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.

Monday, May 9, 2022

20) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF PUTHENCHIRA, ST. MARY FORANE CHURCH (SYRO-MALABAR)

 

In this post, we will see the “double-cross" of Puthenchira, a cross with two horizontal members. The Puthenchira cross is not the same type as the ones we discussed at North Paravur, Kottayam, Koratty and Moozhikkulam, even though they are also frequently called as double-crosses. In fact, the more technically correct term for the latter group is "double superimposed T-shaped cross" as referred by Fr. Henri Hosten. In the ‘double-T-crosses’, the upper horizontal member is placed directly on the top of the vertical pole, whereas in the ‘double-cross’, the vertical shaft projects outside the upper cross beam. Thus, there are three separate pieces for the main shaft in a ‘double-cross’ (one up to the lower horizontal member; second up to the upper horizontal member; and the third over it), whereas, there are only two pieces in a ‘double T-shaped cross’ (the piece over the upper horizontal member is absent). James (1978, p. 61) speculates that the lower horizontal member in the open-air cross might have been intended as a wing found in the Persian crosses (eg. Kaduthuruthy, see Figure 8). He argues that by providing a wing-like horizontal member in between, the architects could achieve equal size for all the four arms of the cross on top resembling a Persian cross, and also achieve a considerable height for the upright shaft. In this context, it would also be important consider the stability added to the cross by two cross bars, and the convenience of erecting and transporting a long shaft in three pieces.

History
According to traditional accounts, the first church at Puthenchira was established in 400 A.D. and was dedicated to Virgin Mary, it remained functional until the 9th century, and was destroyed in a communal riot at Kodungallur area. The rebuilt church was lost in the flood of 1341. The third phase began in 1502 when a Portuguese traveller built a house and erected a cross at Puthenchira Kadavu (crossing), a Gothic style church and a presbytery were added later by the Portuguese Franciscan priest, Vincent de Lagos (1530-1545). Strangely, Puthenchira does not appear in the elaborate list of churches mentioned in Jornada (1606). From 1701 to 1777, Puthenchira became the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Cranganoore (Kodungallur). The last four Portuguese Padroado Archbishops of Cranganore (John Ribeiro, d. 1716; Antony Pimental, d. 1752; John Aloysius Vasconcellos, d. 1756; and Salvador dos Reis, d. 1777) ruled from Puthenchira and their tombstones are still preserved inside the church (Figure 5). The church is said to be destroyed by Tipu Sultan's army in 1789. The current church was built after demolishing the old church in 1909, and the consecration ceremony of the new church was held in May 30, 1915 (for more details, see Devassy, 1978, pp. 82-90; Smaranika, 1975, pp. 33-40; here etc.).

Age, Size, Structure
James (1979, pp. 60-61) dates Puthenchira cross due to its superior workmanship, to a period much later than that of the cross at Arthat, which he considers as one of the earliest double-cross specimens. On the other hand, Mary (2006, pp. 370-372) is of the opinion that the Puthenchira cross resembles the cross at Angamaly (St Mary Jacobite church), and since it has a rough surface with a simple base, it was built at an early period when people were not much experienced in this type of work. However, neither of them give a specific date for the cross. The official version of Puthenchira church is that the cross was erected in early 18th century. This is because the origin of the double-cross is associated with the privileged status attained by Puthenchira when it became the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Cranganore. According to church records, in 1706, a ‘Bishop House’ was built and a double-cross was erected to celebrate the Metropolitan rank achieved by the Puthenchira church. It should be noted that the cross resembles a Patriarchal cross, denoting a cardinal's or archbishop's rank. If the double-cross is an evolved form of the double-T-cross as some speculate, we should find more similar candidates. The closest we get is a carving in the granite door frame of a side entrance to the Kanjoor St. Mary Forane church, where there is a high-relief of a double-cross exactly similar to the specimen at Puthenchira (Figure 9). "Even the base of the cross, carved on the door-frame, has an inverted cone-like carving on it similar to the three-dimensional base of the granite open-air cross", notes James (1979, p. 61). I don’t know if there are any other pre-20th century open-air granite double-crosses (i.e. the Puthenchira type) that have survived in Kerala. The double-cross therefore must be an official emblem granted specifically to a Metropolitan church.

The actual size of the cross has not been estimated, the height 12 m quoted here is certainly an exaggerated claim and not accurate. The four side arms and the upper piece of the vertical shaft of the cross have tapering ends (Figures 1 & 2). The geometrical and floral designs especially at the base of the cross are worth noting (Figure 4). Regarding the pedestal, it is made of laterite stones and not granite. The simple pedestal lacks any designs or carved motifs, but two horizontal rows of stone lamps adorn the structure (Figure 3). For old photographs of the church and cross, see Figures 10, 11 & 12.

