Kerala is popular for its huge churches spread across the state. Moreover the state is dominated by orthodox Syrian Catholics and its churches have unique architecture and hoary history to talk about. One such huge church near Pampa river is Parumala Church. The mortal remains of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala, are interred in the church.
History
Parumala is a small stretch of land on the shores of the river “Pampa”. In the days of old, many Brahmin families were living on this island which has an area of about 4 square miles. For various reasons, in course of time these families left the place. However, as relics, we can still see the broken down basements of buildings, disused ponds etc. with the departure of the Brahmins, the place became almost wild, desolate area.
The famous ‘Panayannar Kavu’ was situated north of the present site of the Parumala Church. The place was rather notorious for blood-curdling sheep-slaughter and man-slaughter ostensibly in connection with black art. The horrifying atmosphere of the island was further strengthened by the hear-say that a dreaded ‘Yakshi’ (Witch) who slipped away from the hands of the priest-magician Kadamattathu Kathanar had settled there.
In those days, Rama Rayar, Peshkar (District Collector) of Quilon registered a big plot of land near panayannar kavu in his brother-in-law’s name. Sri Korula Mathen of Arikupurathu Family, A well-known resident of Pavukara was given permission to cultivate this land after registering necessary documents. In course of time, the entire stretch of land became the property of Arikupurathu family as per the ‘Vila Adharam’ (Registered Document).
In those days, Palakkunnath Mathews Mar Athanasius was staying in the Parish-house of the Niranam church, taking care of the administration of the church as Malankara Metropolitan. Thanks to the favourable attitude and intervention of the British Rulers, the Metropolitan was given special privileges and powers. He supported and followed the reformation movements in the church begun by his paternal uncle Palakkunnath Abraham Malpan. It was during these days that Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysius was ordained as Metropolitan.
Despite being the real ‘Head’ of the Malankara Church, Mar Dionysius did not have the influence or clout to confront his adversary who kept all the institutions of the church in his custody, especially in the southern regions. The Metropolitan wanted to establish a seminary in this area and submitted everything before the will of the almighty. This fervent wish was uppermost in his mind while he was staying in the Paliyekkara Church, Thiruvalla. There he met Arikupurathu Mathen Karnavar one day and the Seminary project cropped up in their conversation. Before long, the Metropolitan rode to Parumala and the generous karanavar freely donated a square plot of 30 ‘Dandhs’ area for the construction of the seminary on 13th Karkkadakam 1047 ME.
A temporary church for prayers and rites was already there in the land donated by Arikupurathu Family in 1885. This was originally built by Arikupurathu Karanavar for their spiritual needs when they fell off with the Niranam Church. The devout and prayerful Mar Gregorios wanted to rebuild this temporary church into a befitting beautiful church. The Bishop had no special capital for this. Making use of the personal gifts he received and the donations from the various parishes, he built the church and an adjoining seminary building at a cost of approximately Rs. 20,000 on 27th January 1895. On the feast day of Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Metropolitan Mar Gregorios himself conducted the temporary consecration of the church and offered the Holy Qurbana in the presence of Metropolitan Joseph Mar Dionysius.
This church is dedicated in the names of the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul. The saintly Metropolitan is buried in the northern corner of the church were the octagonal altar and the rectangular ‘Haikla’ of the church join together (the saintly Metropolitan was taken to his heavenly abode on 2nd November 1902. The Holy Episcopal Synod Canonized him as a saint in 1947).
The western face of the tomb was closed in 1910. The altar on the northern side was dedicated in the name of St. Mary and the one on the southern side in the name of St. Thomas. Subsequently all the three altars were embellished with the beautiful ‘Kdouskudisin’ golden gilt work. During this phase, in the development of the church, the then Malankara Metropolitan Vattasseril Mar Dionysius was the main organizer of the activities. Later on, Very.Rev. Punnoose Ramban (who later became the illustrious Catholicose of the East – His Holiness Baselius Geevarghese II) was the Manager of the Parumala Seminary.
On 6th June 1925, Metropolitan Yuyakkim Mar Ivanios (1858 – 1925) who used to stay in the Parumala Seminary passed away. His mortal remains were entombed close to the tomb of Parumala Thirumeni. The church at Parumala, built by Mar Gregorios could contain only 300 worshippers. Hence the church was extended towards the west in 1930, with a porch (Natakasala) and with a balcony hall above. Then the church was large enough to accommodate 800 devotees. In 1960, a pillared-hall with a dome overhead was built on the northern side of the tomb so that people could conveniently pray and make their offerings. A tower was also built on the north-west side.
Present-day Church
The leadership of the Malankara Orthodox Church was very particular that the new church at Parumala should be designed and constructed in consideration with the antiquity of the Orthodox Church and the basic customs and traditions of the people of Kerala.
Then, there arose the question as to whether the old church building should be completely demolished or whether the new church should be built very close to the old one, there by retaining the old church intact. After prolonged discussions and deliberations, it was decided to retain the Holy Altar (Sanctum Sanctorum) and the room where the mortal remains of Parumala Thirumeni are entombed (Kabar Muri) and to construct the entire church anew.
The Demolition of the old church was begun in September 1995. A new chapel was constructed at the premises of St.Gregorios Hospital, Parumala, using the wood, stone and other re-usable remains of the old church.
The work of Asian Techs Limited was over by October 1997. The water proofing of the roof of the new church was done by using fibre glass sheets between layers of the tape crete. Four roof sky lights have been constructed in the Eastern and Western walls of the new church using hand-made stained glass imported from U.S.A. Computerised acoustics studies have been made use of while fixing the sound system inside the church.
The guidance and help of the Holy Episcopal Synod, Parumala Council, and the Architecture, Engineering and building wing of the church have been greatly instrumental in the successful completion of this project. Above all the blessings of the Almighty Lord and the intercessions of Parumala Thirumeni have taken the project to a grand finale. It must also be remembered that the entire amount for the renovation of the church (Rs.400 lakhs) has been received as the offerings and donations of the devotees.
A meeting was summoned at the Catholicate Palace, Devalokam on 27th July 2000, to make necessary arrangements for the consecration ceremony of the new church. A General Committee, a Central Committee and 12 sub-committees were formed. At this meeting Sri. K. M. Mathew, Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama daily was elected as the General Convenor. Dr. Alexander Karakkal, former Vice-Chancellor was chosen the Deputy General Committee. The ideas and proposals of the various sub-committees were presented and discussed at a meeting of the Central Committee which was held at the Catholicate Palace on 10th August.
Celebrations
On the orma perunnal (commemoration day), special prayers are offered at the church. The festival day is marked by special services and a well-attended colourful procession. Devotees from all parts of the State swarm the precincts of the church to celebrate this great day.
The annual Perunnal or feast at the Parumala Church in Thiruvalla is to commemorate the death anniversary of Bishop Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the declared saint of the Malankara Orthodox Church of Kerala. The bishop is interred in the church. During the Orma Perunnal day or commemorative feast, special prayers are offered and rituals performed. There is also a ceremonial procession through the town, attended by devotees from all over the State.
Devotees converge to obtain the Lord’s grace at St. Peters & St. Pauls Orthodox Church, Parumala near Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta District Parumala is a famous centre of worship for all the religious communities in Kerala and is the largest pilgrimage centre for Christians in Kerala. During this feast, there is a ceremonial procession through the town, attended by devotees from all over the State. All prayers and related rituals are conducted here during these days with great enthusiasm. Devotees from all parts of the state attend the festival. There are cultural performances every evening. As in all other festivals typical of Kerala, the church grounds swarm with vendors and stalls, selling all kinds of things from food to utensils to jewelry.
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