Manjinikkara Church

The Holy Patriarch of Anthiod, Mar Ignatius Elias III, visited India in 1931. When the famous Patriarch reached Manjinikkara, he was amazed by the beauty of the place and commented, “This place offers us much comfort; we desire to remain here permanently.” The holy man left for his heavenly abode in Manjinikkara on 13 February 1932. The holy tomb of late Ignatius Elias III was preserved at the Manjinikkara Church. As a result, the church became significant. Later this place got converted into a pilgrim centre. Orma Perunnal is the annual festival which is celebrated in February.

This unique custom of pilgrimage procession to the Saint’s tomb which began from this parish has become an annual event during the Moran’s feast days. Every year several thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the state undertook their pilgrimage procession, by walking hundreds of kilometers. They start their journey several days before the feast day and from many distant places. Now the pilgrimage that starts from the Kumarakom church is called ‘western area’ pilgrimage..
The Manjinikkara Church ( Manjinikkara Dayara) has now become one of the foremost places of pilgrimage in Kerala and among the Syrian Christians. A large number of pilgrims visit the church regularly to receive spiritual and physical healing and blessings.

    Getting there
Nearest railway station: Chengannur Railway Station, about 20 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 106 km
Google map coordinates: 6PXV+H5 Manjinikkara, Kerala