Are there two old granite crosses?
According to Devassy (1978, pp. 84, 90), the cross established by the Portuguese in 1502 has survived at Puthenchira along with the double cross of 1706. He further adds that the first cross was also of granite and its pedestal was modified later to install four holy statues. Today, at the entrance to the Puthenchira church from the main road, you can see a small granite cross modified into a Kurishupally-like structure (known as “Double-Cross Cupola”) with statues of St. Mary, St. Joseph, St. George and St. Antony on each sides (Figures 6 & 7). Interestingly, this cross is also a double-cross and appears as if it was modelled after the main granite double-cross in front of the church. Devassy does not mention that the first cross was a double-cross, but only that it was made of granite. May be the 1502-cross which he was referring to was replaced with a replica of the double-cross afterwards.

Figure 1) Views of the Double-Cross from the West Side

Figure 2) Views of the Double-Cross from the East Side

Figure 3) The Laterite Pedestal with Stone Lamps

Figure 4) The Floral & Geometrical Designs at the Base of the Cross

Figure 5)  The Tombstones of the Portuguese Archbishops who Ruled from Puthenchira
The 4th tombstone from the left belongs to Fr. Maliyekkal Koonan Ittiyerah Paulose (d. 1833), who functioned as the Vicar General of Dominique (Domingos da Conceicao?)-the Administrator of Kodungallur, and was the Vicar of Puthenchira church for 43 years.

Figure 6) The Double-Cross in the Cupola from the North Side

Figure 7) The Double-Cross in the Cupola from the South Side

Figure 8) The Winged Persian Cross in Kaduthuruthy Knanaya Valiapally

Figure 9) The Double-Cross Relief at the Door Frame of Kanjoor St Mary Forane Church

References
Devassy, M. K. (1978)-Keraleeya Kraisthava Devalayangalile Shilpa Chithra Kalakal (Architecture and Painting of Kerala Christian Churches)

James, E. J. (1979, Thesis)-The Thomas Christian Architecture of Malabar Ancient and Medieval Periods

Mary, Rose A.-The Architecture of Kerala Christians: Social and Cultural Implications; In Mahāsenasiri: Riches of Indian Archaeological & Cultural Studies: a Felicitation Volume in Honour of Dr. I. K. Sarma, P. Chenna Reddy (ed.), 2006, Volume II

Smaranika Puthenchira Charithrathiloode (1975)

https://irinjalakudadiocese.com/parish/puthenchira-st-marys-forane-church/

OLD PHOTOGRAPHS
Figure 10) An Old Photograph of the Puthenchira Church and the Double-Cross
Photo Credit: George Menachery (1973)-St Thomas Christian Encyclopedia of India, Volume 2

Figure 11) More Old Photographs of the Puthenchira Church and the Double-Cross
Photo Credit: Left-George Menachery and Werner Chakkalakal (1987)-Kodungallur-City of Saint Thomas; Right-George Menacherry (1987)-Pallikalakal-100 Thikanja Thrissur Vicariyathil-In Thrissur-Roopatha Shatabdi Smaraka Grandham (1887-1987)

Figure 12) Old Photographs of Puthenchira Double-Cross Contd.
Photo Credit: Left-Smaranika Puthenchira Charithrathiloode (1975); Right-Devassy, M. K. (1978)-Keraleeya Kraisthava Devalayangalile Shilpa Chithra Kalakal (Architecture and Painting of Kerala Christian Churches)

2 comments:

  1. Have always liked this facade for its uniqueness!
    Btw do you know what the inscription around the kaduthuruthy winged cross says? Is it vattezhuthu?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes the facade is a beauty and it has remained the same even after a century, which is something unique considering the popular trend is to erase everything old. I understand there were attempts to demolish existing Puthenchira church too for a new structure, but somehow it has survived so far.

    The inscription around the winged cross is identified as Vattezhuthu, so is the case with the cross on the left side of the door. However, to the best of my knowledge it has not been deciphered yet. Fr. Mathew Cherusseril in his book on Kaduthuruthy Valiapally (1982) claims that Prof. M. R. Warrier has read three letters referring to "KNANAYA" in this cross. However, he says that the rest of letters were all illegible under the thick coating of paint, and therefore couldn't be read then. Earlier, Jesuit priest, Domenico Ferroli also wrote (1939) about these two crosses. According to Ferroli, the vattezhuthu inscriptions on them bear the dates 1614 and 1615, but he doesn't add any other details. Interestingly, in 1924, Fr. Henri Hosten, writes: "along the left wall of the nave, and near the lateral door a small cross is cut in a stone inserted in the wall". He calls this cross a Maltese cross with wavy projection on both sides having an inscription around it that says "Kollam era 782. the church was consecrated by Mar Abraham". Remember, there is a third cross on the northern wall of the church (not shown in this photograph, but you can see my post on Kaduthuruthy Valiapally-the 1st photograph) that says about Mar Abraham and 4 others laying a foundation stone, and in this inscription the date given is 765 Kollam Era or 1590 AD. Now, if Hosten's Maltese wavy cross is indeed the winged cross, we have a translation. Ironically, Hosten's date Kollam Era 782 corresponds to 1607 AD and Mar Abraham passed away in 1597! Most probably Hosten has mixed up the inscription with the the third cross. Anyway, these are some information regarding the winged cross I could get. Will update when something interesting comes out.

    ReplyDelete

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)

1503 , 1560, 1573

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!

 

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.