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.).

19) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF MYLACOMBU, ST. THOMAS FORANE CHURCH (SYRO-MALABAR)

Mylakombu is considered to be the mother parish of several prominent early churches of Kerala such as Kothamangalam, Kadamattom, Chungam, Arakuzha, Nakappuzha, Nediassala, and Muthalakodam (Thoma, 1916, 297-303). The traditional date for the church is c. 600 A.D. (600, 660, 686 etc.). On the other hand, there are oral traditions which suggest about St Thomas installing a granite cross at Mylacombu, which further gets transformed to a church, either by the Apostle or his disciples (Thoma, 1916, p. 297)! Leaving aside these legendary stories, how does one arrive at a 7th century date for the church? It's a mystery how the St Thomas Christians arrive at such specific foundation dates without usually any supporting evidence in hand. Nevertheless, in the case of Mylacombu, the claim is based on an artefact preserved in the church- a large metallic church bell with an inscription on its rim. According to Fr. Bernard Thoma (1916, p. 296), the inscription is in Nanam Monam script and it reads as: "The church bell of Mylacomb's St. Thomas in the year 686, Minam 5 (month) after the Messiah was born". Now, based on Bernard's interpretation, many (Varkey, 1955, p. 389; Joy, 1992, p. 47, Pulickal, 2001, pp. 8-9 etc.) take this as a proof for the existence of Mylacombu church in the 7th century. However, the Tamil Vattezhuthu inscription is erroneously dated by Bernard, the more scholarly accepted date is now "A.D. 1606 Minam 5" (Poduval, 1990, p. 121; Kurukkoor, 2012, p. 24 etc.). Having said so, Mylacombu is certainly a pre-Diamper congregation as evident from Gouvea's reference to the church in his Jornada (1606) under the names Malucopil and Malucompil dedicated to St George (see Malekandathil, 2003, p. 433). Interestingly, Anquettil Du Perron (1758) finds the church dedicated to Virgin Mary, and a few decades later, Paulinus Bartholomaeo (1794) records the name of St Thomas instead. 

The church must have undergone several renovations and reconstructions over time. The latest was in the 1940s, when the old church was replaced for building the current structure. It has been reported that the old church was without a facade, a characteristic feature of pre-Portuguese churches. Today, very few churches have survived without a facade (eg. Kanjirappally old church), but even in mid-20th century, absence of a facade was a rare phenomenon, perhaps the remoteness of the area was an added advantage for Mylacombu. The foundation for the new church was laid on 1946 July 3, and the construction was done in such a way that the old church was preserved inside the new building (Varkey, 1955, p. 390). Eventually, the old church was taken down. Athapilly (1981, p. 71) writes that the demolition took place in 1955, he mentions about an interesting incident of a Ganapathi statue being found from the wall of the demolished church! I don't know even if a single photograph of the old Mylacombu church is available today, but it would be certainly a rare find if anyone will come across one. The old baptismal font has survived, which amusingly, is dated to 1st to 2nd century by the church! Anyway, it is one of the most beautiful baptismal fonts in Kerala with intricate carvings of heart-like floral decorations. I have included the photographs of both the baptismal font and the church bell below. I will be discussing more about these later when we get into the sections dealing with the church bells and the baptismal fonts of the community separately.

The cross has tapering upper arms with its distal end carved in the form of double layered lotus petals. There are no other motifs or carvings anywhere else either on the cross or the pedestal. This is the smallest and the simplest pedestal we have discussed so far. I don't know if this ordinary base represented by just three successive narrow square shaped steps are even part of the original structure. Anyway, it's interesting to observe how the tall and massive granite structure is held firmly by such a small foundation. A plaque in front of the open-air granite structure boasts about a possibility of the cross being erected at the time of the establishment of the church itself, although they agree that an exact date cannot be determined.  Additionally, there is reference to a legend about this cross being installed automatically, that is without any human help, a miracle attributed to St Thomas himself. At present we can't specifically date the cross, but most probably it is a post-16th century structure. According to James (1979, p. 66), the cross measures 10 m in height and lacks any western influence. He finds  bell-shaped carvings on the base, and niches on the pedestals. Since there are no niches on the pedestal today, the question arises if he was referring to an older pedestal? I have photographed the cross in 2015 and 2017, both set of photographs are added here for a better understanding of the monument.

18) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF MUTHALAKODAM, ST. GEORGE FORANE CHURCH (SYRO-MALABAR)

The medium sized open-air granite cross at Muthalakodam St. George church has a square shaped pedestal with a round apex. Today, metallic candle stands are placed on every side of the pedestal giving the cross a closely fenced appearance, and as a result, a clean view of the pedestal is difficult to obtain. Earlier, the cross was said to be surrounded by pillars having provisions for lighting oil lamps, and were interconnected by chains (Madukkakuzhi, 1995, p. 97). There is even a legend that beneath the cross is a hidden treasure of gold coins enough to build a beautiful new church (Madukkakuzhi, 1995, p. 97; Kurukkoor, 2012, p. 22). The tapering budded ends of the upper arms of the cross are finely carved. Similarly, the lotus petal designs and floral symbols engraved at the lower end of the vertical shaft, and the upper round layer of the pedestal are impressive. From each side of the lowermost square layer of the pedestal are central projections with niches. Whether there are any motifs inside these niches are hard to conclude due the accessibility issues. Another characteristic feature of the pedestal is the horn like protrusions arising from each corner. The prominent central square layer of the pedestal is composed of granite blocks of varying sizes and they appear as broken fragments joined.

History, Age, Size of the Cross
Traditionally, Muthalakodam church was separated from Mylacombu church and was established in the year 1312. The church is supposedly built by a rich and influential woman named Lady Mattathil Muthi, also called Kappathiaramma, Karthanyaramma or Karthathyaramma (Madukkakuzhi, 1995, pp. 95-96; Thoma, 1916, p. 302). Church historians like Bernard Thoma (1916, p. 302) believes that Muthalakodam church was established even earlier, that is from the 9th to 10th century period. Originally, the church was dedicated to Virgin Mary, but was changed to St. George probably in the 18th century (Kurukkoor, 2012, p. 19). The current church was built in 1973, but it has been renovated and rebuilt several times in the 20th century itself. For instance, the church demolished in 1941, had very thick walls, a beautiful altar with several sculptures and paintings, and an arched altar ceiling chiselled out of laterite stones (Madukkakuzhi, 1995, p. 97). The earlier churches at Muthalakodam are considered to be wooden buildings, with windows, door frames, railings etc. made entirely of granite (Thoma, 1916, p. 302).

There is belief that the cross in front of the church was built by the founder of the church, i.e. Mattathil Muthi herself. However, the first cross was probably a wooden (teak) structure speculates Kurukkoor (2012, p. 24). According to James (1979, p. 66), the cross does not show any western influence, and he notices the bell shaped carvings and a number of niches on the pedestal. Madukkakuzhi (1995, p. 97) assigns a height of 19 feet to the cross, whereas James (1979, p. 66) gives a higher estimate of 10 m (34 feet), the former seems more reliable.

17) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF KANJOOR, ST. MARY'S FORANE CHURCH (SYRO-MALABAR)

Unlike the open-air crosses we discussed so far, the Kanjoor cross has a very small foundation. The pedestal consists of a circular top followed by a few successive square layers. Today, portions of the bottom layer of the pedestal can be seen partially hidden under the soil (see especially the south-west corner), probably as a result after the land was filled and raised over time. To get a view of the more complete pedestal, go through some of the early black and white photographs attached below. The base of the cross, which is the uppermost round layer of the pedestal is carved in the form of a fluted lotus, done with such perfection that it is hard to believe that the work is indeed in granite. Equally impressive is the design at the intersection point of the upper arms of the cross on the west side (see the inset in the corresponding photograph attached), which even caught the attention of Henry Hosten in 1924. The upright pole and cross beam of the cross have finely carved tapering ends, but there are no inscriptions on the body. James (1979, p. 68) in his thesis on ‘The Thomas Christian Architecture of Malabar’ has addressed the importance of the Kanjoor pedestal, and to quote the text; “The cross has only a very moderate base of 1.5 m in diameter. But, it is beautifully carved out in the form of a fluted lotus with prominent petals. The workmen concentrated more on beauty and simplicity than on solidity and strength. The fluted lotus carved out on the base of the cross is similar to the bell-shaped capital of many a Buddhist stambha. The reason for stone workers to go in for such a simple and compact structure with great beauty is unknown. When compared with the fluted lotus on the base of the Angamaly cross, the perfection attainted by the one at Kanjoor becomes highly significant”.
 

