 |
|
65 |
Kadamattom |
Ernakulam |
St. George Syrian Orthodox Church (SO) |
865, 950 |
|
66 |
Pazhuvil |
Thrissur |
St. Antony's Forane Church (SM) |
883, 960 |
|
67 |
Kottayam |
Kottayam |
St. Mary's Valiyapally (KN-J) |
890, 1550 |
|
68 |
Kallada West |
Kollam |
St. Mary's Orthodox Valiyapally/Mar Anthrayos (SO) |
9th C. |
|
69 |
Mundenveli/Mundamveli |
Ernakulam |
St. Loius/Santiyago Church (LC) |
9th C. |
|
70 |
Arimpur |
Thrissur |
St. Antony's Church (SM) |
900 |
|
71 |
Malayattoor |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas Church/Thazhathapally (SM) |
900 |
|
72 |
Nakapuzha |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s/Mother of Mercy Church (SM) |
900 |
|
73 |
Velayanad /Veliyanad |
Thrissur |
St. Mary's Old Church (SM) |
900 |
|
74 |
Pallikkara-Morakkala |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO) |
905 |
|
75 |
Manarcadu |
Kottayam |
St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO) |
910, 920 |
|
76 |
Mapranam |
Thrissur |
Holy Cross/Mar Sleeva Church (SM) |
928 |
|
77 |
Manjapra |
Ernakulam |
Holy Cross Forane Church (SM) |
943, 1401 |
|
78 |
Mavelikara |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary’s Orthodox Church/Puthiyakkavu Pally (SO) |
943, 964 |
|
79 |
Chennamkary West |
Alappuzha |
St. Joseph's Church (SM) |
977, 1801 |
|
80 |
Vadayar |
Kottayam |
Infant Jesus Church (SM) |
977, 997, 1001 |
|
81 |
Arakuzha |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
999 |
|
82 |
Kottekad |
Thrissur |
St. Mary’s Assumption Forane Church (SM) |
999 |
|
83 |
Nediyassala |
Idukki |
St. Mary’s Church (SM) |
999, 1400 |
|
84 |
Kadaplamattom |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Church (SM) |
10th C. |
|
85 |
Mattancherry |
Ernakulam |
Church of our Lady of Life (LC) |
10th C., 16th C. |
|
86 |
Kaduthuruthy |
Kottayam |
St. Mary's Thazhathapally (SM) |
1001, 1009 |
|
87 |
Vadakara |
Ernakulam |
St. John's Jacobite Syrian Church (SO) |
10th C., 1096 |
|
88 |
Pala |
Kottayam |
St. Thomas Cathedral (SM) |
1002 |
|
89 |
Bharananganam |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
1004, 1100 |
|
90 |
Muttam, Cherthala |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
1023 |
|
91 |
Chowara |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary's Church (SM) |
1025, 1100 |
|
92 |
Karakunnam |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO) |
1065, 14th C., 1792 |
|
93 |
Chendamangalam |
Ernakulam |
Holy Cross Church (SM) |
1075, 1201, 1577 |
|
94 |
Lourdupuram, Kanjiramkulam |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Our Lady of Lourdes (LC) |
1087, 1905, 1914 |
|
95 |
Kannamcode, Adoor |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral (SO) |
1100 |
|
96 |
Mulanthuruthy |
Ernakulam |
Marthoman/St. Thomas Church (SO) |
1100, 1125, 1225, 1575 |
|
97 |
Ernakulam |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s Cathedral/Our Lady of Ports/Thekkepally (SM) |
1112, 1175 |
|
98 |
Mammalassery |
Ernakulam |
Mar Michael Orthodox Church (SO) |
1113, 1159 |
|
99 |
Changanacherry |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral/Valiyapally (SM) |
1117, 1177 |
|
100 |
Edakochi |
Ernakulam |
St. Lawrence Church (SM) |
1119 |
|
101 |
Kudamaloor |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
1125, 1175, 1425, 1505 |
|
102 |
