Parumala church is one of the famous churches located in Kerala. This is a tomb church of Parumala Thirumeni or Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios. The saint died on 2 November in the year 1902 when he attained the age of 54. The funeral took place in the year 1903 at Parumala. The ceremony was attended by a large number of people and priests. This tomb has today gained a lot of popularity and has become a major place for pilgrimage. Church Catholics declared Mar Gregorios’s memory as a saint in the year 1947.

History

On the banks of River Pampa, Parumala is located. It is a small area where a seminary was established by Malankara Metropolitan Joseph Mar Dionysius. For this purpose, a land of two acre area was donated to Malankara Metropolitan by Arikupurathu Mathen Karnavar.

On this land, a very simply building names ‘Azhippura’ was constructed. Classes were conducted for deacons in this building. After some time, under the guidance of Friar Yakob, Syriac classes were also started. Later Metropolitan Mar Gregorios was renamed as Parumala Thirumeni. In the year 1895, a temporary church was constructed in Parumala by Mar Gregorios.

Today, the church has the capacity to seat approximately 2000 devotees. The church was designed by eminent architect, Charles Correa. The design of this church is circular and the diameter of this inner building is 39 m. Using 2 chords that are 16 m in length, the circle is divided into three parts. The foundation of this church was placed in the year 1995 by His Holiness Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews II, Catholics of the East.

New church’s consecration rites were held in the year 2000 and the event was led by His Holiness.

Location

One of the prominent churches in the state of Kerala, this church is located in Thiruvalla, in Pathanamthitta District. This river Pampa flows close to this destination. In order to reach this destination, the best time to visit is October-November.

Koothambalam is also located close by and visitors coming from outside Kerala can also visit this place. It is located in the Wayanad Region. This destination is nestled amidst Brahmagiri Hills. River Papanasini also meanders by this place.

Attractions inside the Church

The Church has been designed by a prominent architect, Charles Correa. The interiors of the church are designed in such a manner that visitors coming here feel a divine feeling. The presence of God can be felt. The church also resides the mortal remains of Mar Gregorios. He is popularly referred to as Parumala Thirumeni. He was declared as saint by the Malankara Orthodox Church.

Activities

The most important event that is celebrated by this church is an annual commemorative feast. It is referred to as Ormapperunnal. These celebrations are held every year on 1st and 2nd day of November. These celebrations are attended by a large number of devotees who come from faraway destinations. Some special rites are performed and devotees offer their prayers to the God Almighty. Especially on these two days of the celebrations, special prayers are offered to the Lord. This is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in the state of Kerala. The event is organised at St Paul’s Orthodox Church and St Peter’s Church with much fanfare and exuberance. The whole atmosphere is full of excitement and joy. The devotees conduct a wide array of rituals religiously. They also carry out a ceremonial procession that crosses the whole town. The bystanders also join in the fun and festivities. Vendors put up diverse kind of stalls where a variety of things are sold.

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