Parumala, which is renowned for its Orthodox Church of
Mar Gregorios, is a small town located in the Pathanamthitta district of
Kerala. River Pampa flows through this region. It is a highly revered place by
the Christians as it was at this place that Gregorios Geevarghese the declared
saint of The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and Malankara Syriac Orthodox
Church died.
The chief highlight of this church is the commemoration
ormapperunnal, which is celebrated annually on the first and second of November.
The feast is very much popular among the locals as large numbers of devotees
visit this church during this time of the year. The Parumala Church is regarded
as one of the most significant churches that are found in the region of Kerala.
History
In the earlier times, a seminary was structured by
Malankara Metropolitan Joseph Mar Dionysius. To support this cause, a land of
two acre was donated to Malankara Metropolitan by Arikupurathu Mathen Karnavar.
On the donated land, a very simple was built which was
named ‘Azhippura’. Lower ranked priests were taught in the classes of this
building. Later on, Syriac classes were initiated under the guidance of Friar
Yakob. As time passed by, Metropolitan Mar Gregorios was again renamed as
Parumala Thirumeni. In the year 1895, a temporary church was built by Mar
Gregorios at this place.
At present, the church has a capacity of accommodating
around 2,000 devotees at a time and it was designed by a renowned architect,
named Charles Correa. The church has a circular design with its inner building
being 39 m in diameter.
The first foundation of the present day church was
placed in the year 1995 by His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II,
Catholics of the East. The new church’s sanctification rites were initiated from
the year 2000, which was led by His Holiness.
Attractions
As the church was designed by a renowned architect,
Charles Correa, the interiors of this church are designed in such a way that
devotees entering the church will definitely feel a heavenly feeling.
The
devotees sense the presence of the Almighty at this place and it also holds the
mortal remains of Mar Gregorios. He is a popularly personality in Parumala, who
was declared as saint by the Malankara Orthodox Church.
Activities
The chief highlight of this place is the yearly
commemorative feast, which is also referred as Ormapperunnal. The occasion is
celebrated annually on the 1st and 2nd of November. The
celebration is participated by huge number of devotes from different parts of
the country.
During this event some special rituals are also performed by the
devotees an also offer prayers before the God Almighty. It is one of the most
popular events in the state of Kerala.
The event is organized at St Paul’s
Orthodox Church and St Peter’s Church with much delight and spiritual devotion.
During the celebrations, the whole atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm and bliss
and visitors can witness a wide range of fascinating religious rituals during
this time.
A ceremonial procession is also taken out through the town. As the
procession passes by the bystanders also get indulged in the vigor of the
festivity. One can also see vendors putting up stalls that sell a variety of
interesting items.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this town is from October to
November.
How to Reach
By Road: The town is easily accessible from
Thiruvalla, located at a distance of about 10 km.
By Air: The nearest airport to this town is
Cochin international airport, located at a distance of about 105 km from
Thiruvalla.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to this
place is Thiruvalla railway station, located at a distance of about 11 km.
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