Marth Mariam Syro-Malabar Church, Kuravilangad

Marth Mariam Church
Major Archepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church, Kuravilangad
Kuravilangad Church
കുറവിലങ്ങാട് പള്ളി
Major Archepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church
Map
LocationKottayam district
CountryIndia
DenominationCatholic Church
Sui iuris churchSyro-Malabar Catholic Church
TraditionSaint Thomas Christian
Websitehttp://kuravilangadpally.com/
History
StatusMajor archepiscopal church
Founded105 A.D
DedicationMarth Mariam
Architecture
Functional statusActive
Architectural typePersian
Administration
ArchdioceseChanganacherry
DiocesePalai
Clergy
ArchbishopMar Joseph Perumthottam
Bishop(s)Mar Joseph Kallarangatt
ArchpriestRev. Dr. Kootiyani Augustine

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]

History

Early Christians

The 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

The 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]

  • Tomb of Palliveettil Mar Chandy, inside the Madbaha of Church.
    Tomb of Palliveettil Mar Chandy, inside the Madbaha of Church.
  • Bell at Kuravilangad with Syriac inscription
    Bell at Kuravilangad with Syriac inscription
  • Bell House at Kuravilangad Church
    Bell House at Kuravilangad Church
  • Music House at Kuravilangad Church
    Music House at Kuravilangad Church
  • Cross in front of the Church
    Cross in front of the Church

References

  1. ^ "Saint Mary's Forane, Kuravilangad Church". Catholics & Cultures. 11 February 2014.
  2. ^ Bloomer, Kristin C. (2017). Possessed by the Virgin: Hinduism, Roman Catholicism, and Marian Possession in South India. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780190615093.
  3. ^ Nidhiry, Abraham M. (1971). Father Nidhiry, 1842-1904: A History of His Times. George John Nidhiry; distributors: Deepika Book House, Kottayam.
  4. ^ Mathew, Biju (2016). Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2016. Info Kerala Communications Pvt Ltd. ISBN 9788192947051.
  5. ^ "St. Mary's Church Kuravilangad - Must Visit Church in Kerala | Kerala Tourism". www.tourmyindia.com.
  6. ^ "St. Mary's Church, Kuravilangad, Kottayam, Kerala | Kerala Tourism". www.keralatourism.org.
  7. ^ Staff Reporter (23 January 2013). "Commemorating a voyage of faith". The Hindu.
  8. ^ "Special status conferred on "world's first" Marian shrine". Matters India. 22 January 2018.
  9. ^ "Asia's largest Church Bell - Picture of St. Mary's Forane Church, Kuravilangad - TripAdvisor". www.tripadvisor.in.
  10. ^ Sherwood, Yvonne (2000). A Biblical Text and Its Afterlives: The Survival of Jonah in Western Culture. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521795616.
  11. ^ History Document about Kuravilangad church(Sarah Knight)

Bibliography

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