Arthunkal Church in Alleppey

In the Indian state of Kerala, the coastal village of Arthunkal serves as a significant pilgrimage site. For hundreds of thousands of believers, both of Christian and other faiths, the town is a sacred place. The town is well-known for its numerous churches and is a great choice for anyone looking for a place of worship. Even though it is a church now, people of all religions still come here, and the church serves as a good example of peace and tolerance.

History of Arthunkal Church in Alleppey

The Arthunkal Church, also known as St. Andrew's Church, is one of the most well-known Christian pilgrimage sites in all of Kerala. People of various faiths visit the church when they travel to Arthunkal. The Church is named for St. Andrew the Apostle. The Arthunkal Church, which lies in the Alappuzha area and was constructed in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, is well-known for its beauty.

Christians are thought to have lived in Arthunkal before the seventh century, and in 1530, after the Portuguese had visited Kerala, Jesuit missionaries began their work there. Christians and missionaries fought tooth and nail from 1560 to 1581 to gain the king of Muthedath's approval to construct a church. St Andrews was finally constructed on November 30 by utilizing wood and coconut palm fronds.

Fr. Gasper Pius S.J., who played a significant part in securing funding for the construction of the Arthunkal Church, was appointed as the church's first vicar. Fr. Jaicomo Fenicio assumed leadership of the Arthunkal Church in 1584, following the death of Fr. Gasper Pius. Then, Fr. Jaicomo Fenicio requested the king's approval to use stones and lime to construct the new church. Fenicio was a beloved individual, and after his death, his body was interred inside the church.

10-day festival of Arthunkal Perunnal

A 10-day festival of Arthunkal Perunnal, the feast of St. Sebastian, is organized starting in January. On the festival's last day, there is an unusual ritual where the attending devotees crawl on their knees from the beach up to the church. This ritual is followed by a procession that takes everyone to the beach. At this festival, devotees pour in from all around the state.