St Thomas Archdiocesan Shrine

St Thomas Archdiocesan shrine is situated at Malayattoor, 45 kms from Ernakulam. Malayattoor literally means the meeting place of land, mountain and river. The place of the shrine is known as Kurisumudi or Kurisumala. It is believed at this 900 AD-built Church is located at the venue where St Thomas rested for prayer amidst the beauty of Periyar which flows behind the mountain. Near the Church there is Marthoma Mandapam or pavilion. The Pavalion preserves the Kalpadam or foot-prints of St Thomas which is 20 steps above the ground. The 20 steps are symbolic of the 20 years St Thomas spent in South India. In an enclosure in the Mandapam a pedestal-mounted Golden Cross is encased. This Golden Cross, it is believed, appeared on a rock where St Thomas drew a Cross with his finger. Lakhs of pilgrims go to Kurisumudi every year during Puthunjaya Festival on the first Sunday after Easter. Most of the pilgrims carry big Cross on their back. Vatican has designated this Church an International Sanctuary, granting similar rank as that of Lady of Lourdes Church in France. Accommodation is available at the Pilgrim Centre at a nominal tariff of Rs 100/-.