History, Age and Size
One of the earliest documented reference to the Kanjoor cross is from Rev. Henry Hosten, who visited the church in 15-16 February, 1924 (see Tanima, 2008, pp. 29-30). Hosten observes the open-air cross before the entrance gate to the church grounds and records the small cross at the junction of the two beams of the cross, and on the left of the cross, on the ground an alms box, surmounted by a small cross and provided with a 'Chinese padlock. Note that an old alms box made of stone still survives next to the cross. He was particularly impressed with the gatehouse (Padippura) of Kanjoor, especially the wooden structure over the entrance gate. In fact, he even compares them to the gates of cities mentioned in the Old Testament! The gate house has been rebuilt at least twice in the 20th century itself as evident from the photographs (see old photos below)

The traditional date for Kanjoor church is 1001 A.D. The first church is said to be a humble palm-leaf thatched building located in the site where the modern cemetery is located, that is, south of the existing church. The establishment of the church is attributed to the efforts of a woman named Thekkumbhagathu Valiyaveettil Elishwa. The current church is believed to be established in the year 1403 and it has been reconstructed and rebuilt several times thereafter (see more in Archdiocese of Ernakulam, 1978, pp. 265-269). James (1979, p. 68) dates Kanjoor cross to the 14th or 15th century, but without providing any supporting evidence. Devassy (1961, p. 252) has estimated a height of 40 feet for the cross, which is certainly an exaggeration, since even Kaduthuruthy Valiapally cross, the tallest in Kerala, measures around 36 feet only!

16) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF KADUTHURUTHY, ST. MARY'S FORANE CHURCH/CHERIAPALLY/THAZHATHUPALLY (SYRO-MALABAR)

Earlier we discussed in detail about the majestic granite cross of Kaduthuruthy Valiapally (see here). Just a few feet away from this Knanaya Catholic Church is a Syro-Malabar Catholic Church known also as the Kaduthuruthy Cheriapally or Thazhathupally, and there is an open air granite cross in its courtyard as well. The Cheriapally cross is less impressive in its size or ornamental value compared to the magnificent Valiapally cross, but it can also be classified under the category of older crosses. Pereira (2000, pp. 369-371) takes the Lower (Thazhathu) St Mary Kaduthuruthy cross as one of the oldest monumental crosses in Kerala with a profile of greater elegance. However, he has probably mistaken the names, lower and upper Kaduthuruthy churches, see the last photograph (of 1968) of this post for more details.

Structure of the Cross
The upper arms of the cross have tapering ends, but the cross is devoid of  any carvings or inscriptions. The pedestal consists of square shaped successive layers. The uppermost (1) and lowermost (5) layers are carved in the form of a fluted lotus. The first layer which forms the base of the upright pole has a beautiful carving of an angel on the west side. Pereira (2000, p. 370) classifies the Upper St Mary Kaduthuruthy  cross (which in this case is the Cheriapally Cross) as a second stage cross, i.e. with two fold design, square and circular. At each corners of the 2nd layer from the top are fine carvings of angelic heads, but unfortunately only one in the south side (south-east corner) has survived intact. The 3rd layer from the top lacks any carvings, whereas the 4th layer  has engraving of 3 crosses on its side panels. At the west side panel there is an additional motif (cross?) faintly visible at the right extreme end.

Size of the Cross
The total height of the cross from the ground (i.e. including pedestal) is 4.74 m (remember, the Valiapally cross measures 10.96 m). The upright pole measures 3.18 m and the pedestal has a height of 1.56 m, and the single cross arm is 1.8 m long (Jose, 2017, p. 168). 

Age of the Church and the Cross
The conventional date for Kaduthuruthy Thazhathupally is 1009 A.D., and it is believed that the church was separated from the Valiapally. The construction of Cheriapally is attributed to one Lady Malana Eliamma (Malana Muthy). Eminent church historian Bernard Thoma (1916, vol.1, pp. 307-309) has compiled this tradition, according to which Malana Muthy was displeased with a reformation introduced in the Valiapally by Bishop Yohannan (10th Century), and as a result she built a separate church for the Vadakkumbhagam community (St Thomas Christians) who were worshipping in the main church with the Knanaya Christians (see more details here also). The Cheriapally is said to have undergone a reconstruction in 1590, the same year we learn Valiapally was also rebuilt, so whether these events are related is not clear. The origin of the cross is not known, and due to the lack of documentary or epigraphical evidence, it is difficult to estimate the exact age. Pereira (2000, p. 433) speculates a 16th century date for the Kaduthuruthy cross of Upper St. Mary church, located adjacent to the road, again in this case, he refers to the Cheriapally cross. When Henry Hosten was in Kaduthuruthy in 1924, he visited both the churches, and despite giving a detailed report of the Valiapally cross, he makes no comment on the Cheriapally cross (Hosten, 1924-In Tanima, 2010, pp. 103-104).

15) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF KUDAMALOOR, ST. MARY'S FORANE CHURCH (SYRO-MALABAR)

The Kudamaloor cross has no inscription, but it certainly has some beautiful panels of finely carved images of floral motifs, crosses, animals, birds etc. on the pedestal. The upper arms of the cross have protruding ends and at the intersection point of cross beam with vertical shaft is a floral motif. The pedestal is arranged in successive square layers. The bottom five layers are significantly wider than the upper layers and appears as if the entire construction is from a different period. The outer surface of the uppermost layer of the pedestal is carved out with fluted lotus petals and it forms the base of the vertical shaft of the cross. Each rectangular panel of the layer just below the lotus form has three motifs, the central prominent motif is bordered by floral patterns. A Persian cross adored by peacocks and an intricate carving of a majestic tusker elephant are particularly impressive. These rectangular panels are bordered by a narrow floral belt on the lower side, and an upper boundary adorned with a pair of angels and floral symbols.

14) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF CHAMPAKULAM-KALLOORKAD, ST. MARY'S BASILICA (SYRO-MALABAR)

Another open-air granite cross with an inscription is the one at the famous Champakulam-Kalloorkkad church. The cross is positioned on the south side of the church and the inscription is carved on the lower layer of the pedestal starting from the east side and written in the anti-clockwise direction, i.e. from the east to the south. The engraving in modern Malayalam language was written in 1857 or later, but what makes this inscription special is that it refers to the existence of a 12th century church at Champakulam. There are three dates mentioned in the writing: 1) 1821-when the cross was taken down; 2) 1857-when the cross was reinstalled; and 3) 670 years before 1821 (i.e. 1151) a church was built at Champakulam.

The traditional date of establishment for the Champakulam church is 427 A.D., December 28 (the Holy Innocents Day) or September 14 (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), and its origin is attributed to the Christian migrants from Nilackal, Niranam etc. The church is said to be rebuilt and renovated several times viz. 1023, 1151, 1544, 1720-1730, 1786, 1821, 1857, 1885-1891, 1981 etc. (for more details and corresponding references, see here). The inscription clearly says that a church was built in Champakulam around the year 1151 AD (i.e. 1821-670=1151), but strangely there is no reference to the traditional 5th century date!

13) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF KANJIRAPPALLY, ST. MARY'S PAZHAYAPALLY OR AKKARAPPALLY (SYRO-MALABAR)

This is supposedly yet another open-air cross with an inscription. According to Ramanatha Ayyar, A. S. (1931), the Kanjirappally cross devoid of any ornamentation, contains an inscription in Tamil Vatteluttu, dating the monument to Kollam 816, when Tekkumuri-Kattanar was the vicar of the church. He has given the Tamil transliteration of the five-lined inscription in Travancore Archaeological Series (1931, Vol. VII, Part II, p. 148) and when transliterated in English it becomes:

1-Kollam 860-ra Mandu

2-Kulakattu Thekkumuri Katta-

3-nar Vicari Aayirunna Kalam Tho-

4-m(ma) Thom(ma) Muthelayi (Kurichu?)

5-Mina Matha(m) 1-nu Muzhuvanayi

The Tamil transliteration is followed by an English translation by him which is as follows: “In Kollam 816 (i.e. 1641 A.D.), when Tekkumuri-Kattanar of Kulakkadu was officiating as the vikari (of the church), the cross was completed on the 1st day of the month of Minam as the gift of Tomma-Tomma” (Ayyar, 1931, p. 148).

Though Ayyar reads the year 816 in his English translation, in the Tamil text, the date provided by him is “௮௱൬௰”, which corresponds to 860 M. E. (i.e. 1685 A.D.). In addition, he comments that the word Kulakattu can also be read as Kallakattu. He is not specific with the exact location of the inscription on the cross, but it may be on the pedestal as Poduval (1990, p. 71) has inferred in "Travancore Inscriptions-A Topographical List". Apparently, there is also a version that dates the cross to 1614 A.D. (Abraham, 2020).

12) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF NIRANAM, ST. MARY'S VALIAPALLY (SYRIAN ORTHODOX)

In this post, we will see the open air granite cross of Niranam, one of the seven traditional churches established by St. Thomas the Apostle. Interestingly, only Niranam among the seven has an open-air cross that can be considered not recent! The current cross in Palayur is not more than two centuries old and there are no open-air crosses shown for North Paravur, Kodungallur and Kollam. The open-air crosses displayed at Nilakkal and Kokkamangalam are relatively modern. Niranam is a land abundant with St. Thomas traditions like Palayur and has many sites associated with the Apostle and his missionary activities. 

