Manjinikkara church is one of the most renowned churches
in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, located at a distance of about 4 km from
Pathanamthitta town. The church is beautifully placed in the southern part of
Kerala, at an altitude of about 19 m above sea level.
The church is considered
as one of the significant and most adored churches among the Christian
community living in this region.
It is one of famed pilgrimage centers of the
state. The natural splendor of the region and the presence of this church
attract hundreds of devotees throughout the weekend. The reason behind the
significance and the popularity of the church is that it holds the tomb of Holy
Patriarch of Antioch, Mar Ignatius Elias III. After coming to this place he
stayed over here and finally died in the year 1932.
History
Manjinikkara Church located in Manjinikkara, is a popular
pilgrim centre, located at a distance of about 4 km from Pathanamthitta town.
The Holy Patriarch of Anthiod, Mar Ignatius Elias III, came to India in the
year 1931 and visited this place.
On reaching Manjinikkara, he was completely awestruck
by the natural splendor of this place and thus commented, “This place holds
such a comforting environment that we plan to reside permanently at this
place.” Finally, he left this world on 13 February 1932.
His mortal remains are
preserved in a tomb of this church, which added in making Manjinikkara church
an important one among the other churches. Later on it further got transformed
into a popular pilgrimage centre. The popular festival celebrated in this
church every year in the month of February is Ormaperunnal.
Attractions
If you are looking for a place to visit for spiritual
blessings and healings, the Manjinikkara Church in south Kerala is the perfect
place to be. The church takes a vital place among the tourist attractions that
are found in the state.
The beauty of
this church and the lush green surroundings captivates every tourist that comes
to this place. There is something mystifying as well as spiritual about this
place that allures tourists to this church from different parts of the country
along with some international tourists.
The countless attractions, evergreen
trees, clean environment, picturesque landscapes are some of the main highlights
of this place. Chief tourist attractions that are found close to this area are
scenic waterfalls, popular boat races, religious temples, sacred churches,
Aranmula Kannadi, Achakovil River, Mural Paintings and many more.
Each of these
attractions offers a unique charm to the visitors. People who are looking to
spend some time amid peaceful surroundings and scenic beauty, this place should
certainly be visited.
Best Time to Visit
Although the church can be visited throughout the year,
the appropriate times to visit Manjinikkara church is between the months of
October to March and also February, during which the festival of Ormaperunnal
is celebrated.
How to Reach
By Road: The church is easily accessible
through road from the Pathanamthitta town, located at a distance of just 4 km.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations to this
church are Chengannur (24 km) and Thiruvalla (30 km).
By Air: The nearest airport to this church is
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at a distance of about 106
km.
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