St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Kallooppara - Orthodox church in Kallooppara - Pathanamthitta, India

One of the oldest churches in Malankara Sabha commonly known as Kalloppara palli,which has a history of around 700 years and keeping its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values. The church is situated at the banks of Manimala river. The splendid architecture and the calm atmosphere in the church always provide great energy to the devotees It is believed that the Edapally king has initiated the construction of the church since there were no church for the christians in central travancore other than Niranam church. Though there is no clear evidence of the origin and age of the church.

In earlier days, Christians of Kallooppara depended on 'Niranam Church' for the holy mass, religious rites and ceremonies. The journey by 'vallom' (small boat) through rivers of Manimalayar and Pampa was tedious, tiresome and risky. Edappally Kings, renowned for the love and care for their subjects were in rule at that time. The famous and explicably beautiful Elangalloor Maddom, rich in its architectural antiquity, located on northern banks of river Manimala served as an abode for the royal guests. This structure, well-equipped with a private pool called the 'Kullipura Mallika' was beautified with granite rock paved steps leading to river Manimala. ( This can still be seen now in Angadikadavu of Puramattam panchayat) Once, while the ruling king of Edappally was having his rest in the Elangalloor Maddom, he observed few people coming on a vallam singing melodious hymns and chanting prayers. The king immediately stepped down to the river bank for better observation and found it to be a funeral procession, with the corpse on the floating hearse covered with white cloths. He learned that procession started from Manimala and was heading to Niranam Church for the burial, since Niranam Church was the only Christian church in central Travancore those days. This sight moved the Kings heart and having realized the hardship of his Christian subjects, he virtually pointed a plot on the other side of the river, gave sanction to bury the body and built a church there. Though there are no clear evidence for the origin and age of the church, folklores say that the foundation stone was consecrated on 3rd Karkadakam ( Malyayalam calendar). The stone day of the church is being celebrated on that day. The founding stone of the present church was laid on Malayalam month Karkadakam 3rd of 515 (A.D.1339)

It's a beautiful place. It's a place worth to visit. The whole structure is awesome Also peace full atmosphere..

Being there itself is a blessing. One of the oldest church structures in India.

St.Mary's Orthodox Church is situated at the heart of a small village called Kallooppara, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. It is one of the oldest and renowned churches in Kerala and a priced possession of Malankara Sabha. The church have a legacy of around seven centuries, keeping its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values. The church is a perfect example of the ancient temple architecture and is an elegant representation of the beautiful shingled roof tops in the early Travancore style. The church has a splendid blend of beauty and science in it and is a mystery the way it has overcome all the challenges of time. The church which is the worshiping place of thousands has been a topic of research for many. Even though there are no clear evidence for the origin and age of the church. It is commonly believed that the founding stone of the church was laid on Malayalam month Karkadakam 3rd of 515 (A.D.1339). The church has been declared as the "Pilgrim center of St. Mary" on January 9th 2009 by His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didimos Ist. Currently there around 700 families registered with the church. The administration of the church is done by a governing body which is elected anually from among the church members. Visit and explore the beauty of this wonderful religious legacy and feel the divine serenity and calmness of this sacred sanctuary.

One of the pilgrims which are having lots of spiritual power. It is an older church in Kerala. It is having amazing architecture. You can find a peaceful atmosphere.

Beautiful and calm place. It is situated in Kallooppara in the banks of Manimalayar. Its beautiful architecture is an example of excellence in architecture prevailed in olden era. It is believed that Edappalli king took initiative in building the same. Anyway one who seeks positive energy must visit this Church.

A peaceful spiritual place to visit...