Malayatoor Perunal is one of the famous religious events in Kochi which is celebrated in the months of March or April every year. This event takes place in the historic Church at Malayatoor which is around 52 km from the city of Kochi.
The Sunday that comes after the Easter is the day when the event of Malayatoor Perunal is celebrated in Kochi. The St. Thomas Catholic Church, with the apostle of Christ, houses the grand celebration of this religious festival near Kochi. This Church is located on the 2000 feet high Malayatoor hill.
History of Malayatoor Perunal
According to the local beliefs, it is said that St. Thomas visited the church in 52 AD and offered his prayers to Jesus Christ. The hill, on which the Church is located, still holds the footprints of the Apostle. It is said that St. Thomas first established the Christian
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in Kochi. In order to pay homage to the Apostle, thousands of devotees visit the church on the day of Malayatoor Perunal.
Rituals of Malayatoor Perunal
On the first Sunday after Easter large number of people walk up to the Malayatoor hill while chanting prayers. In fact such is the popularity of this religious festival of Kochi that devotees from all over the world come to the St. Thomas church in the months of March or April to take part in the event.
Reaching the Church
The roadways of Cochin connect the church conveniently with all parts of the city. Also, the Angamaly rail head is only 17 km from the Malayatoor church. Those who are coming from outside India can avail the air travel facilities of Cochin as the international airport of the city is just 15 km from the church.
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