Mar Thoma Pontificial Shrine |
Preambles:
It is known from historical evidences as well as from living traditions of the people that St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, landed on November 21, 52 A.D. at Kodungallur, adjacent to Azhicode, then known as Musiris, in Kerala. Even today Christians in Kerala are known and are proud to be called after their Father-in-faith as St. Thomas Christians-Marthoma Christhianikal. |
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The Importance Of Azhicode In The History Of Christanity In India :
Although no serious scientific studies are done to locate the exact spot of the landing of the Apostle, Azhicode adjacent to Kodungallur is believed to be the Cradle of Christianity in India. It is from this place that Christianity spread its tentacles to the other parts of India.
The place derived its name, Azhicode from Azhimugham meaning-opening to sea. It is at Azhicode that river periyar empties itself into the Arabian Sea.
The Significance Of Marthoma Pontifical Shrine :
It was only a providential co-incidence that Azhicode, the site where St.Thomas landed, was selected by the Devamatha Province of the C.M.I. Congregation to build a beautiful Shrine known as Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine in the model of Vatican in 1953 in connection with the 19th centenary celebrations of the landing of St. Thomas in this vicinity. |
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The Sacred Relic of the Right Fore-Arm of St. Thomas, the Apostle was brought from Orthona, Italy and en-shrined it in this Shrine by His Eminence Late Eugene Cardinal Tisserant, then the Prefect of Oriental Congregation, on Dec.6,1953. Subsequently the Shrine attracts pilgrims from all over, irrespective of cast, colour or creed.
The great historical landing of St. Thomas in India is being commemorated as a Solemn Feast of Marthoma’s Entrance to Bharata on November every year at this Shrine with all gaity and devotions under the auspices of the Devamatha Province of C.M.I. Congregation.
The Hall Marks Of The Developmental History Of The Shrine:
The Enshrining of the Sacred Relic of St. Thomas, the Apostle has been realized by Late Eugene Cardinal Tisserant on Dec. 6, 1953. In 1972 a Chapel was constructed for the benefit of the pilgrims. In 1975 a small cottage was erected for the residential priests here. In 1978 a hospital has started functioning for the benefit of poor fishermen around here. It was on 1985 that a specialized medical center for the treatment of Psychiatric patients had its beginning.
In 1987 with the arrival of Cardinal Lourdeswamy then the Prefect of Oriental Congregation some significant modificational works at the Shrine were undertaken. In 1989 family quarters for the doctors started functioning. In 1990’s significant infra-structure facilities were added to the Shrine – Complex, such as canteen facilities, dining and other basic requirements, recreational facilities etc. Two fibre glass boats are made available for the pilgrims for the site-seeing purposes. In 1993 Marthoma Pilgrim Resort Centre started functioning. In 1994 new priest quarters were constructed. In 1996 substantial modificational works at the Chapel connected to the Marthoma Sannidhi were undertaken. It was on March 5, 2005 that one of our dream-projects called Marthoma Smruthi Tharangam Digital Show was blessed, commissioned and dedicated to the people of India.
Marthoma Sannidhi
Marthoma Sannidhi is derived from Sanskrit language alluding to the vivid and venerable presence of St. Thomas by his mortal remains. It is here the Holy relic of St. Thomas the Apostle of Jesus is enshrined for the public veneration. Sannidhi will be opened to the faithful every day on request, so that they can pay their tribute and reverence to their Father-in-Faith at a closer distance.
Marthoma Mandapam
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Marthoma Mandapam is a mini-sanctuary inside of the Chapel of the Shrine situated adjacent to Marthoma Sannidhi where the Holy Relics of His (Marthoma) Blessed sons & daughters who are born, lived & died on this land. Thus the faithful have a unique opportunity to venerate and express their love and affection to their Father-in-faith and to all Malayali blessed, namely Chavara Kuriakose, Alphonsa, Mariam Thressia, Kunjachan & Euphressia. All are welcome to this unique mini-sanctuary at Marthoma Pontifical Shrine.
Special Features
- The Holy Relic of St. Thomas will be exposed daily from 9 am. to 6 pm for the veneration of the faithful with befitting briefing.
- Special Mediatory Prayer services (Novena Prayers), for a particular intention will be conducted at request at 7.30 am and 4 pm on every Sunday.
- Solemn Liturgical Celebrations with Holy Qurbana will be celebrated on pre-arranged basis on every Sunday at 3 p.m.
- A special economy-programme of Marthoma Smruthi Tharangam Light & Sound Show will be arranged for the pilgrims on request at 5 p.m. after the Holy Qurbana on every Sunday.
- A week-long celebration under the title Marthoma’s Entrance to Bharatha will be held every year culminating on November 21, or the Sunday after, at the Marthoma Nagar.
- Boating facilities are available at the Marthoma Gate on the river Periyar for the pilgrims on a moderate rate.
- A dining hall/ mini auditorium is made available for the pilgrims
- Accommodations are arranged on request for the pilgrims at a reasonable cost.
- A moderately furnished canteen and sufficiently equipped cool bar are always at the disposal of the pilgrims.
- Marthoma Stall is under the service of the pilgrims daily from 8.30 am – 6 pm to meet the needs of buying mementos and pious articles.
- Moderate facilities are available at the pilgrim center to meet all the basic needs of the pilgrims.
Rectors
Rectors – the persons who were responsible for the Shrine affairs through the years.
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The Present Rector
Fr. J.B. Puthoor – Rector
THE PRESENT ADDRESS :
Fr. Rector,
Marthoma Pontifical Shrine
Marthoma Nagar,
Azhicode Jetty P.O.,
Kodungallur, Thrissur – 680 666,
Kerala, India.
Phone : 0480 – 2819358, 2819149
E-Mail : marthomalayamindia@hotmail.com
Website : marthomalayamindia.org
How to reach here
From the North : you arrive at Trichur, and from there buses run every 5 minute to Kodungallur (running time 1.5 hours. Distance 40 kms.). From Kodungallur 6 km. to Azhicode Jetty. Buses every 15 minutes.
From the South : buses from Alwaye to Kodungallur (Distance 25 Kms) or shorter, buses arrive at Munambam across the river. Ferry boats ply every 20 minutes taking you to the shrine side.
……..Always ask for Marthoma Shrine, Azhicode and not St. Thomas Church………
