About Palayoor Mahatirtha (St Thomas Church)

The St Thomas Syro-Malabar Church at Palayoor in Thrissur district, Kerala, is believed to be one of the seven churches established by Apostle Thomas himself when he arrived on the Malabar Coast in 52 CE — making it the oldest Christian church in India still in worship. Palayoor was originally a Brahmin settlement, and tradition holds that Thomas converted the entire local Brahmin community here — the 'Nasrani' (Nazarene) or Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala trace their lineage directly to this event. The site is called a 'Mahatirtha' (great pilgrimage) and is one of the Ezharappallikal (seven-and-a-half churches). The current church structure was rebuilt in the 17th century in Portuguese style, but the site's continuous Christian worship spans nearly 2,000 years. The adjacent Mar Thoma Sliva, a granite pillar with an ancient Persian cross, dates to at least the 8th century.

Apostle Thomas is traditionally said to have landed at Muziris (Kodungallur) in 52 CE and founded seven churches: Palayoor, Kokkamangalam, Kollam, Niranam, Nilackal, Kottakavu (Paravur), and Kollam — with Thiruvithamcode as the 'half' church. Thomas was martyred in Mylapore (Chennai) in 72 CE.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Local taxis and autos are available near the shrine area.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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