Kokkamangalam

Kokkamangalam is a town in Kerala state of southwestern India. Tradition holds it to be one of the seven Christian communities in Kerala founded by the Apostle Thomas.

Kokkamangalam is situated midway between Cochin and Kumarakom. It is on the western shore of Vembanad Lake, 5 km east of the town of Cherthala, which has the nearest railway station.

History

In the first century, Kokkamangalam was a prosperous Hindu village. According to tradition, St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, landed at Kodungalloor, an ancient port on India's Malabar Coast, in the year 52. He founded Christian communities in Kokkamangalam, Kodungalloor, Kollam, Chayal, Niranam, Parur, and Palayoor before he was martyred in Mylapore. The Apostle Thomas performed a miracle in Kokkamangalam, and converted several local Hindu families to Christianity. A church was erected near the town's Hindu temple. The present church was rebuilt in 1900 on the same site.

Local attractions include picnic boating at Kokkamangalam. The long view of "Vembanad Lakeexpans" with green margin of coconut palms is also considered a must see. Kokkamangalam village itself is a place of traditional coconut processing cottage industry and numerous small coir spinning units. Thannirmukkom saltwater barrier, Pathiramanal Island, Kumarakom bird sanctuary are among the places of interest nearby. The Cochin International Airport is 70 kilometers from Kokkamangalam.

Apostle St.Thomas Pilgrim Center Kokkamangalam

St. Thomas sailed to Kokkamangalam where he preached the gospel for about an year. One thousand six hundred people embraced Christian faith through him according to the narration in "Rampan Pattu", an ancient form of Christian folk-song prevalent in Kerala. He formed a Christian community at Kokkamangalam and enshrined a Cross for the faithful. The people of Kokkamangalam and nearby places venerate St. Thomas as their beloved heavenly patron.

Kokkamangalam church which holds a midway position among the seven churches founded by St.Thomas, is in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamally. A miraculous portrait of St.Thomas is venerated here and was brought from the Carmelite Monastery Mannanam in 1897 by "Albhutha Mathai", pursuant to a revelation. This portrait is mounted in a decorated waft of great artistic value.

The Relic of Apostle St. Thomas enshrined here was brough from "Ortona" in Italy by Pope John Paul II in November 1999. Special Novena prayers are held on Friday evenings to venerate the Relic. Devotees who aspire for jobs in foreign countries seek the intercession of the Apostle here.

The seven storied Kerala lamp burning in front of the Relic denotes the integration of seven Christian Communities founded by the Apostle. Pouring coconut oil in this lamp is a sacred practice here. The archives of Kokkamangalam are also an attraction with historians, pilgrims and tourists.

The principal feast of Kokkamangalam the "Puthunjayar Thirunal" is observed on the first Sunday after Easter. Thousands of people irrespective of caste and creed participate in the feast. The celebration begins on Thursday and concludes on Sunday. The colorful procession of the feast is a special attraction.

The feast of July 3rd "Dukharana" marking the martyrdom of St.Thomas is also celebrated with great devotion. Offerings of "Pachor Nercha" are distributed among the devotees.

The "Thiruseship Prathishta Thirunal" celebrated on every 13th of November commemorate the enshrining of the Relic attracts people from India and abroad.

External Links

Kokkamangalam Church