Vettikkal |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas Dayara Chapel (SO) |
1125, 1200, 1815 |
|
103 |
Mulakulam |
Kottayam |
Mar Yuhanon Ihidoyo Orthodox Church (SO) |
1134, 16th C. |
|
104 |
Cheppadu |
Alappuzha |
St. George Orthodox Valiyapally (SO) |
1175 |
|
105 |
Thripunithara |
Ernakulam |
Nadamel St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Church (SO) |
1175 |
|
106 |
Palluruthy |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary's Syrian Church (SM) |
1191 |
|
107 |
Chittatukkara |
Thrissur |
St. Sebastian's Church (SM) |
1200, 1770 |
|
108 |
Vaipur |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Mary's Pazhayapally (SM) |
1212 |
|
109 |
Alangad |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s Church (SM) |
1300 |
|
110 |
North Kuthiathode |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas Old Church (SM) |
1301 |
|
111 |
Chembu/Chempu |
Kottayam |
St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church (SO) |
1306-07, 1370 |
|
112 |
Chembu/Chempu |
Kottayam |
St. Thomas Church (SM) |
1306-07, 1370 |
|
113 |
Vaikkom |
Kottayam |
St. Joseph's Forane Church (SM) |
1309, 1391, 1809 |
|
114 |
Muthalakodam |
Idukki |
St. George Forane Church (SM) |
1312 |
|
115 |
Kallooppara |
Pathanamthitta |
S.t Mary's Orthodox Church (SO) |
1339 |
|
116 |
Njarackal |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary’s Church (SM) |
1341, 1451 |
|
117 |
Koratty |
Thrissur |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
1381 |
|
118 |
Poonjar |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Forane Church (SM) |
1381, 1542, 1600 |
|
119 |
Kovilthottam, Chavara |
Kollam |
St. Andrew's Church (LC) |
1398 |
|
120 |
Karakunnam |
Ernakulam |
BVM Rosary (St. Mary) Catholic Church (SM) |
14th C., 1817 |
|
121 |
Puthupally |
Kottayam |
St. George Orthodox Church (SO) |
14th C., 1557 |
|
122 |
Alappuzha |
Alappuzha |
Mar Sleeva Forane Church (SM) |
1400 |
|
123 |
Kottapady |
Thrissur |
St. Lazar's Church (SM) |
1400 |
|
124 |
Vallam, Chelamattom-Rayonpuram |
Ernakulam |
St. Theresa of Avila Forane Church (SM) |
1401 |
|
125 |
Thathampally |
Alappuzha |
St. Michael's Church (SM) |
1404, 1600 |
|
126 |
Purakkad |
Alappuzha |
Holy Cross Church (SM) |
1410, 1570 |
|
127 |
Maramon |
Pathanamthitta |
Mar Thoma/St Thomas Church (MT) |
1440 |
|
128 |
Kanjirappilly |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Pazhayapally or Akkarapally (SM) |
1450 |
|
129 |
Ramapuram |
Kottayam |
St. Augustine's Church (SM) |
1450, 1599 |
|
130 |
Kothamangalam |
Ernakulam |
Mar Thoma/St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Cheriapally (SO) |
1451, 1455 |
|
131 |
Nechoor |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church (SO) |
1455 |
|
132 |
Kudavechur |
Kottayam |
St. Mary’s Church/ Vechoor Church (SM) |
1463 |
|
133 |
North Paravur |
Ernakulam |
St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church (SO) |
1490, 1566 |
|
1500-1599 |
||||
|
134 |
Thumpoly |
Alappuzha |
St. Thomas Church (LC) |
1500, 1600 |
|
135 |
Valappad |
Thrissur |
St. Sebastian's Church (SM) |
1500 |
|
136 |
Burnassery, Kannur |
Kannur |
Holy Trinity Cathedral (LC) |
1501, 1792 |
|
137 |
Kothamangalam |
Ernakulam |
St. George's Cathedral (SM) |
1501, 1770 |
|
138 |
Saude, Mundamveli |
Ernakulam |
Church of Our Lady of Health (LC) |
