Kurisumala Ashram – Vagamon
The Kurisumala Ashram is in Vagamon. It was established in 1958 by Fr Francis Acharya and Fr Griffith. It is a monastery based on Chritstian principles, but it also draws a lot from Indian spiritual faiths. Fr Francis was impressed by Gandhi and his teachings while he was in London. His principles have been incorporated into the ways of life of the monks. The monastery takes in only 20 monks at a time. They lead a very simple life. There are guests entertained during certain seasons.
Located in Idukki district, on its border with Kottayam district, Vagamon stands at a height of around 1,000m. The Kurisumala church stand atop the Kurisumala hill, which literally means ‘hill of crosses’. There are 14 crosses on the way to the church.
Vagamon is a quiet and harmonious hill station to visit. And the Kurisumala Ashram is worth a visit. It is only fours from Cochin and two from Kottayam.
