Renovation of Thiruvithamcode Arappally: One of the Oldest Churches in the World

Time of India

30-05-2025

The church is believed to have been consecrated by the apostle St Thomas
Nanjinad, a historic region once described as the rice bowl of Thiruvithamcode, encompasses the present day villages of Agastheeswaram, Thovalai and Kalkulam in Kanyakumari district.
And it is home to, arguably, one of the oldest churches in the world, which is now undergoing a renovation. The Thiruvithamcode Arappally, or Thomayar Kovil, believed to have been consecrated by the apostle St Thomas, circa AD 63, is an almost 2,000-year-old church, officially known as St Mary's Church. The apostle is said to have arrived in India at Muziris Port circa AD 52 and embarked upon his evangelical quest of south India, covering Palayur, Niranam and Kollam, and eventually landing in Thiruvithamcode.
Legend has it that the King of Venad, Nedum Cheralathan, a Chera ruler, had supported the apostle and 64 of his disciples with land to build settlements in these parts. At their request, they were offered a patch of land near the palace, to serve as the site for a place of worship. The original church, built under the king's patronage, had undergone rebuilding over many centuries, but retained the architectural sensibilities prevalent at the time of its creation.
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It was built using granite (karingal) blocks, and during reconstruction, crafted with a multi-tipped chisel — a technique believed to be introduced to Kerala following the arrival of foreign explorers in the 16th century.
The church, where daily prayers are held, mirrors the aesthetics of traditional Hindu temples – replete with a Sreekovil i.e. sanctum sanctorum or innermost chamber where a deity's idol is enshrined, and a mandapam (foyer).
The exteriors feature terracotta roof tiles, while the mandapam is framed with latticework, and there are super-sized oil lamps carved out of stone nearby. This site is believed to be part of the Ezharappallikal (seven churches and four half-churches) grouping, founded by St Thomas, in the first century.
Making sense of the origin of the shrine's name Arappally – it's not exactly a half-church, literally – takes a little bit of digging around.
'
The shrine is called a royal church, as it has connotations with the Tamil word Arasan, which means king,' says Reverend Barsleebi Ramban, the vicar and manager of the church. 'It was built with the support of the royals. It is also known as Tharusayikkal Church, and refers to the Tarissa Chettikal, a Christian trader community of Thiruvithamcode that had sought the reconstruction of the church many centuries ago.
' Apart from the Thiruvithamcode Arappally in
Tamil Nadu
, there are three royal churches (Arappallikal) located in Malayattoor, Mylacombu, and Aruvithura in Kerala.
Like many historic sites, the Arappally has not been immune to the ravages of time and neglect. Many artefacts that had been part of the church have been lost over the years. In 1941, when the church was found in an almost ruined state, the late Reverend Koottumkal Geevarghese Ramban took it upon himself to restore it to a state of prayer-worthiness.
'All that remain are the baptismal font (a receptacle for holy water) made of granite, which dates back to the days of the original church, located within the antechamber; a stone trough near the exit on the western wall, which served as a spot for the priests to wash their feet before entering the church; a holy casket; a Portuguese hanging lamp; and a panchaloha thurible (censer to burn incense).
On the southern wall, a cross said to be carved by St Thomas is fixed.
There is also a two millennia old well, which never dries up,' says the Vicar, who adds water from the well is said to be holy by the devout.
Renovation of the Thiruvithamcode Arappally at 1 crore has begun, funded by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which maintains the site. 'There are no structural changes being made to the church, but there are plans for expansion of the museum located within the heritage centre adjacent to it, which houses ancient coins, a mill stone, and gifts to the church such as a 15th century wooden table.'
The church was proclaimed an international St Thomas Pilgrim Centre in 2007.
But there's also the question of why such heritage sites are not designated protected monuments. The answer lies in the fact that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has certain criteria when it comes to designating monuments historically important. 'The monuments or buildings should not have undergone any structural modifications. Many places of worship like temples, churches and mosques lose their historical relevance owing to constant renovations and modifications, a result of these sites being continuously used by the public,' says D Dayalan, former director of monuments at ASI.
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