Malayattoor Perunnal (Malayattoor St. Thomas Church)

About this event

Malayattoor Perunnal, also known as Puthunjayar, is the annual feast and pilgrimage associated with the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church at Malayattoor in Ernakulam district. Celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, the feast is one of Kerala’s major Christian pilgrimages and draws thousands of devotees to Malayattoor and the hill shrine of Kurisumudi. The pilgrimage is rooted in the Christian tradition that St. Thomas the Apostle visited Kerala in the first century and spent time in prayer at Malayattoor. Kerala Tourism notes that the historical details of St. Thomas’s activities in Kerala remain a matter of tradition and scholarly discussion; the Malayattoor shrine, however, has long been associated with his memory and devotion. The hilltop shrine is known as Kurisumudi, meaning Hill of the Cross, and its sacred landscape includes the Golden Cross and rocks bearing marks traditionally believed to be the footprints and knee marks of St. Thomas. The ascent of Kurisumudi is itself an important expression of devotion. Pilgrims traditionally climb the hill carrying wooden crosses, stones or other symbolic offerings and chanting prayers, with the route including 14 Stations of the Cross. The climb begins from the foothills and leads through the forested hill landscape to the shrine, where pilgrims gather for prayer and worship. Kerala Tourism describes Kurisumudi as a hillock formed by eight rocks, with the Aana Kuthiya Pally and facilities for pilgrims at the summit. The main church at Malayattoor, situated near the Periyar River, is distinct from the hill shrine and serves as the parish church. The present church is noted for its Greco-Roman architectural character, while the wider pilgrimage centre includes the Marthoma Mandapam, where relics associated with St. Thomas are preserved. The Malayattoor shrine was declared an international shrine by the Vatican in 2004, recognising its importance as a historic Christian pilgrimage centre associated with the tradition of St. Thomas. During the feast season, Malayattoor becomes a major gathering place for pilgrims, with the village taking on a festive atmosphere as devotees undertake the hill pilgrimage. The combination of worship, prayer, the symbolic carrying of crosses and the demanding ascent gives Malayattoor Perunnal a distinctive character within Kerala’s religious heritage. The pilgrimage is therefore best experienced as a devotional journey rather than simply as a scenic hill walk, with the landscape and physical effort forming an integral part of the religious tradition.

🚆 Railway: Angamaly Railway Station — approximately 17 km from Malayattoor, according to Kerala Tourism.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery — approximately 15 km from Malayattoor.

🚌 Bus: Malayattoor is accessible by road from Angamaly, Kalady and Perumbavoor. During the pilgrimage season, local transport arrangements may vary, so visitors should check current services and access restrictions before travelling.

🏨 Stay: Accommodation is available in Malayattoor and nearby areas. Kerala Tourism lists Hotel Malayattoor Residency in Malayattoor, along with homestays and hotels in the surrounding region.

✅ Notes: The principal feast, Puthunjayar, is held on the Sunday after Easter. The Kurisumudi ascent is a devotional pilgrimage and includes Stations of the Cross; the hill climb is approximately 3 km and reaches about 1,269 feet according to Kerala Tourism. Visitors undertaking the climb should be prepared for a physically demanding ascent and follow the shrine’s instructions and crowd-management arrangements during the feast.