A pleasant sunny day to fill us with the energy that we need. We, a group of four started by the morning from Kochi in a car and on the way to our destination we had some food, essentially the Kerala Special, Birds of similar feather flock together, declaring a war over the food.The route we took up was a turn from Choondal to Guruvayoor. A visit to the famous Guruvayoor temple would also be ideal if you are taking this route. After reaching Guruvayoor we diverted our journey to Palayur Church. Palayur is a part of Thrissur district, and is about 28 Kms, from Thrissur town. It was the serenity and the calmness that welcomed us in Palayur Church.
The whole atmosphere was so pleasant and filled with vibes, that anyone who visits feels the presence of St. Thomas around. It is believed that this Church was built in the memory of St. Thomas who was the first Missionary who landed in India in 52 AD. fourteen statutues of St. Thomas welcomed us in the main entrance, these statues depict the different time line of the life of St. thomas. The front Door (jubilee Door) is carved in teak and potrays the Biblical events. The church conducts services like Sunday Masses, Novena at the pond, baptism ...etc.Then we moved to the Historical Museum were belongings of St. Thomas from 52 AD were preserved as such. There was a statue of St. Thomas (about 100ft height) and the remenants of a boat, which is said to be as the one which was used by St. Thomas himself.
Seeing all these and experiencing the magic feel of 52AD, we stayed there till 5 PM in the evening.The Story:
It is believed that in the first centuries Jainism & Budhism were prominent at the surface level of indigenous community, some of them were Sun worshipers. In 52 AD when St Thomas came to Palayur, he saw some people taking water in their palms and throwing it up reciting their prayers. This pond was Thaliyakulam (a small pond near church).
When St. Thomas asked them the meaning of their ritual, and the answer was that they were offering water (Tharpanam) to their Sun God.
St Thomas replied that If you throw the water to your God, water would be suspended in air and shouldn't be coming down back to the pond if it is accepted by your God . On this the instant reaction was "IMPOSSIBLE!". The apostle then claimed that the God whom he worships will accept his offering, and then took some water from the Pond in his hands and threw it upwards, the water stayed in air like Stars. Seeing this miracle most of the people present there embraced Christianity. Some of the famous houses to accept Christianity were Cheran, Cheruvathoor, Pulikottil & Mandupal. One from each family were later ordinates as priests by St. Thomas.
Accessibility:
Nearest Airport : Kochi, 80 Kms
Nearest Railway Station : Thrissur, 30 Kms
Compiled by: Mr. Gregory Mathew
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