1501 |
|
139 |
Kanjirakode, Kundara |
Kollam |
St. Antony's Forane Church (LC) |
1502 |
|
140 |
Fort Kochi |
Ernakulam |
St. Francis Assissi Church (CSI) |
1503 |
|
141 |
Pallipuram/Palliport |
Ernakulam |
Basilica of Our Lady of Snow/Manjumatha Church (SM) |
1503, 1507, 1602 |
|
142 |
Vypin-Ochanthuruth |
Ernakulam |
Cruz di Milagres Church/Kurishingal (LC) |
|
|
143 |
St Angelo Fort, Kannur |
Kannur |
St. James Chapel (ASI) |
1505 |
|
144 |
Fort Kochi |
Ernakulam |
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica (LC) |
1505 |
|
145 |
Tuet/Tuyyam |
Kollam |
St. Sebastian's Church (LC) |
1510, 1745 |
|
146 |
Kozhikode |
Kozhikode |
Mother of God Cathedral (LC) |
1513, 1599 |
|
147 |
Thirumullavaram |
Kollam |
St. John the Baptist Church (LC) |
1518 |
|
148 |
Kollam |
Kollam |
Kadeesa Syrian Orthodox /St. Thomas Church (SO) |
1519 |
|
148a |
Elanji |
Ernakulam |
Ss. Peter & Paul Forane Church (SM) |
1522 |
|
149 |
Vallarppadam |
Ernakulam |
Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom (LC) |
1524 |
|
150 |
Mayyanad, Kottiyam |
Kollam |
St. Jacob's Church (LC) |
1527 |
|
151 |
Thangasseri |
Kollam |
Infant Jesus Cathedral (LC) |
1529 |
|
152 |
Valiathura |
Thiruvananthapuram |
St. Antony’s Forane Church (LC) |
1530 |
|
153 |
Thuruthipuram |
Ernakulam |
St. Francis Assissi Church (LC) |
1531, 1533 |
|
154 |
Thankey, Kadakkarappally |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary's Forane Church (LC) |
1538, 1583 |
|
155 |
Maruthoorkulangara, Karunagapally |
Kollam |
Three Kings Church (LC) |
1548 |
|
156 |
Mattancherry |
Ernakulam |
Holy Cross/Bent Cross Church (SM) |
1550 |
|
157 |
Pulinkunnu |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary's Forane Church (SM) |
1557 |
|
158 |
Mampally, Anjengo |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Holy Spirit Church (LC) |
1568 |
|
159 |
Omallur, Manjanikkara |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Valiyapally (SO) |
1573 |
|
160 |
Kottayam |
Kottayam |
St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church/Cheriyapally (SO) |
1575, 1579 |
|
161 |
Chungam |
Idukki |
St. Mary's Forane Church (KN-C) |
1579 |
|
162 |
Kallissery |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Valiyapally (KN-C) |
1580 |
|
163 |
Kayamkulam |
Alappuzha |
St. Antony's Church (LC) |
1580 |
|
164 |
Neendakara |
Kollam |
St. Sebastian's Church (LC) |
1580 |
|
165 |
Arthunkal |
Alappuzha |
St. Andrew's Forane Basilica (LC) |
1581, 1584, 1590 |
|
166 |
Kattoor |
Alappuzha |
St. Michael's Forane Church (LC) |
1590 |
|
167 |
Koduvila |
Kollam |
St. Francis Xavier Church (LC) |
1598 |
|
168 |
Kozhencherry |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church (MT) |
1599 |
|
169 |
Venduruthy |
Ernakulam |
Ss. Peter & Paul Forane Church (SM) |
1599 |
|
170 |
Venmony |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary's Orthodox Valiyapally (SO) |
pre-1599 |
|
1600-1799 |
||||
|
171 |
Parassala |
Thiruvananthapuram |
St. Peter's Church (LC) |
1604 |
|
172 |
Vypin |
Ernakulam |
Church of Our Lady of Hope (LC) |
1605 |
|
173 |
Moothakara |
Kollam |
St. Peter's Church/Infant Jesus Shrine(LC) |
1610 |
|
174 |
Punnathura |
Kottayam |
St. Thomas Valiyapally/Pazhayapally (KN-C) |
1610, 1625, 1632, 1635 |
|
175 |
Punnathura |
Kottayam |
St. Thomas Vellappally (SM) |
