Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Church is a Marian pilgrim center of the Syro-Malabar Church located at Kuravilangad in Kottayam district.[1] This church claims to date to 105 AD.[2][3][4][5][6] The church has an ancient bell with the engraving on Syriac language "Mother of God." Three majestic bells were brought from Germany in 1911 and is one of the largest bells in Asia.[7] [8] [9] The church is also known for its Kappalottam or "racing ship," a commemoration of the biblical story of Jonah and the whale.[10]
| Marth Mariam Church | |
|---|---|
| Major Archepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church, Kuravilangad | |
| Kuravilangad Church | |
കുറവിലങ്ങാട് പള്ളി | |
 Major Archepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church | |
 | |
| Location | Kottayam district |
| Country | India |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Sui iuris church | Syro-Malabar Catholic Church |
| Tradition | Saint Thomas Christian |
| Website | http://kuravilangadpally.com/ |
| History | |
| Status | Major archepiscopal church |
| Founded | 105 A.D |
| Dedication | Marth Mariam |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Persian |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Changanacherry |
| Diocese | Palai |
| Clergy | |
| Archbishop | Mar Joseph Perumthottam |
| Bishop(s) | Mar Joseph Kallarangatt |
| Archpriest | Rev. Dr. Kootiyani Augustine |
History
edit
Early Christians
editThe Christians of Kuravilangad has a history of 1st century. As per the belief Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ came to Kerala in AD 52. Later he installed a church at Palayur, Chavakkad, presently in Thrissur District of Kerala. He baptised some hindu families at St._Thomas_Syro-Malabar_Church,_Palayur. The families include Kalli, Kalikavu, Pakalomattom and Sankarapuri. Among the families later flew from Palayur were settled in different parts of Kerala. Kalli and Kalikavu families settled in Kunnamkulam of Thrissur and Pakalomattom and Sankarapuri families settled in Kuravilangad of Kottayam district.
The Church
editThe Church of Corlengate [Kuravilangadu] was built much before the Portuguese reached India. It is in the name of the Mother of God. It was founded for the following reason.[11]
Gallery
edit-
Tomb of Palliveettil Mar Chandy, inside the Madbaha of Church. -
Bell at Kuravilangad with Syriac inscription -
Bell House at Kuravilangad Church -
Music House at Kuravilangad Church -
Cross in front of the Church
References
edit- ^ "Saint Mary's Forane, Kuravilangad Church". Catholics & Cultures. 11 February 2014.
- ^ Bloomer, Kristin C. (2017). Possessed by the Virgin: Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, and Marian Possession in South India. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780190615093.
- ^ Nidhiry, Abraham M. (1971). Father Nidhiry, 1842-1904: A History of His Times. George John Nidhiry; distributors: Deepika Book House, Kottayam.
- ^ Mathew, Biju (2016). Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2016. Info Kerala Communications Pvt Ltd. ISBN 9788192947051.
- ^ "St. Mary's Church Kuravilangad - Must Visit Church in Kerala | Kerala Tourism". www.tourmyindia.com.
- ^ "St. Mary's Church, Kuravilangad, Kottayam, Kerala | Kerala Tourism". www.keralatourism.org.
- ^ Staff Reporter (23 January 2013). "Commemorating a voyage of faith". The Hindu.
- ^ "Special status conferred on "world's first" Marian shrine". Matters India. 22 January 2018.
- ^ "Asia's largest Church Bell - Picture of St. Mary's Forane Church, Kuravilangad - TripAdvisor". www.tripadvisor.in.
- ^ Sherwood, Yvonne (2000). A Biblical Text and Its Afterlives: The Survival of Jonah in Western Culture. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521795616.
- ^ History Document about Kuravilangad church(Sarah Knight)
Bibliography
edit- Nedungatt, George (2001). The Synod of Diamper Revisited. Pontificio Istituto Orientale. ISBN 9788872103319.
