St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church Champakulam - Hidden Pearl of Alappuzha

Famed as one of the oldest churches of India, St. Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Church or Valia Palli
as popularly known is placed in Champakulam village of Alappuzha district of Gods own Country Kerala. It is supposed to have been constructed in 427 AD and was an associate parish of the Niranom Church which was believed to have been founded by

St. Thomas (The Apostle) himself. The church belongs to the Syro Malabar Church under the eparchy of Changanacherry. This church is like the mother of all the Catholic Syrian Churches in Alappuzha district.   

   

The most important thing about the church that you will come across while visiting is that of the Hindu influence on the daily rituals conducted in the church and also the reproach of leaving your footwear outside the entrance. 

The church has a very unique and special place in the history as it had a vital role in the reunion of the Jacoblite Syrians and also of the Catholic Syrians in the 18^th century. Even the Mar Thoma VI celebrated Holy Offices in this church.

   

History:

The history of this church can be dated back to 427 AD when it was first constructed and after that it was refurbished many times. The rock inscriptions which can be found around the church are enough to recall the long time history of this church to any visitor. The church was boosted by the Devanarayanans of the Chempakassery Kingdom due to which it has a very close link to the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple of Ambalappuzha which also served as the headquarters of the Chempakassery

Champakulam from God's Own Kerala

kings.

Even today, the church takes part in the historical and renowned Champakulam Moolam boat race which is conducted to honor the day when the idol of Lord Krishna was taken to the temple with huge procession from all the people.

Architecture: The present building of this church is 500 years old and is adorned with a cross built of rock exteriors which is very old with a clear indication of its relic up to 1151 AD. The cultural fusion of the church is also obvious in the architecture of ornamental elements and the altar. The murals of the ceiling are painted by artists from Sri Lanka. It is a Forane church, with several Parishes under it.

19^th March: The church celebrates 19^th of March annually as the dead anniversary of the St. Joseph (Shradham Chatham) in a grand way drawing thousands and thousands of devotees from various places. 

Other Celebrations: Apart from the common Christian celebrations of Good Friday, Christmas and Eater day, the church also celebrates the Feast of the Apparition that lasts for 11 days concluding on Sunday following 15^th October.

Church Timings:

Sundays: 6:00 am to 7:15 am and 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Wednesday: 6:00 am to 4:00 pm

Other Days: 6:00 am to 7:00 am 

Accommodation: Abundant of staying options are available in Alappuzha man town some 15 km away from the church. You can opt for budgeted, medium or luxury hotels which are all ornamented with modern amenities for comfortable staying.

How to Reach:

By Air: Kochi (Nedumbassery) at 85 km and Thiruvananthapuram at 150 km are the nearest airports.   

By Train: The nearest rail head to this place are situated in Alappuzha and Changanassery.

By Road: The church is 15 km away from Alleppey and 18 km from Changanassery by road. You have to cross the Pampa River to reach the church. 

By Water: You can also reach the church by water from cities like Alappuzha (1 hr), Changanacherry (3 hrs), Kumarakom (3 hrs), Cochin (4 hrs) and Kollam (8 hrs). The church is few steps away towards North from the Champakulam Boat Jetty.