1625, 1898 |
|
176 |
Arthat |
Thrissur |
Holy Cross Church (SM) |
1627 |
|
177 |
Painkulam/Paingalam |
Kottayam |
St. Mary's Church (SM) |
1627 |
|
178 |
Pullichira |
Kollam |
Church of Our Lady of Imaculate Conception (LC) |
1627, 1700 |
|
179 |
Uzhavoor |
Kottayam |
St. Stephen's Forane Church (KN-C) |
1631 |
|
180 |
Kadanad |
Kottayam |
St. Augustine's Forane Church (SM) |
1660 |
|
181 |
Pravithanam |
Kottayam |
St. Augustine Forane Church (SM) |
1660, 1714 |
|
182 |
Lalam |
Kottayam |
St. Mary's Church (SM) |
1661, 1663 |
|
183 |
Sampaloor, Palayamparambu |
Thrissur |
St. Francis Xavier Church (LC) |
1662 |
|
184 |
Kovilakathum Kadavu, Palliport |
Ernakulam |
St. Rockey's Church (LC) |
1664 |
|
185 |
Arinalloor |
Kollam |
St. George's Church (LC) |
1668 |
|
186 |
Chathiathu, Pachalam |
Ernakulam |
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (LC) |
1673 |
|
187 |
Varapuzha-Edampaadam |
Ernakulam |
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church & St Joseph's Church (LC) |
1673 |
|
188 |
Kuttivattom Jn, Vadakkumthala, Karunagapally |
Kollam |
Three Kings Church (LC) |
1679 |
|
189 |
Kattoor-Edathiruthy |
Thrissur |
Our Lady of Carmel Forane Church (SM) |
1680, 1760 |
|
190 |
Eravipuram |
Kollam |
St. John the Baptist's Church (LC) |
1684 |
|
191 |
Rakkad |
Ernakulam |
St. Mary's Jacobite Syrian Cathedral (SO) |
1687 |
|
192 |
Chemmakkad |
Kollam |
St. Sebastian's Church (LC) |
1698 |
|
193 |
Mangad |
Kollam |
Holy Cross Church (LC) |
1700 |
|
194 |
Kandanad |
Ernakulam |
Infant Jesus Church (SM) |
1708, 1788 |
|
195 |
Pazhayangadi |
Thrissur |
St. Sebastian's Church (SM) |
1712 |
|
196 |
Velur |
Thrissur |
St. Francis Xavier's Forane Church (SM) |
1712 |
|
197 |
Kunnukurudy, Airapuram |
Ernakulam |
St. George Jacobite Syrian Church (SO) |
1715 |
|
198 |
Ollur |
Thrissur |
St. Antony's Forane Church (SM) |
1718 |
|
199 |
Kizhakkambalam |
Ernakulam |
St. Antony's Forane Church (SM) |
1725 |
|
200 |
Thalassery |
Kannur |
Holy Rosary Church (LC) |
1726 |
|
201 |
Parappur |
Thrissur |
St. John Nepumcian Forane Church (SM) |
1731 |
|
202 |
Puthenangady, Kottayam |
Kottayam |
St. Thomas Kurishupally (O) |
1731 |
|
203 |
Kalparambu |
Thrissur |
St. Mary's Forane Church (SM) |
1733 |
|
204 |
Mahe |
Mahe |
St. Theresa's Shrine (LC) |
1736 |
|
205 |
Perumanoor |
Ernakulam |
St. George's Church (LC) |
1742 |
|
206 |
Ranni |
Pathanamthitta |
St. Thomas Knanaya Jacobite Valiyapally (KN-J) |
1742 |
|
207 |
Kannamaly |
Ernakulam |
St. Antony's Church (LC) |
1745, 1873 |
|
208 |
Kunnamkulam (Chiralayam) |
Thrissur |
St. Sebastian's Church (SM) |
1747 |
|
209 |
Kunnamkulam (Chiralayam) |
Thrissur |
St. Lazarus Orthodox Syrian Church (SO) |
1751 |
|
210 |
Mattancherry |
Ernakulam |
St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurishupally/Erimegapally (SO) |
1751 |
|
211 |
Amaravila |
Thiruvananthapuram |
St. Antony's Church (LC) |
1755, 1775 |
|
212 |
Chathannoor |
Kollam |
St. George's Valiyapally/Martha Mariyam Suriyanipally (SO) |
1755 |
|
213 |
Vattayal |
Alappuzha |
St. Peter's Church (LC) |
1760 |
|
214 |
Kumarakom |
Kottayam |
St. John Nepumsyon's Church/Kariyil Palli/Vadakkumkara Palli (SM) |
1760, 1769 |
|
215 |
Kuruppampady |
Ernakulam |
Ss. Peter & Paul Church (SM) |
1763, 1767 |
|
216 |
Pudukkad |
Thrissur |
St. Antony's Forane Church (SM) |