Keeping the oral traditions and legendary stories aside, the earliest reference to a church in Niranam is based on a stone inscription from the 13th century. We first hear about this inscription from B. S. Ward and P. E. Conner who conducted the Travancore and Cochin survey between 1816 and 1820. In the first volume of the "Geographical and Statistical Memoir of the Survey of the Travancore and Cochin States", published a few decades after their death in 1863 (Vol. 1, p. 19),  we find this statement appended as a footnote: "An inscription found at Neranum states the Church there to have been enlarged in A.D. 1259". Furthermore, in the second volume of the Survey of the Travancore and Cochin (originally published in two parts in 1893 and 1901), we find a note on Niranam church which says "The famous Syrian Church at Noramun (i.e. Niranam) 3.5 miles S.E. of the capital (i.e. Tirwulla or Thiruvalla) is remarkable for its antiquity, and being immediately in the vicinity of pagoda of consequence, it is one of the seven primitive Syrian churches in Travancore and has a large congregation of Syrian Christians, who have a small church also on the bank of the Pumbay river close on the western confines of the District'' (1994 reprint, Vol. 2, p. 158).  A few decades afterwards, G. T. MacKenzie, the British Resident of Travancore and Cochin (1899-1904), who authored "Christianity in Travancore'' in 1901, notes this reference of Ward and Conner, but writes "No such inscription can be seen now" (1901, p. 57, fn. 4). MacKenzie finds only two gravestones preserved in Niranam, one from 799 M.E. (1624 A.D.) and the other he dates erroneously to 92 M.E. (917 A.D.), which Ayyar (1931, p. 144) rectifies as 792 M.E. (1617 A. D.). The first epitaph is lost and only the latter, supposedly from 1617 (792 M.E.) survives, which however, is dated differently to 742 M.E. (1567 A.D.) by T. K. Joseph (Mathew, 2006, p. 303). This is the gravestone currently displayed in the museum adjacent to the church. In the 'Travancore Archaeological Series", Ayyar (1931) gives the translation of only one epitaph, so the gravestone dated 799 (1624 A. D.) might have already been lost by then.

11) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF UDAYAMPEROOR, SYNOD OF DIAMPER OLD CHURCH (SYRO-MALABAR)

 

The open air granite cross of Udayamperoor stands on a site that changed the course of history for St. Thomas Christians in Kerala. The 'Synod of Diamper', convoked by Dom Alexis de Menezes, the Latin Archbishop of Goa was held at this very spot from June 20 to 26, 1599. The word Diamper is the Portuguese version of the name Udayamperoor. It is not possible to confirm if the cross existed at the time of the Synod, but tradition has it that it was installed before the Synod was held. There is a legend in favour of this assumption that at the time of the Synod, the pedestal of the cross functioned as altars and Holy Masses were conducted simultaneously from the four sides of the Cross. The granite cavities still visible on pedestal above the central projections are said to be meant for functional altar stones. However, even if a cross didn't exist at the time of the Synod, it would have been erected soon after the fateful council, as open-air crosses were integral part of St. Thomas Christian architecture and there is no reason to believe that for such an important venue like Udayamperoor one will be delayed. A 16th century date for the cross is speculated by James (1979, p. 71). Originally the cross was considered to be standing on the western courtyard in front of the church, but was brought to the eastern side behind the altar when a public road was constructed.

According to the official history of Udayamperoor Church (Nalagamam) compiled in 1944 and 1957, and published in 2006 by George Koilparambil, at the time of Tipu Sultan's attack (1789) the church roof was burnt down and the front porch was demolished and leveled to mount a canon. The severely damaged church was later renovated by the Christian leader Thachil Mathu Tharakan (late 18th century?), which is the current existing building (Nalagamam, p. 10). One major issue though is that, since Tipu Sultan did not cross the banks of Periyar at Aluva, attack on Udayamperoor beyond the river is an unlikely scenario. Having said so, a church that could accommodate 153 priests and 671 delegates from 168 places for a week (Thoma, 1921, p. 9) must not have been an ordinary parish. Excavations conducted inside the church in 1929 (Nalagamam, p. 12) have revealed foundations of a structure believed to be from an earlier sanctuary. It is also reported that the church premises yielded structural remains of older buildings during 1912-1914 period, the stones obtained thus were used to build the eastern compound wall and the cemetery on the north (Nalagamam, p. 12). 

10) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF MOOZHIKULAM ST. MARY'S FORANE CHURCH (SYRO-MALABAR)

There is nothing particularly impressive in the Moozhikulam cross except for the Syriac inscription on the upper cross bar. There are no carved images either on the double T-shaped cross or in the pedestal. The plain pedestal made up of an octagonal drum surmounted by a cone is certainly not old. However, the Syriac engravings alone is sufficient to include the cross under a rare specimen. Surprisingly, the inscription is not well known even in the official church records. In the Ernakulam Archdiocese-Historical Survey (1978, p. 196), the script is yet to be deciphered, and the language unknown! 

9) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF KORATTY ST. MARY'S FORANE CHURCH (SYRO-MALABAR)

The open-air granite cross of Koratty has the longest Syriac inscriptions engraved on a cross in Kerala. It is also a super-imposed double T-shaped cross. The inscriptions are engraved on the upper and lower cross-arms and the vertical slab in between them (see photographs below). The small upper cross bar (1) reads "This is Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" according to the Peshitta (Syriac Bible) verse in John 19: 19. The wide lower cross bar (3) reads "This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29 according to the Peshitta). The middle trunk (2) has the traditional acronym (Tetragrammaton) used for God and in this case only the two initial letters of the biblical name of God YaHWeH, 'Yod' and 'He' are used. The three dots in a triangle above and an isolated dot below the letter symbolizes the unique Trinitarian God. Usually, the single point is below, symmetrical to the triangle with respect to the letters, but here it is next to this triangle on the upper side of the letter.  The conventional representation of the acronym in West and East Syriac scripts are given (2). The East Syriac engraving is taken from the arched entrance to the Madbaha (Altar) of Thrissur Marth Mariam Cathedral (Chaldean Syrian). For a scholarly treatment of the subject refer Chatonnet et al., (2008, pp. 81-82 ) and Perczel, (2009, p. 293), though both translations are fairly identical, I have used the former reference in this post.

8) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF KOTTAYAM ST. MARY'S VALIAPALLY (KNANAYA-JACOBITE)

The Persian crosses kept inside Kottayam Valiapally are the most scholarly investigated crosses in Kerala (see here for photos). In this post, we will discuss about the free standing open-air cross of the church, located behind it's sanctuary on the east side. Usually open-air crosses are positioned in front of the church (west side), but we have already seen exceptions, one in Kaduthuruthy behind the altar (east direction) and the other in Chengannur north of the church. Like the North Paravur Jacobite cross, the Kottayam cross also has a small cross beam on the top giving it a double-T shape appearance, but the small cross arm has the form of a scroll with folded ends.

Syriac Inscriptions

7) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF CHANGANASSERY ST. MARY'S METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OR VALIAPALLI (SYRO-MALABAR)

This is yet another granite cross with a finely carved pedestal. Like the Kaduthuruthy cross, the Changanasserry (former Changanacherry) cross also has a circular top, a middle octagonal and a lower square moulding with central projections. The round top has a beautiful floral belt usually not common with other crosses of this type. 

The East and West Sides of the CrossIn the insets are the images on the intersection points of the cross-beams, a Persian Cross on the west and a floral motif on the east sides.

6) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF KURAVILANGAD ST. MARY'S FORANE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Similar to Kaduthuruthy cross in many respects, the Kuravilangad cross is also an impressive structure with its size and intricate carvings on the pedestal. There are no inscriptions on the cross neither any primary documents regarding its establishment date are available. James (1979, p. 71) dates the cross to 16th century based on its similarity to Kaduthuruthy cross and since both places are nearby (within 10 km radius), he even assumes same workers might have been employed. Perczel (2016, p. 45) attributes the structure to the period of Archdeacon George of the Christ (1556-1585/91), whereas NSC Network (2014-see link) and Malayalam Wikipedia entry (see link) arrive at the specific date of 1575, however none of them provide details of the source. Nidhiri (1999, p. 166) initially speculated that the cross was built between 1500 and 1550, but afterwards he moves the dates to later periods, viz. 1600-1635 (2005, p. 65) and 1638-1657 (NSC Network, 2014-see comments). Pereira (2000, p. 433) also assigns a 17th century date to the Kuravilangad cross. However, Kurukkoor (2000, p. 53) assigns a much later date for the cross based on an inscription he finds on the cross. According to him the Malayalam year, 1072 (1897 A.D.) is inscribed through the three sides of the pedestal. Although, upon careful observation you can notice a few scattered Malyalam numerals engraved on some of the octagonal panels of the middle and rectangular side panels of the bottom layers, but the date what Kurukkoor proposes cannot be identified. Abraham (2010, p. 135) also speculates a later date (18th century) for the cross. George (1973, p. 106) shares two interesting legends associated with the erection of the cross, one involves the miraculous intervention of Virgin Mary, who appeared in the form of an old lady and helped them, and the other is about a Nair chief whose elephant was used in the process and the service rendered by his family was acknowledged by the church for generations.

