Aruvithura Mekhala
St.George Forane Church Aruvithura belonging to the Syro-Malabar Rite in the diocese of Palai, is situated on the left bank of the river Meenachil. A beacon of the nineteen century old Christian faith, the church stands on a picture square spot, about 25 miles due east to Kottayam. The ancient name of the place was Irapuzhai or Irapeli. Irapeli had a vigorous trade with the Tamil countries lying beyond the Western Ghats.
The first edifice of the church at Irapeli was of granite stone after the manner of Hindu temples. It was rebuilt once or twice before the 16th century as it is reported. The Church was built facing the west according to the Oriental liturgical traditions.
Friday which is believed to be the day on which the Saint George suffered martyrdom, is observed as a special day of devotion. So, the votive masses in honour of the saint is generally turned "Friday Mass".......Learn More
Bharanganam Mekhala
Bharananganam is a name which is synonymous with St. Alphonsa, who ise the first saint of India. This town is 5 kilometer away from Palai, now has become an important pilgrim center in Kerala.
The church was first built during 1004 AD. As per the tradition five families requested for a church at Bharananganam. But there was a quarrel between the Christians of this region over the location of the church. The local ruler find a unique way to settle the issue. He entrusted his elephant to find out a suitable place. The foundation stone was laid on the same day (1004 August 15) .Thus a small church was built. Few years later more Christians from Nilakkal and surroundings reached Bharananganam and the Christian community became stronger. They wanted a big church. In 1935 a new in the church. The old church and it is still there....Learn More
Kothanallor Mekhala
Ss. Gervasis & Prothasis Forane Church, Kothanalloor is one of the famous and ancient Churches in the Diocese of Palai, in the District of Kottayam, in Kerala, India. It is believed to be established in the very early period of A.D. 826 by Persian Missionaries and is famous and particular for its Twin Patron Saints called St. Gervasis and St. Prothasis who are also known locally in the syriac name Kantheesangal which means Saints...Learn More
Kuravilangad Mekhala
The land of Kuravilangad is blessed by the esteemed presence of St. Mary's Forane Church, which was built in 105 A.D. It is believed, Mother Mary's first appearance in the world, was in Kuravilangad. Our Lady appeared to a few children at Kuravilangad, who were tending their flock in the bushes. Our Lady asked them to build a church at the place
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Ramapuram Mekhala
Ramapuram Forane church is one of the most famous Catholic churches in Kerala. Its patron is St Augustine. This was in fact the first church in Kerala established in the name of St Augustine. The church has a tradition and history extending over hundreds of years. Situated atop the small hillock at the centre of Ramapuram in Kottayam district .....
There are no written records about the beginnings of the Christian community at Ramapuram. But there is a strong oral tradition passed on from generation to generation. According to that Christian families began to migrate to Ramapuram as early as the 12th century A.D. from more ancient Christian centres like Kuravilangad and Aruvithura .....
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Cherpunkal Mekhala
The first Cherpunkal Church was built at Moonupedika in Kummannoor in the same place where St. Thomas was supposed to have landed. Later on it was shifted from this northern side of Meenachil River to the Southern side, that is, the place where the present church is situated. The land for building the church at this southern side of the River was donated by the Harichandran Namboothiri of Kidangoor Kallampally Illam.
The Holy Cross Church Cherpunkal is one of the biggest churches in the Diocese of Palai. It was built in the Goethic architecture. It is having a top cover supported by huge pillars, each one having a circumference of 12 feet, extremely thick outer walls, with the front, divided into three peaks, with the central one being the highest. At the back end, the church has got an eight sided conifer shaped bell tower. The altar is decorated with golden coloured sculpture, the sanctury of sancturies is covered on the top as well as the sides with the Holy pictures of events from the Bible. ,,,,Learn More
Muttuchira Mekhala
The Muttuchira church is believed to be established in the 6th century AD. The Christians to this area were brought by the dependants of the then king Myal Pazhur Naboothiripadu and Mamalassery kymal. These land lords built and gave a church for them. The members of kallarveli family were the first Christians of this area. Many people came and settled here from different places later. This was a land suitable for the cultivation of ginger and paddy. The Muttuchira market came to existence slowly. It is said that Muttuchira had trade connections with Kochi in those days. The establishment of Muttuchira church believed to be taken place on the day of Pentecost on 25th of May, 550 AD. The first church was at a place called Kurisummood in Muttuchira market.
The cross in Kurisummood and the stone floor with lamps around the cross indicate its ancientness. The first church was with an arch madubaha in front of the cross and an altar blow the madubaha. As the number of the faithful increased the space was found insufficient and a new church was built by the 7th century. ...Learn More
Poonjar Mekhala
Teekoy Mekhala
Elanji Mekhala
The traditional belief is that the ancient Elanji Forane church, which is in the name of Sts. Pater and Paul (Thazhathepally), was established as per the order of the then Vadakumcoor king in the land donated by Panachel ejamanan between 1200 and 1250 AD. The priestly calendar at Changanassery Bishop's House (the old Kottayam Vicariate) mentions that the establishment year of Elanji church is 1522 AD. But as per the message written in kolezhuth script on the baptismal tub in Elanji church, that this baptismal tub was donated by a parishner in Kollavarsham (Malayalam year) 561. This tub was inspected and approved by the Archeological department of Kerala University. According to this, the establishment of Elanji church was done before 1368 AD.......... Learn More
