Nadamel St Mary's Church

St. Mary's Nadamel Marth Mariam Church, under the holy see of Patriarch of Antioch and all the East located at the centre of royal town Tripunithura in India, was founded around 12th century AD by parishioners of Karingachira Church. The church was established on land donated by Valamthuruthy Bhattathiri whose illam (joint family) was afflicted by an illness which it is said was cured through the intercession of the Holy Virgin. For centuries, this family used to donate coconut oil for lighting lamps during the festival of Makaram 15th.

The altar of the Church bears beautiful carvings announcing its relation with the ancient artistic as well as religious importance. The Throne Room - the resting room of Holy Fathers, is decorated with monumental furniture - another important sight reflecting aesthetic scene. Nadamel church was patronised by the Cochin royal family. Whenever a new highness ascended the throne (on the 11th day after the demise of the departed Highness), he would make an offering called sharkara thattu veypu in person at the church. It was customary for the Royal Highnesses of Cochin to meet the bishops and leaders of the Syrian Christian community at the church building to the south of this church.

At present the church has 800 member families. http://www.syrianchurch.org/ch/NadamelChurch.htm http://www.nadamelchurch.org/