Today, there are three churches in the complex, the oldest is the main church (St. Mary) followed by the small church on a hill (St. Sebastian) and the nearby cemetery chapel (St. Joseph). In Jornada (1606), we find Archbishop Menezes laid the foundation stone of a new church as the original Kuravilangad church was "very dark and in the old style" (Malekandathil, 2003, p. 437). The old style may be that of the Iratur (Aruvithara) church visited by Menezes, which Gouvea records as “being built of bamboo like the temples of gentiles" (Malekandathil, 2003, p. 441). Therefore, a more stable church made of stone and lime could have been established at Kuravilangad after 1599 and the granite cross was part of the new construction. 

5) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF CHENGANNUR OLD SYRIAN CHURCH

 

Introduction

One of the most beautiful open-air granite cross in Kerala is the free standing monolithic monument standing in front of the Chengannur Old Syrian Church. There are very less free standing rock crosses in Kerala having carvings on the vertical pole and cross-arms, and even if present, they are bare minimum. Chengannur is a rare exception, where the entire surface of the cross facing west is intricately carved with low relief of crucifixion symbols, winged angels and other Christian religious motifs, all arranged in a belt of floral work. Carvings are also visible on the cross-beams and vertical shaft facing the eastern, the northern and the southern borders of the cross, though less intensive in amount. The engravings are more prominent at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal members. The artistic excellence of the cross has made Ramanatha Ayyar (1931, p. 151) to call the specimen as the most beautifully designed cross in Travancore. The cross is positioned on a street in the northern side, a few feet outside the church compound. 

How tall is the cross?

James (1979, p. 66) assigns a height of 13 metres for the cross and 3.5 metres for the pedestal. The other figure which is often quoted is 33.5 feet (10 metres) single stone cross (eg. Cherian, 2009, p. 176; Kaduvettoor, 2019, p. 46). The more reliable data is however provided by Jose (2017, pp. 163, 167) and according to his estimate, the cross along with the pedestal measures 8.93 metres (cross-6.45 metres and pedestal- 2.48 metres); the cross-beam 2.5 metres; and the vertical pole at the base with a thickness 40 x 40 cm.

4) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF NORTH PARAVUR, ST. THOMAS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH.

The open-air granite cross of North Paravur Jacobite church is traditionally dated from the pre- Diamper period (i.e. before 1599). Scholars like Jose Pereira (2000, p. 369) even considers Paravur cross as the oldest monumental cross in Kerala. This is mainly based on a stone inscription displayed near the western main entrance of the church. However, it is highly unlikely that the current structure is from the 16th century, at the most it may have retained some elements from the original structure.

The Vattezhuthu Inscription of the Cross (1566)

The 17-lined Malayalam Vattezhuthu inscription is about the installation of a cross in 1566 under the guidance of a Bishop named Joseph. Translations in modern Malayalam and English are also provided along with the original inscription in the western wall of the church. A Tamil transliterated version of the full inscription is given by A. S. Ramanatha Ayyar in Travancore Archaeological Series (1931, Vol. VII, Part-2, pp. 144-145). I am giving an English transliteration of Ayyar's Tamil text here:

1) Maran Echo Michi-

2) ha Pirannittu 1-

3) 566 Kalam Vr-

4) ricchika Njayar 16-

5) nu Pattamane Para-

6) vuru Marth Thomma Pa-

7) lli Veppan Mar You-

8) vseppu Methran-

9) um Mattum Pala Thesathu-

10) lla Pattakkarerum

11) Inangarum Koo-

12) ti Kurichu Natti-

13) Sammathichu Kuruva-

14) nayum Cheythu Annu

15) Thanne Kollam 7- 

16) 42-amathu Vricchika Nja-

17) yar 16- nu + வ

3) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF CHUNGAM (THODUPUZHA), ST. MARY'S FORANE KNANAYA-CATHOLIC CHURCH

The open-air granite cross, the broken old cross and the old church of Chungam

The granite cross of Chungam St. Mary's church near Thodupuzha is dated from early decades of 17th century. There are no inscriptions in the cross to substantiate the date, but we get the information from an old song. The "ചുങ്കത്തിൽ പള്ളിയുടെ പാട്ട്" (the Song of Chungam Church) and the "ചുങ്കത്തിൽ പള്ളിയുടെ  കുരിശ്ശിന്‍റെ പാട്ട്" (the Song of Chungam Church Cross) appeared for the first time in print when Lukas P. U. published "Purathanapattukal' (Ancient Songs of the Syrian Christians of Malabar) in 1910. This  important work has seen 11 editions so far, which is an indication of its wide acceptance. Many of the traditional songs were copied from old palm-leaf manuscripts which otherwise would have been lost by now.  Lukas died at Chungom in 1959, the memorial stone displayed near the southern entrance of the old Chungam church says, "Puthenpurackal Uthuppu Lukas, Collector of the Ancient Songs of Malayalathe Syrian Christians (1910)".

