ABOUT Malayatoor Church

Where is it Situated?

By Air
Cochin International Airport, about 22 km
By Train
Angamaly, about 23 km
By Road
Kerala State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) as well as private buses operate at regular intervals to Malayatoor from the nearest towns such as Ernakulam (52 km), Alwaye, Ankamaly, Perumbavoor, Kothamangalam etc. During March- May the festival season, special buses ply from all parts of Kerala.

About
Believers carrying large crosses up a hill are common sights on a voyage to the Hill Shrine at Malayattoor where people offer their pain and suffering to God, in hopes of forgiveness and peace. It is believed that St. Thomas, one of the ten apostles of Jesus Christ, had landed on the Kerala coast at Muziris, Kodungalloor Port in 52 C.E. and that he built the Malayattoor Church. It is said that he retreated to the hills of Malayattoor and prayed.
Located on top of the Malayattoor Hill, at a height of 609 m, in Ernakulam pilgrims flock here in large numbers to pay homage and seek blessings from the man who formed the bedrock of the Church in the sub-continent.
Malayattoor has always been famous for its natural riches, with the hilly area forming the perfect backdrop for all who seek solace and spiritual salvation. The Periyar River flows beside you and there are provisions at the Church which help you bathe in the beautiful river. Considered the largest pilgrim centre in the name of St. Thomas in India, its famous 'Malayattoor Perunnal' attracts devotees in large numbers. It is observed on the first Sunday after Easter, which is usually in March or April. A visit is not complete without visiting the legendary Marthoma Mandapam, where the relics of the great Apostle himself are preserved.
The Golden Cross at Kurishumudi is believed to have formed when St. Thomas knelt on a rock and signed a cross with his finger. Another intriguing sight at the hill is the permanent footprint and the marks of knees imprinted on the rock which is believed to be that of St. Thomas.
This hill shrine has over time emerged as one of the most famous and largest pilgrim centres in the name of St. Thomas in India and thousands of devotees congregate here to get his blessings.

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