26th January 2020.
The visit to this Christian Church at Thiruvithamcode in Kanyakumari District was a part of Nanjil Nadu Heritage Walk organized by Yaaooyaakay and Celebrate Kanchi in association with Tamil Nadu Tourism and Development Department, Kanyakumari, scheduled on 24th to 26th January 2020. This was the 2nd temple’s visit on the third day after Thiruvithamcode Sree Neelakandaswamy Temple. This place is being spell in different ways such as Thiruvithancode, Thiruvithankodu, Thiruvithamcode, etc.
THIRUVITHAMCODE ARAPALLI - Usually the word Aram is used in Jainism and Arapalli is that one, School which teaches, good habits. Jainism was flourished in Kanyakumarai, especially between 3rd Century to 7th Century. During that time Jain monks practiced thanams / gifts like Education, food, oushatham / medicines. Jains calls these are Aram – அறம். Since St Thomas also teached the principles of Jesus, this place / Church might have been called as Arapalli.
The Church claims to be the world’s oldest living churches in India and believed to be built by St. Thomas, known as the apostle of India in 57 CE ( Actual year is not known ) and the Cross was carved by him. The Church is being called in different names like Thomayar Kovil, St. Marry’s Orthodox Church, Amalagiri Church and Thiruvithamcode Arapalli.
It is also believed that this Church was built during Kerala King Perum Chottu Uthiyan Cheralathan. But there is no evidence to prove the same. The church might have been built in different stages. The entrance arch is built with stone beams and pillars. The beam has the bas-relief of Cross and two persons in worshiping posture. A small cross is on the top of the arch. A Kerala style stone lamp is erected after the entrance arch. The alter is very simple. The main alter portion was built with granite stones quarried locally. The alter portion and prayer hall are supported with pillars & pothyal / Capital ( like Hindu Temples ). The roof is slope on both sides and paved with mangalore tiles. The entrance to the prayer hall from front hall is with stone door jambs and the lintel has the Christian related bas-reliefs. There are two side entrances near the alter portion. The Church is 45 ft in length, 15 feet wide and 10 feet high.
The Church’s Alter, baptism basin and incense burner are believed to be from Portuguese. On all the three sides new building like, residence, assembly hall, library and office rooms were built. A stone Cross of about 20 feet tall with a pedestal is erected in front of the Church. Jesus life incidents are carved on the pedestal. In Additions to this there is a tomb on the right side of the Church. The names of past Pastors, Rev. Fr Yacoob, Rev. Fr. Alexander, Rev. Fr. Konattu Yacob, Very Rev. Fr. K V Gheevarghese Ramban, 14-07-1890 - 16-07-1970 are inscribed on a single tomb.
As per the Historians the original Church was built under the patronage of King of Thiruvithamcode. The same was found dilapidated condition about 80 years back and the same was reconstructed to the present state by the late Rev. Fr. Koottumkal Geevarghese Ramban. It is told that this Church was reconstructed more than 5 times. This Church is being maintained by Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. On 16th December 2007, Catholicose of East, Baselios Marthoma Dydimas I, declared as a St. Thomas International Pilgrim Centre.
CONTACT DETAILS.
The land line +91 4651 250 216 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH:
The Place Thiruvithamcode ia about 2 KM from Thuckalay, 25 KM from Nagercoil, 35 KM from Kanyakumari, 107 KM from Tirunelveli, 260 KM from Madurai and 800 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway Station is Nagercoil.
LOCATION: CLICK HERE
A single grave of the past Pastors
A New building
A Stone bowl
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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