St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Kallooppara

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...

Nice place very peaceful and calm . This place make my mid fresh ,a perfect place with traditional values, culture and all the good things

1 among the old churches in India..
A good to go place. But yes, to feel the presence of God depends on each and every individual..!
It's really wonderful & a peaceful atmosphere when you step in..!

I attended my friend's wedding here and definitely had a good experience. There were separate halls for reception and had good facilities. And the atmosphere was really calm and peaceful.

A good worship place of St Marry.

Worth visiting as has value historically. About 1000 years old. Peaceful atmosphere.

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Church (കല്ലൂപ്പാറ പള്ളി), situated at the heart of a small village called Kallooppara (on the banks of the river Manimala River), Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India is a prized possession of Malankara Sabha. The church has a legacy of around seven centuries, keeping its tradition and culture intact without compromising on its religious values. The church is an elegant representation of the beautiful shingled roof tops in the early Travancore style. The church is a perfect example of the ancient temple architecture and is a mystery the way it has overcome all the challenges of time. The sanctuary that is abstract in all aspects is a mystifying beauty of the ancient architecture, which has a keen and splendid blend of beauty and science in it.

I have many childhood memories about this church. Renovated a few years back. Church has a cemetery. Nearby a Hindu goddess temple. Locally Said to be both are sisters. Good communal harmony among people.

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 stone day of the church is being celebrated on that day.

It is also believed that the church has the same age as the origin of Edappally dynasty. The study of the archaeology department also reveals that church was constructed in the 2nd millennium. The sculpture and figure carved in wood also indicates the same. Some letters carved on the slab of holy place of the church also traces back to the origin of the church. Though the letters have faded out, they are believed to be of the earlier century.

The church conforms to the ancient temple architecture prevalent in Kerala. The 'Madbaha' and the various doors are in form of beautiful arches. The roof of the madbaha was constructed in semicircle shape using laterite. The 80 feet verandhas that run on either side of the church, the various 'Poomukhams', entablature architraves, the wooden carvings inside the church etc. reveal the greatness and magnificence of the Indian 'Thanchusastra' and "Vasthuvidhya'.

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.

Good n peaceful place

An ancient christian pilgrim centre of Malakara Orthodox. The church has a history of above 500 years. The exact age of the church is not yet defined due to the difficulty in reading out ancient languages and symbols seen in the walls of the church. it is believed that the Edapally king has initiated the construction of the church since there had been no church for the christians in imperative travancore aside from Niranam church. though there is no clear proof of the starting place and age of the church

One of the oldest and famous churches in the locality, it is very spacious and contains many old relics.

The annual person in January is very famous.

This Church also is connected to the Hindu Bhagavathy Temple next door.

It's 100 metres inside the main road, and hence not easily visible. Do not get confused with the Roman Catholic Church on the main Road that has a Michelangelo's white Piaata (Pieta) Statue of Christ with his mother.

Kallooppara Valiya Pally , so many childhood memories when I pass through the place and church. May the Church stands for the Glory of God and as Icon of Kallooppara.