Pristine Church Of Champakulam, Kerala

Champakulam is a small hamlet in the district of Allappuzha of the Indian state of Kerala and it is also a part of Kuttanad which is often termed as rice bowl of Kerala. Champakulam which is renowned for its St. Marys Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane church is one of the pristine and ancient churches in kerala. As its history says this beautiful church belongs to the site of Syro Malabar church which performs under the decorum of archeparchy of Changanacherry. Being one of the oldest churchs of Kerala and parental church of all catholic Syrian churches within Alleppey district is understood to have established in 427AD. Situated at an estuary of river Pamba this church is said to be one of the antiquated churches in India. As its walls which have reconstructed many times has not let its significance beg for the time to protect it and its inscription which reveals the chronicles of this church speaks the value and its impetus. Rock cross of Champakulam church is said to be one of the oldest and its documents reveals that it was established in 1151 AD. As many archaeological evidence and artifacts which is found under the roof of this prehistoric church discloses the legacy of this church. As per the folklore Champakulam church was once under the guide of Niraman Church, and it was founded by Apostle Saint Thomas. Having its unique position in the history of Christianity in Malabar this church played important role in many momentous events beside that it played main hands in uniting the bonds of Catholic Syrians and the Jacobite Syrians in the 18th century. Because of its contribution in many events it shares friendly relation with Jacobite Syrian group and with Chempakassery kingdom. It is due its responsive relations it participates in Champakulam Moolam Boat race which is organised to commemorate the deeds of Lord Krishna. ArchitectureAs far as its architectures are concern it is believed that the church have replicated the design of Syriac Christian churches of Malabar and one of the most important thing that we must understand that the church architecture reflects the site of Madbaha, Qestroma, sanctuary veils, bema, Hykkala etc. Madhabaha which reflects the site of Portuguese art reveals that church has a mixture of architectural mode which in turn encloses the vivid culture of this patent church. FestivalsBeside celebrating main Christian eves like Good Friday, Christmas and other Easter church devotes its time in celebrating other main functions like Feast of Mother Mary / Marian apparition and Commemoration of the Death of St. Joseph. How to ReachVia road Alleppey is just 15 Km away from here and from Champakulam West bus stand, an estuary of church stand immediate next to the east side and from Champakulam west bus stand church stands on the western side Nearest Railway station is Alappuzha which is at a distance of 16 km and it will take only half an hour to reach the gates of church. Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is located at a distance of 99 km and it will take around 1 and half hour to reach here.