Pilgrims in malayattoor

Even though many parts of Kerala had the privilege of being trodden by the Holy Apostle St. Thomas and there are many shrines dedicated to him, the most notable of these shrines in Kerala is Malayattoor Kurisumudi in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, near Kalady the birth place of Sankara charya, the great Hindu Philosopher. This Shrine was elavated to the status of an Archdiocesan Shrine by His Beatitude Cardinal Mar Varkey Vithayathil on 4th Sept. 1998. Vatican erected  Malayattoor Kurisumudi as an International Shrine and it was officially announced by H.E. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil on 24th April 2004.  Lakhs of pilgrims of all castes and creeds, even from outside INDIA, visit Kurisumudi throughout the year especially in the season of Great Lent. The chief festival is on the first Sunday after Easter. The pilgrims going up to Kurisumudi ceaselessly call out the Apostle’s name thus giving testimony to their deep faith in him: “PONNUM KURISU MUTHAPPO, PONMALA KAYATTOM.” There is also a very ancient Church in the name of St Thomas (Estd. 900) at Malayattoor on the bank of Periyar River and it is the parish Church now. LOCATION: About 15 Km. north east of Angamaly.