Malayattoor @@@@

*MALAYATTOOR PILGRIM CENTRE*
Malayattoor is situated about 47 kms from Kochi and at the North Eastern corner of Ernakulam District in the state of Kerala. Malayattoor is in the slopes of Western Ghats. Malayattoor literally means a place where plains, mountains, and rivers meet. The name ‘Malayattoor’ is an amalgamation of three small words. Mala (Mountain) Arr (River) Oore (Place). This is to say, Malayattoor is a meeting place of mountain, river, and land.
Malayattoor is popular for the Catholic Church which is situated between the natural forests. In 2004 Vatican declared this church as an International Shrine of St. Thomas.
Legend has it that St. Thomas had to face hostile reception when he visited India because of which he took refuge on top of a mountain, where the church is present today. It is this hillock where thousands of pilgrims gather for the annual festival 'Malayatoor Perunnal', during the months March/April. Rich in natural beauty, Malayattoor offers ideal environs for those looking for spiritual happiness. In fact, the hill shrine at Malayattoor has emerged as the largest pilgrimage for Christians in Kerala and even for people across India. Kurisumudy is the pinnacle of a mountain at Maiayattoor, 1269 'Ft. above sea level. Jesus gave a mandate to his Apostles to go out to the whole world and to proclaim the Good News. Taking upon himself this commandment, St. Thomas set out to India and landed at Kodlugalloor in AD 52. The tradition has it that he spent 20 years in India travelled through different parts of this great country of spirituality.
Devotees who arrive at the shrine make several types of offerings. While some climb the hill carrying the cross on their shoulders, which is a literal metaphor for the pain taken by Christ to purge mankind of its sins, others carry long brooms offering prayers for prosperity. Besides, there are some pilgrims who carry stones on their heads as a gesture to remove burdens from their lives. Apart from being a sacred place and a pilgrimage spot, Malayattoor has abundant natural beauty surrounded all around until the top of Kurishumudi Hill, which itself is a mesmerizing experience. The pilgrims today use a mantra whilst climbing that runs: “O Patriarch of the Golden Cross! Climb we shall, this golden hill!”