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.

Thursday, October 21, 2021

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.

Sunday, October 17, 2021

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

Monday, October 11, 2021

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

Sunday, September 26, 2021

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)

Saturday, June 5, 2021

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). 

Thursday, May 20, 2021

OPEN-AIR ROCK CROSSES

Open-Air Granite Cross, Udayamperoor (Diamper) Synodal Church

In the upcoming several posts, I will be uploading photographs of a religious structure that you will easily notice in many churches of the St. Thomas Christians of Kerala. These are unique monumental rock crosses generally erected in front of the traditional churches of Kerala at the western side facing the main entrance. The structure usually made of granite, consists of a huge monolithic cross and an elaborate and massive pedestal at its base. The pedestals or basements of the cross are decorated with square, circular, rectangular or octagonal layers or mouldings one above the other. The uppermost moulding is topped usually with a hemispherical dome in the shape of a lotus bud, over which the monolithic square shaft (vertical pole) is erected. The sides of these multi-tiered pedestals are normally adorned with intricate carvings of floral and faunal motifs, geometrical designs, religious symbols representing the Life of Christ and Biblical narratives, celestial bodies, mythical creatures, angelic figures etc. The horizontal shaft (cross arm) of the cross have flat ends, which are sometimes tapering and finely decorated. The top of the vertical pole is usually blank, but in a few types they have a small plaque positioned parallel to the horizontal beam, which gives a double T-shaped appearance to the cross. The cross as such is generally devoid of any images, but rare exceptions are still to be noted (eg. Chengannur)

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

CHURCH LISTS OF ST. THOMAS SYRIAN CHRISTIANS FROM 17th & 18th CENTURIES

In the previous post, we discussed about churches mentioned in Jornada (1606) and the list compiled by Fr. Bernard Thoma. In this post, I will introduce some other church lists of St. Thomas Syrian Christians from the 17th and the 18th centuries. A majority of them have appeared in the reports and documents of Portuguese missionaries. The lists may not be perfect in the sense that they might be incomplete or represent churches from a particular group or diocese only. Some of the sites are unidentifiable because of the various modes of spelling accounted for by foreign languages, and there are a few repetitions of the names as well. Nevertheless, these lists have been very useful in getting an overall picture of the churches, their geographical distribution, the local kingdoms to which they were subjected, their affiliation to the major denominations, the patron saints to which they were dedicated etc. It should be noted that most of these lists are contributed by Catholic Portuguese authors, who consider the non-Catholic Syrians as a heretical group, and usually address them as Schismatici, Schismatique, Schismaticae etc. However, the more acceptable and correct expressions would be, Romo-Syrians (Catholics), Syrian-Jacobites and Latin (non-Syrian Catholics). Similarly, although the term Malabar refers to the northern districts of Kerala, the Portuguese authors use the “Church of Serra” (Malabar) to indicate the general habitat of the St Thomas Christians. At first, we will see three church lists of the 18th century that are more detailed and elaborate.

Saturday, May 8, 2021

LIST OF ST. THOMAS SYRIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES AT THE TIME OF THE SYNOD OF DIAMPER (1599)-BASED ON 'JORNADA' (1606).

The earliest well authenticated statement about the numerical strength of the St. Thomas Christians of Kerala is from a Syriac letter sent by four Chaldean bishops ordained for India, viz. Mar Yahballaha, Mar Denha, Mar Jacob and Mar Thomas to the Catholicos and Patriarch of the East (Babylon), Mar Elijah. The letter dated 1504, reports about 30,000 Christian families in Malabar. The original Syriac letter is reproduced with a Latin translation by Joseph Simonius Assemanns in 1725 (Bibliotheca Orientalis Clementino Vaticana, 1725, Volume 3, Issue 1, pp. 590-594). Similarly, one of the first reports that specify the number of churches in Malabar, is provided by P. Francisci Dionysios, rector of the Jesuit college of Cochin on the St. Thomas Christians. According to his narrative dated Cochin, 4 January 1578, the St. Thomas Christians have 50 large settlements and many houses, and over 60 churches and almost 80,000 Christian souls, scattered around Malabar (in Josef Wicki, Documenta Indica, vol. XI, p. 140). 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

EARLY PICTORIAL REPRESENTATION OF SYRIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES OF KERALA

Let's explore some of the pre-20th century portraits of the Syrian Christian churches of Kerala. We will first go through four sketches from 1806 by Rev. Claudius Buchanan followed by three drawings by Rev Josiah Bateman, published in 1860. More engravings from 1855 to 1887 are discussed. A rare  photograph of a church from Kerala dated 1868 is also added. I will be comparing all these sketches and photograph with the current images taken from the same location for a better understanding of how these structures have changed over time.

