Arthat St. Mary's Simhasana Church
Arthat St. Mary's Simhasana Church, also known as Arthat Valiyapally, is one of the most ancient and historically significant Christian shrines in India. It is believed to have been established by St. Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD, making it a cornerstone of the Malankara Orthodox Syri an Church. The church has survived numerous historical upheavals, including attacks by Tipu Sultan's forces in the late 18th century. The blood of martyrs is said to have stained the altar during these invasions, leading to parts of it being preserved with great reverence. The church is centrally located in Arthat, a village that was once a major Jewish settlement, which explains the early Christian presence in the area. The current structure, though renovated, retains the grandeur of ancient Syrian Christian architecture. It serves as the "Thalappally" (Head Church) for many other churches in the Kunnamkulam diocese. Pilgrims from all over the world visit Arthat to seek blessings and to witness the historic "Padiyola" (resolutions) that defined the independent identity of the Malankara Church. The serene atmosphere of the church, combined with its massive stone walls and traditional oil lamps, creates a sense of divine peace. The cemetery adjacent to the church is also of historical importance, housing the remains of several eminent church leaders. Arthat remains a symbol of faith and resilience for the Syrian Christian community in Kerala.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration: 1 to 1. 5 HoursPlace Type:
Category: Religious & PilgrimageEntry Fees:
Timing:
Special Events:
Feast of St. Mary.
Annual Perunnal: Celebrated in September with grand processions and community feasts.
Good Friday: Observed with traditional rituals and thousands of devotees. ...Feast of St. Mary.
Annual Perunnal: Celebrated in September with grand processions and community feasts.
Good Friday: Observed with traditional rituals and thousands of devotees.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots: Main Facade.
Exterior: The towering white walls against the blue sky.
Altar: The intricately carved wooden altar (with permission).
Church Bell: The massive ...Photo Spots: Main Facade.
Exterior: The towering white walls against the blue sky.
Altar: The intricately carved wooden altar (with permission).
Church Bell: The massive bronze bells in the belfry.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Prayer and Pilgrimage.
Attend Mass: Experience the ancient Syriac liturgy.
History Walk: Visit the memorial of the martyrs.
Architecture Tour: Admire the massive wooden altars and carvings.
Cemetery Visit: See the historic graves of Syrian Christian bishops.
Meditation: Sit in the quiet pews for spiritual reflection.
Photography: Capture the grand facade of the church exterior.
Library: Check if the parish library is open for historical documents.
Local Walk: Explore the surrounding Arthat village. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Apostolic Origin. St.
Thomas Tradition: One of the oldest Christian communities in the world.
Historical Milestone: Famous for the Arthat Padiyola of 1806, asserting church independence. ...Apostolic Origin. St.
Thomas Tradition: One of the oldest Christian communities in the world.
Historical Milestone: Famous for the Arthat Padiyola of 1806, asserting church independence. -
Architecture:
Indo-Syrian Style.
Structural Detail: Features massive granite walls and a traditional Kerala-style wooden roof.
Dimensions: The main hall is approx 120 feet long and 40 feet wide with a high vaulted ceiling. ...Indo-Syrian Style.
Structural Detail: Features massive granite walls and a traditional Kerala-style wooden roof.
Dimensions: The main hall is approx 120 feet long and 40 feet wide with a high vaulted ceiling. -
How To Reach:
Road Connection.
By Air: Cochin International Airport (83 KMS).
By Train: Guruvayur Railway Station (10 KMS).
By Road: Buses run frequently from Guruvayur to Kunnamkulam.
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Near Tourist Places:
1. Kunnamkulam Town (1. 5 KMS), 2. Guruvayur Temple (10 KMS), 3. Palayur Church (6 KMS), 4. Ariyannur Caves (8 KMS), 5. Punnathur Kotta (11 KMS), 6. Chavakkad Beach (14 KMS), 7. Mammiyoor Temple (10 KMS), 8. Thrissur City (25 KMS), 9. Porkkulam Cave (5 KMS), 10. Akkikkavu (5 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Dress Code.
Health & Safety: Maintain silence and respect religious sentiments.
Packing: Modest clothing is mandatory for entry.
Cash: ATMs available in nearby Kunnamkulam town.
Reviews
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