Edathua St. George Forane Church
The Edathua St. George Forane Church is one of the most significant and visually stunning religious landmarks in the Kuttanad region. Established in 1810, this massive shrine is situated on the banks of a branch of the Pamba River, standing as a beacon of faith for thousands of devotees across Sout h India. The church is dedicated to St. George, who is locally revered for his powers of healing, particularly for those suffering from mental ailments and skin diseases. The structure is so large and imposing that it can be seen from quite a distance across the flat paddy fields of Kuttanad. It serves as the spiritual heart of the local Christian community, but its influence extends far beyond, drawing pilgrims of all faiths. The church complex is vast, featuring a large courtyard that can accommodate thousands of people during the annual feast. Inside, the atmosphere is one of profound solemnity and peace, with the high ceilings and ornate decorations creating a sense of divine grandeur. The church has played a pivotal role in the social and cultural history of the region, often serving as a sanctuary during floods and a center for community gathering. The scenic location by the river adds a layer of natural beauty to the spiritual experience, with the reflection of the white walls in the blue water creating a picturesque scene. For visitors, the church offers not just a religious site but a historical journey into the evolution of Syrian Christian traditions in Kerala. The nearby river banks are often busy with local life, adding a vibrant backdrop to the tranquil church grounds. It is a place where history, architecture, and faith converge in a uniquely Kuttanadan setting, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the Alappuzha district.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Pilgrimage & HeritageEntry Fees:
Entry to the Edathua Church is Free for all visitors regardless of nationality or religion.
Donations: While there is no fee, visitors can choose to make voluntary donations to the church fund.
Special Rituals: There might be nomin...Entry to the Edathua Church is Free for all visitors regardless of nationality or religion.
Donations: While there is no fee, visitors can choose to make voluntary donations to the church fund.
Special Rituals: There might be nominal costs associated with specific religious services or offerings like "Nercha" (offerings) during festival times, usually starting from Rs.50.Timing:
The church is generally open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
Regular Timings: Holy Mass is usually held at 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and more frequently on Sundays.
Ideal Visit Time: For a peaceful experience, visit between 1...The church is generally open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
Regular Timings: Holy Mass is usually held at 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and more frequently on Sundays.
Ideal Visit Time: For a peaceful experience, visit between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. For a more spiritual vibe, the evening prayer time around 6:30 PM is ideal.Special Events:
The Edathua Perunnal is the highlight of the year.
Massive Procession: On the main feast day, the statue of St. George is taken out in a grand procession accompanied by thousands of devotees and traditional music.
Trade Fair: A ma...The Edathua Perunnal is the highlight of the year.
Massive Procession: On the main feast day, the statue of St. George is taken out in a grand procession accompanied by thousands of devotees and traditional music.
Trade Fair: A massive fair is organized on the church grounds during these days, selling everything from household goods to traditional Kerala snacks, making it a major social event for the entire Kuttanad region.Best Photo Spots:
The church is a photographer's delight.
The River Front: Taking a photo from the opposite bank of the river captures the entire church reflecting in the water.
The Main Facade: The front of the church with its towering gables is be...The church is a photographer's delight.
The River Front: Taking a photo from the opposite bank of the river captures the entire church reflecting in the water.
The Main Facade: The front of the church with its towering gables is best photographed during the morning light.
The Grand Altar: Interior shots focusing on the intricate gold work of the altar are spectacular, provided photography is allowed at the time.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Visiting this church offers a mix of spiritual and scenic activities.
Attend Mass: Experience the traditional Syrian Christian liturgy held in Malayalam.
Candle Lighting: Join the devotees in lighting candles at the grotto for special intentions.
Explore the Courtyard: Walk around the massive grounds to appreciate the scale of the architecture.
River Watching: Sit by the banks of the Pamba River and watch the country boats pass by.
Photography: Capture the church facade, especially during the sunset when it glows against the sky.
Visit the Museum: Some historical relics are kept in a small display area within the parish house.
Shopping for Souvenirs: Br...
Information
-
Why Famous:
The church is world-famous for its annual feast, the Edathua Perunnal, held from April 27th to May 7th.
Healing Center: It is renowned as a miraculous healing center, where people bring offerings of gold and silver in the shape of body parts that have been cured. <...The church is world-famous for its annual feast, the Edathua Perunnal, held from April 27th to May 7th.
Healing Center: It is renowned as a miraculous healing center, where people bring offerings of gold and silver in the shape of body parts that have been cured.
Cultural Synthesis: The church is also famous for its cultural inclusivity, as many devotees from neighboring states like Tamil Nadu visit during the festival, often performing rituals that blend local traditions with Christian faith, such as the colorful procession of the gold-decked statue of St. George. -
Architecture:
Architecture and Layout: The architecture of the Edathua Church is famously reminiscent of the medieval cathedrals of Europe, featuring a blend of Gothic and local Kerala styles.
Structure Dimensions: The main hall is vast, with a length of ...Architecture and Layout: The architecture of the Edathua Church is famously reminiscent of the medieval cathedrals of Europe, featuring a blend of Gothic and local Kerala styles.
Structure Dimensions: The main hall is vast, with a length of approximately 150 feet and a height that exceeds 50 feet, supported by massive pillars and arches.
The Altar: The grand altar is a masterpiece of wood carving and gold leaf work, measuring roughly 30 feet in height. It is intricately designed with scenes from the Bible and figures of saints. The exterior features a prominent bell tower and a facade with multiple niches housing statues, showcasing the European influence on the region's ecclesiastical buildings. -
How To Reach:
Edathua is easily accessible from major towns in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta.
By Air: Cochin International Airport is about 110 KM away. Travelers can take a taxi or a bus to Alappuzha and then a local bus to Edathua.
By Train: T... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Chakkulathukavu Temple (5 KM), 2. Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple (10 KM), 3. Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple (20 KM), 4. Niranam Church (9 KM), 5. Haripad Subrahmanya Swamy Temple (13 KM), 6. Karumadikuttan Statue (15 KM), 7. Thakazhi Museum (10 KM), 8. Krishnapuram Palace (30 KM), 9. Alappuzha Backwaters (23 KM), 10. Pandalam Palace (35 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Respect the local customs during your visit.
Dress Code: Wear modest clothing; avoid shorts or sleeveless tops as it is a place of worship.
Photography: Always seek permission before taking photos of the interiors or during a reli...
Reviews
Edathua St. George Forane Church Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations(891+) of Kerala Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Alappuzha Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Aymanam Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Champakulam St. Mary's Forane Church
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Changanassery Boat Jetty
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cheepunkal Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Edathua St. George Forane Church
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kanjippadam Backwaters
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Karumadikuttan Statue
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Kidangamparampu Sree Bhuvaneswari Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities