St Thomas shrine at Malayattoor, Ernakulam
Located at more than 600m above sea level, and near the Periyar river, the St Thomas Malayattoor Church is the single most outstanding landmark of Malayattoor. It was blessed by the missionary work of St Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ. He landed at Kodungalloor, a famous port near Cochin, in AD 52. He founded seven churches in Kodungalloor, Quilon, Niranam, Nilakkal, Kokkamangalam, Kottakavu and Paalayoor.
At Malayattoor, he wasn’t received well, and was forced to flee to the top of the mountain to save himself. He spent his days in prayer, and St Thomas conversed with the Lord. Tradition has it that, in deep anguish and agony, St Thomas prayed to the Lord and when he touched the rock blood sprang from it. Blessed Mary appeared to him and strengthened him. He is said to have baptised many around the area. The church here is built in the Greco-Roman style, and the altar is constructed in the Greek style. Behind the altar, there are carvings and paintings. Walk a bit around the church and you can find St Thomas’s footprints marked on the rock nearby.
The best time to visit the church is in April when the Malayattoor Perunnal (celebrations) is in full swing. Malayattoor is around 50km from Cochin and there are frequent buses and taxis that’ll take you there.