Song of Chungam Church (4th Stanza)

ആണ്ടു൦പുകൾ കൊല്ലമെഴുന്നൂറ്റൻപത്തുനാലുങ്കൽ

അന്നവിടെ നിന്ന തിങ്ങൾ രണ്ടു ചെന്നവൃശ്ഛിക൦

(Lukas, 1910, p. 76)

Song of Chungam Church Cross (5th Stanza)

കൊല്ലമെണ്ണൂറ്റഞ്ചു ചെന്ന മിഥുന൦ മൂന്നോടിരുപത്

കോമളമാ൦ നൽവരവു൦ മാർത്തോമ്മാന്‍റെ ദുക്റാന

അന്നു നിറവേറി കുരിശാലാഹാ തന്നരുളാലെ

ഭക്തിയൊത്തവരൊക്കെ പണി ചമച്ചു വെച്ചാറെ

(Lukas, 1910, p. 79)

The songs inform us that Chungam church was established in 754 Malayalam era (1579 A. D.), Vrischikam 2; and the cross was erected 50 years later in 805 M. E. (1629 A. D.), Mithunam 23-both the dates based on old reckoning (Julian calendar). The dates become November 12, 1579 and July 3, 1630 under the new reckoning (Gregorian date). The original Chungam church (1579) does not exist today. The current old church

2) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF HOLY GHOST FORANE CATHOLIC CHURCH (RUHA D'QUDISHA CHURCH), MUTTUCHIRA

1-Open-Air Granite Cross and Lithic Inscription (Stele) of Muttuchira

In the courtyard between the Holy Ghost Forane and the St. Francis Assissi churches at Muttuchira stands an open air granite cross. The cross is dated from 1623-24 period (M.E. 799) based on a Vattezhuthu inscription on its pedestal. However, we have another inscription in the form of a stone tablet from the same church, also in Vattezhuthu script that testifies the erection of a granite cross at Muttuchira in 1581, Minam (March) 24 or 29. This stone inscription of Muttuchira dated 1581 (or later) has been extensively studied. Earlier studies of A. S. Ramanatha Ayyar (1930, pp. 75-79), T. K. Joseph (1929, p. 17, Appendix IV; 1930, pp. 253–54), Fr. Henri Hosten (1936, pp. 341-363), and recent works by Martin Thomas Antony (2016, pp. 286-316) and Istvan Perczel (2018a, pp. 94-104; 2018b, pp. 201-206) are important in this regard. The stele was erected by Chaldean Bishop Mar Shimon (d. 1599) and his archdeacon, a native priest from Muttuchira, Jacob Nadakkal (d. 1593 or 1596) in 1581 to commemorate the erection of a granite cross in front of the church. 

2- Crosses described in the Muttuchira Stele

The Muttuchira lithic inscription measures 30" x 40" (Hosten, 1936, p. 350) and is divided into two sections. The contents of the inscription stone are essentially about the installation of four crosses at four different periods of the 16th century, along with names of the people involved in the process. The type of the crosses and date of erection differ depending on how one reads the script. The four crosses installed according to the stele are dated:

1) 1528

2) 1580, 13 Kanni (September)

3) 1580, at the Feast (of the Bleeding Cross) of the 18th of the same time (i,e, 18 December, 1580)

4) 1581, 24 or 29 Minam (March)

1) OPEN-AIR GRANITE CROSS OF KADUTHURUTHY ST. MARY KNANAYA CATHOLIC CHURCH (VALIYAPALLY)-The largest free standing granite cross of India.

INTRODUCTION

Kaduthuruthy cross is the tallest free-standing rock cross in India and often cited as the highest open-air cross in Asia, made out from a single block. The Travancore Archaeological Series (Volume 7, 1931) refers to the Kaduthuruthy cross as the best of its kind in Travancore. Typically, open-air granite crosses in Kerala are erected in the western courtyard facing the façade and the main entrance of the church. However, Kaduthuruthy cross is positioned in the eastern courtyard at the rear end, i.e. behind the main altar of the Kaduthuruthy St. Mary's Knanaya Catholic Forane Church (Valiyapally). No doubt the cross was considered an impressive monument at the time of its erection. In the old song of the cross, the author asks "is there any cross in Kerala like this?”. Miraculous stories are often associated with the cross such as, at the time of its foundation, Mother Mary herself appeared as an old woman to help the struggling devotees to erect the tall massive structure; and the Vadakkankur king, who, when denied the chalice of the church for the marriage feast of his daughter, attacked Kaduthuruthy church, but the effort of king's elephants and men to destroy the cross failed miserably (Menachery, 1973).