St.Thomas Syro Malabar church in Palayur is one of the ancient churches in Kerala established in A.D 52 by St. Thomas himself, who is one among the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He landed on Indian soil in Kodungallur, earlier known as “Muziris” and preached the gospel of God to the high-caste Brahmins. Once he took a boat from Muziris to Palayur to see the Jewish members of this region. At that time Palayur was filled with Jews and Hindus.
There is a beautiful legend behind the conversion of the Brahmins in this region. It is believed that St. Thomas noticed the offerings and prayers of the Brahmins in Thalikulam village in the form of Tharpanam to the sun god. St. Thomas challenged the Brahmins saying that the water they are throwing is just falling back into the tank without being accepted by their God, whereas if he threw water his God will accept and will not let it fall back to the tank. He performed the miracle in front of the Hindu Brahmins and they converted to Christianity.
The church was built incorporating a deserted old Hindu temple in the region, thus the church has an architectural infusion of typical Kerala patterns and Persian Church plan with its roof rising like a tower. The entrance to the church was much like the Hindu Mandapam. Unfortunately, the old church was destroyed by a fire, when the army of Tipu Sultan invaded Kerala. Subsequently, the church was rebuilt in the 18th century retaining the main altar sanctified by St. Thomas.
As being one among the seven churches built by St. Thomas in Kerala, this Palayur church is rather historically significant and depicts the growth of Christianity in Kerala. The architectural peculiarity and historical reference make the church a must-visit pilgrim center in Thrissur district.
Contact Details
St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church
Palayoor Road, Palayoor,
Trichur District, Chavakkad,
Kerala 680506
