The Malayattoor of Malabar

Why Kottathalachi?

Malayattoor is the most popular Christian pilgrim centre in Travancore, South Kerala, in the name of St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ. Kottathalachi is the Malayattoor of Malabar since it also follows a similar pattern and mode of pilgrimage and worship, especially every Friday, Good Friday, and Low Sunday.

Prayers and Observances

People from various places and neighboring districts trek to Kottathalachi on these occasions to fulfill their observance. The ritual starts with the ‘Way of the Cross’ from Anakuzhi, the main branch base of the mount. The Chapel and its premises are now under the jurisdiction of Holy Cross Church Choorappadavu. When the Way of the Cross Procession reaches the top of the mount, it is followed by the Holy Mass. People from various sects, casts, and denominations arrive and participate in these programs every year.

A Haven for the Hopeless

Catholics from North Kerala rarely go to Malayattoor to fulfill their Holy Week observance. Instead, they visit Kottathalachi Kurisumala and accomplish their wishes. Desperate human beings, despite religious variance, climb/crawl this mount because they have heard that Mount Kottathalachi is a haven for the hopeless. This is how Kottathalachi came to be known as the Malayattoor of Malabar!

The parish council and the Kottathalachi Development Society go hand in hand to meet people’s expectations.