Four Sketches of Syrian Christian Churches of Kerala from 1806

One of the first images of Kerala's Syrian Christian churches were contributed by the Scottish Theologian, Rev. Claudius Buchanan in 1806. Buchanan paid two visits to Kerala between October, 1806 to February, 1807 and December, 1807 to January, 1808, and during his first trip, he made sketches of four Syrian churches -viz., the old church of Paroor (North Paravur), those of Candenad (Kandanad), Udiamper (Udayamperoor), and that of Mangatte or Alangatta (Alangad). These sketches are faithfully reproduced in 1817 by the English cleric, Rev. Hugh Nicholas Pearson, in the second volume of his "Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Rev. Claudius Buchanan". 

Pearson writes: "In the course of his tour, Dr. Buchanan made drawings of several of the Syrian churches on the spot; of which, though extremely simple, and with one exception exhibiting only the principal front of each building, it has been thought desirable to obtain engravings, as an accompaniment to this part of his Memoirs"; and he further elaborates: "The sketches of these venerable buildings can scarcely be contemplated without exciting some tribute of applause to the Christian zeal and energy which prompted Dr. Buchanan to explore the recesses amidst which they had been for ages concealed, and to shed around them that scriptural light which poverty and neglect had well-nigh extinguished.” To the best of my knowledge, these 1806-sketches are the earliest known images of any Syrian Christian churches from Kerala. 

1) OLD PAROOR/NORTH PARAVUR CHURCH (Syro-Malabar)

Buchanan visits Paroor on 9 December, 1806 and he specifically mentions about taking a sketch of the church. Quoting his own words from this visit: "Not far from Cranganore is the town of Paroor, where there is an ancient Syrian Church, which bears the name of the Apostle Thomas. It is supposed to be the oldest in Malabar, and is still used for Divine Service. I took a drawing of it" (Christian Researches in Asia, 1811). The sketch represents a church whose structure shows certain features that you rarely find in a Syrian church of Kerala. Rev. Thomas Whitehouse who visited Paravur in 1859, finds Buchanan's drawing atypical. His skepticism is reflected in his observation that "If it be at all a correct representation, it was very unlike all other Syrian Churches now existing in Malabar, especially in its having no raised chancel, but a round tower at the extreme end of the building-towers of any kind being very unusual in their churches" (Lingerings of light in a dark land, 1873).

OLD PAROOR/NORTH PARAVUR CHURCH (1806)

Three Sketches of Syrian Christian Churches of Kerala from 1860

About three decades after Buchanan visited Kerala, Rev. Daniel Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta (1832 to 1858) made a trip to the region from 15 November to 25 November, 1835. When Rev. Josiah Bateman, a chaplain to the Bishop of Calcutta, wrote "The life of the Right Rev. Daniel Wilson" in 1860, he published drawings of three Syrian Christian churches from Kerala, viz. Kottayam Cheriapally, Kottayam Valiapally (interior) and Karingachira, which were part of Wilson's itinerary.

1) KOTTAYAM CHERIAPALLY (Syrian Orthodox)

Bateman finds "These Syrian Christian churches, both (Valiapally and Cheriapally) as to their exterior and interior presented a certain degree of similarity with one another, and were constructed on a thoroughly primitive model" (vol. 2, p. 50).

KOTTAYAM CHERIAPALLY  (1860)

A Few More Sketches of the Syrian Christian Churches of Kerala from 19th Century

1) A SYRIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH (1855)
In an 1855 issue of the 'Wesleyan Juvenile Offering', we find this beautiful picture of ‘A Syrian Christian Church’ from Kerala, but the church is not named. [Don't miss the very insightful comments to this post by George Lino.]

An 1868 Photograph of a Syrian Christian Church of Kerala

A special mention needs to be made of this photograph of ‘Vypin Church’ taken by Lady Anne Jane Charlotte Napier, wife of Lord Francis Napier, the Governor of Madras from 1866 to 1872. According to the Royal Collection Trust, which has acquired the photograph, it was taken during Lady Napier's visit to Travancore in 1868, and was sent to Queen Victoria. It is perhaps one of the earliest known photograph of a church from Kerala.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF HOPE (Latin Catholic), VYPIN  (1868)

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.