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St. Mary's Forane Church in Athirampuzha, Kerala, is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches in India, located in the Kottayam district.
The forane church of Athirampuzha, established in 835 AD is a world renowned pilgrim centre of St.Sebastian and dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary.
It is said that the local Namboodiri of Ettonnussery Illam donated the land to build a church in the name of blessed virgin Mary as a token of gratitude on the Miraculous birth of his son. The Church was blessed on August 15th 835 AD.
The church's architecture combines traditional Kerala styles with elements of Western design, giving it a distinctive look that reflects centuries of religious and cultural history.
Noteworthy aspects of St. Mary's Church include its impressive woodwork, ancient murals, and beautifully carved altars.
Gradually it became an independent church and later was elevated to the status of a forane in 1929. The All India Eucharistic congress-the first and the last of its kind in Kerala was conducted here from 8 th to 15th May 1929.
The church is also well known for its annual feast, "Athirampuzha Perunnal," celebrated in January in honor of St. Sebastian. This event draws thousands of devotees who participate in grand processions, fireworks, and traditional ceremonies, making it one of the most prominent Christian festivals in Kerala.
Daivadhaasi Mother Francesca De Chantal SABS, who lead an angelic and devoted life, is buried at Adoration Convent near Athirampuzha church. Mother’s demise was at Athirampuzha on 25 th May 1972. The death anniversary of Mother Mary Chantal is celebrated soberly every year.Hundreds and hundreds of faithful visit the tomb for her powerful intercession especially for matrimonial bond and for getting children.
Sahanadasan Rev. Fr. Benedict Onamkulam,a parish member who was called for the eternal life on 3rd January 2001 and his body was buried in the cemetery chapel for priests in St. Mary's Forane Church, Athirampuzha.
He was falsely accused in the famous Madatharuvy or Manthamaruthy murder case based on circumstantial evidences, was arrested and imprisoned. Kollam District Sessions court ordered him a rigorous imprisonment of 5 years and to hang him till death. Later he was found innocent and let free by the high court.
There is a great flow of pilgrims from all over kerala to visit his tomb especially on January 3rd, the day of his demise. There were many testimonies from the faithful for his powerful...
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St. Mary’s Forane Church, Athirampuzha (സെന്റ് മേരീസ് ഫൊറോന ദേവാലയം, അതിരംപുഴ)
St. Mary’s Forane Church, located in Athirampuzha near Kottayam, Kerala, is one of the most ancient and historically significant Christian churches in the region. Built in AD 835, this church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is a prominent pilgrimage site.
History The church has a rich history dating back to the 9th century when the land was donated by a Brahmin family from the Ettonnussery Illam as an act of gratitude for a miraculous event. Syrian Christians from Kuravilangad and Kaduthuruthy played a significant role in building the church.
Over time, it has become one of the largest and most vibrant parishes in the Archdiocese of Changanassery, serving over 2,500 families with a congregation exceeding 10,000 members.
Architecture and Art The church's architecture is a blend of traditional Kerala styles with modern influences, reflecting its ancient roots and ongoing evolution. The interiors are adorned with intricate paintings, carvings, and statues, especially of the Virgin Mary. The altar and the surrounding art depict Biblical stories, making it a spiritual and visual feast for visitors.
Feast and Celebrations The church is famous for the grand annual feast in January, dedicated to St. Sebastian. It attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Kerala. The processions, prayers, and rituals during the feast are spectacular and deeply rooted in tradition.
Key Features Pilgrimage Spot: Popular among devotees for blessings and spiritual peace. Historical Relics: Houses ancient relics and inscriptions, adding to its historical value. Scenic Location: Set amidst the serene village of Athirampuzha, providing a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
Visitor Information Location: 10 km from Kottayam town, easily accessible by road. Timings: Open daily; Sunday Masses are particularly crowded. Facilities: Adequate parking, a parish hall, and shops selling religious articles.
Why Visit? St. Mary’s Forane Church is not just a religious site but also a cultural landmark representing Kerala’s Christian heritage. Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking blessings or a history enthusiast, this church offers a truly enriching experience.
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The forane church of Athirampuzha, a world renowned pilgrim centre of St.Sebastian is dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary.This church about 10Kms away from kottayam has been the hub of Christian life in and around central kerala from early 9th century. This is one of the biggest parishes of the Archeparchy of Changanassery. It consists of almost 2500 families and the total number of the faithful exceeds 10000. The Church has two main feasts: the feast of St.Mary and the feast of St.Sebastian St. Mary’s Feast
The church dedicated to blessed virgin Mary Celebrates her feast on 3rd Sunday of September. This Festal celebration is commonly called as Kannimasa Perunal / naragana Perunal. The members of Darsans Samooham (a pious association) plays a major role in this feast. They participate in their special costumes in the mass and Procession.
St. Sebastian’s Feast
As per the record, the feast of st.sebastian was started at Athirampuzha church from the year 1647.Now the principal festal week in from 19th to 26th of January every year. The flag hoisting ceremony marking the beginning of the festival is on 19th.The annual feast attracts a large no. of devotees from all over south India. The statue of St.Sebastian installed here is considered very ancient. During the days of the Portuguese, three figures were brought to kerala. Legend says that the smallest of them has brought to Athirampuzha by local traders. This is known as ‘Adiyelpicha Roopam’ (the Tortured Figure). The statue of St.Sebastian in Athirampuzha is unique as it is the only statue of the saint without arrowation is very attractive.
St. Sebastian’s statue is exposed for public veneration only during the feastal season. The dazzling display of fireworks in connection with the festival is a colorful visual treat. The procession is a spiritual ablu for the devotees. Band set including school bands, flags, gold-brass-silver wooden crosses, allavattom, venchamaram, Thazahakkuda, theevetti and beaded ornate umbrellas etc make the procession very gorgeous and regal. Ettamidam extends the celebration for eight more days. The Festival comes to an end...
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