1764 |
|
217 |
Thozhiyoor |
Thrissur |
St. George Malabar Independent Syrian Cathedral (MIC) |
1772 |
|
218 |
Alangad |
Ernakulam |
Infant Jesus Church/Kunnelpally (SM) |
1781 |
|
219 |
Mukkatukkara |
Thrissur |
St. George's Church (SM) |
1784 |
|
220 |
Kandachira (Kollam) |
Kollam |
St. Thomas Church (LC) |
1787 |
|
221 |
Meloor |
Thrissur |
St. Joseph's Church (SM) |
1788, 1865 |
|
222 |
Varapuzha |
Ernakulam |
St. George's Church/Puthenpally (SM) |
1788 |
|
223 |
Kunnamkulam (West Bazar) |
Thrissur |
St. Lazarus Orthodox Syrian Church /Pazhayapally (SO) |
1789 |
|
224 |
Vlathankara, Chenkal |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Church of Our Lady of Assumption (LC) |
1790 |
|
225 |
Thaikattussery/Thycattussery |
Alappuzha |
St. Antony's Church (SM) |
1791 |
|
226 |
Thirunalloor |
Alappuzha |
St. Joseph's Church (SM) |
1791, 1952 |
|
227 |
Pavukkara, Mannar |
Alappuzha |
St. Peter's Church (LC) |
1792 |
|
228 |
Thayyil |
Kannur |
St. Antony's Church (LC) |
1792 |
|
229 |
Vempuzha, Chingoli |
Alappuzha |
St. Thomas Church (LC) |
1792 |
|
230 |
Puthencavu |
Alappuzha |
St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral (SO) |
1793 |
|
231 |
Thattarambalam, Valiyaperumpuzha |
Alappuzha |
St. Sebastian's Church (LC) |
1795 |
|
232 |
Aranattukara |
Thrissur |
St. Thomas Church (SM) |
1796 |
|
233 |
Kottamam |
Ernakulam |
St. Joseph's Church (SM) |
1779, 1799 |
|
The church at Elanji was
added to the list later when the photographs were already uploaded. Thus, it had
to be numbered 148a where it fits chronologically. This is done so that the
serial order of photographs remain unaffected. The total number of churches
therefore needs to be counted as 234. The photograph of Elanji church (148a)
is clubbed with that of Venmony (170). The above list is based on different documents including published books, parish directories, church souvenirs, journal articles, family records and various online resources. The data need not always be accurate especially in the case of online sources and family claims. However, as I have mentioned before, they are still included for giving an overall picture, but it is safer to accept the later dates. For instance, the churches at Lourdupuam (No. 94) and Thirunalloor (No. 226) are listed based on the earlier dates of their establishment, viz. 1087 and 1791, repectively. Although these dates are retrieved from the Catholic site, https://www.ucanews.com/, according to the corresponding church official versions, Lourdupuram was established in 1905 and Thirunalloor in 1952 only! Another example would be the Paliakkara church at Thiruvalla (No, 44) , the current church has a documented history from the early 19th century only, but according to a certain tradition (with no supporting evidence) Thiruvalla had a a Christian settlement in the 5th century! |
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II) GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS OF THE CHURCHES
Click the icon ‘View larger map’ on the right end corner of the map for the locations of all the 234 churches with their corresponding geographical coordinates. Note that the churches in the map are arranged alphabetically and not chronologically as in the table given above.
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