Kokkamangalam - The Cradle of Indian Christianity
St.Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, landed at Kodungalloor , the ancient port of Malabar Coast in 52 AD. From the Holy Bible we learn that St.Thomas was a valiant disciple of Jesus and he was ready to take great risks to pursue the steps of his Master. When, in the lots, he was chosen to go to India to preach the Gospel he did not hesitate to undergo the difficulties of journey. After arriving in Kerala he travelled far and wide for evangelization.
According to tradition and history, before he was martyred in Mylapore. He founded seven Christian communities in Kerala, namely, Kokkamangalam, Kodungalloor , Kollam, Chayal , Niranam , Parur , and Palayoor .
Apostle St.Thomas Pilgrim Center Kokkamangalam
St. Thomas sailed to Kokkamangalam where he preached the gospel for about an year. One thousand six hundred people embraced Christian faith through him according to the narration in "Rampan Pattu ", an ancient form of Christian folk-song prevalent in Kerala. He formed a Christian community at Kokkamangalam and enshrined a Cross for the faithful. The people of Kokkamangalam and nearby places venerate St. Thomas as their beloved heavenly patron.
Kokkamangalam church which holds a midway position among the seven churches founded by St.Thomas, is in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamally . A miraculous portrait of St.Thomas is venerated here and was brought from the Carmelite Monastery Mannanam in 1897 by "Albhutha Mathai ", pursuant to a revelation. This portrait is mounted in a decorated waft of great artistic value.
The Relic of Apostle St. Thomas enshrined here was brough from "Ortona" in Italy by Pope John Paul II in November 1999. Special Novena prayers are held on Friday evenings to venerate the Relic. Devotees who aspire for jobs in foreign countries seek the intercession of the Apostle here.
The seven storied Kerala lamp burning in front of the Relic denotes the integration of seven Christian Communities founded by the Apostle. Pouring coconut oil in this lamp is a sacred practice here. The archives of Kokkamangalam are also an attraction with historians, pilgrims and tourists.
The principal feast of Kokkamangalam the "Puthunjayar Thirunal " is observed on the first Sunday after Easter. Thousands of people irrespective of caste and creed participate in the feast. The celebration begins on Thursday and concludes on Sunday. The colorful procession of the feast is a special attraction.
The feast of July 3rd "Dukharana " marking the martyrdom of St.Thomas is also celebrated with great devotion. Offerings of "Pachor Nercha " are distributed among the devotees.
The "Thiruseship Prathishta Thirunal" celebrated on every 13th of November commemorate the enshrining of the Relic attracts people from India and abroad.
About Kokkamangalam
Kokkamangalam's enchanting evergreen landscape forms the part of Kerala state in Southern India. It has been a centre attracting pilgrims and historians for the last two millennia. Kokkamangalam is situated midway on Cochin-Kumarakom International tourism route. Tourists can reach Kokkamangalam by road from Cherthala town. The nearest railway station is at Cherthala. The Cochin International Airport is 70 kilometers from Kokkamangalam. The 40 kilometer boat cruise from Cochin to Kokkamangalam through Vembanad Lake is a great experience with lagoons, heritage fishing nets, coconut plantations etc.
Local attractions include picnic boating at Kokkamangalam. The long view of "Vembanad Lakeexpans" with green margin of coconut palms is also considered a must see. Kokkamangalam village itself is a place of traditional coconut processing cottage industry and numerous small coir spinning units. Thannirmukkom saltwater barrier, Pathiramanal Island, Kumarakom bird sanctuary are among the places of interest nearby.
External Links
Kokkamangalam Church