26th January 2020.
The visit to this Christian Church at Thiruvithamcode
in Kanyakumari District was a part of the Nanjil Nadu Heritage Walk organized by
Yaaooyaakay and Celebrate Kanchi in association with Tamil Nadu Tourism and
Development Department, Kanyakumari, scheduled on 24th to 26th
January 2020.
This was the 2nd temple’s visit on the third day after
Thiruvithamcode Sree Neelakanda Swamy Temple. This place is spelled in different ways such as Thiruvithancode,
Thiruvithankodu, Thiruvithamcode, etc.
THIRUVITHAMCODE ARAPPALLY - Usually the word Aram is used in Jainism and
Arapalli is that one, School which teaches,
good habits. Jainism flourished in Kanyakumari, especially between the 3rd
Century and to 7th Century. During that time Jain monks practiced dhanas/gifts like Education, food,
oushadham/medicines. Jains calls these are Aram – அறம். Since St Thomas also teaches the principles of
Jesus, this place / Church might have been called Arapally.
The Church claims to be the world’s oldest living church in India and is believed to have been built by St. Thomas, known
as the apostle of India in 57 CE (The actual year is not known), and the Cross was
carved by him. The Church is being called in different names like Thomaiyar
Kovil, St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Amalagiri Church, and Thiruvithamcode Arappally.
It is also believed that this Church was built
during Kerala King Perum Chottu Uthiyan
Cheralathan. But there is no evidence to prove the same. The church might have
been built in different stages. The entrance arch is built with stone beams and
pillars. The beam has the bas-relief of a Cross and two persons in worshiping posture. A
small cross is on the top of the arch. A Kerala-style stone lamp is erected
after the entrance arch. The altar is very simple. The main altar portion was
built with granite stones quarried locally. The altar portion and prayer hall are supported with pillars & pothyal /
Capital (like Hindu Temples). The roof
has a slope on both sides and is paved with Mangalore tiles. The entrance to the
prayer hall from the front hall is with stone door jambs and the lintel has Christian-related bas-reliefs. There are two side entrances near the altar portion. The Church is 45 feet in
length, 15 feet wide, and 10 feet high.
The Church’s Altar, baptism basin, and incense burner
are believed to be from Portuguese. On all three sides, new buildings like residences, an assembly hall, a library, and office rooms were built. A stone Cross about 20 feet tall with a
pedestal is erected in front of the Church. Jesus's life incidents are carved on
the pedestal. In Addition to this, there is a tomb on the right side of the
Church. The names of past Pastors, Rev. Fr Yacoob, Rev. Fr. Alexander, Rev. Fr. Konattu Yacob, Very Rev. Fr. K V Gheevarghese Ramban, 14-07-1890 - 16-07-1970 are inscribed on a single tomb.
A single grave of the past Pastors
As per the Historians the original Church was built
under the patronage of King of Thiruvithamcode. The same was found in dilapidated
condition about 80 years back and the same was reconstructed to the present
state by the late Rev. Fr. Koottumkal Geevarghese Ramban. It is said that this
Church was reconstructed more than 5
times. This Church is being maintained by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. On
16th December 2007, Catholicos of East, Baselios Marthoma Dydimas
I, was declared as a St. Thomas International Pilgrim Centre.
CONTACT
DETAILS.
The landline +91 4651 250 216 may be contacted for
further details.
HOW TO
REACH:
The Place Thiruvithamcode is about 2 km from Thuckalay,
25 km from Nagercoil, 35 km from Kanyakumari, 107 km from Tirunelveli, 260 km from Madurai, and 800 km from Chennai.
The nearest Railway Station is Nagercoil.
LOCATION OF THE CHURCH: CLICK HERE
A New Building
A Stone Bowl
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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