St George Orthodox Church popularly known as Chandanapalli Valiapally,
is one among the important churches in Asia devoted to Saint Gee Varghese
Sahada. Located 10 Km from Pathanamthitta on Ezhakulam Kaipatoor route,
this large pilgrim center houses the relics of the saint. The original
church, built during the 17th century was demolished by fire and a new
church was built in 1875 which was again reconstructed in 2000. Constructed
in Indo-Saracenic architecture, the new church structure resembles St
Peter's Basilica in Rome. In the church premise, there is a Kalkurishu
(cross, cut from stone) which has carvings of saints and angels and it
is believed that heart felt prayers with lighted candles will bring abundant
blessings. The cross was constructed on September 14th and every year
on that day a feast is held in commemoration. The important feast of the
church, that attracts lakhs of pilgrim, is celebrated annually from May
1st to 7th. Chembuduppu, i.e the rice cooked in copper pot, is a special
ceremony connected with the festival. This cooked rice along with the
pot is carried in a procession and is distributed among the pilgrims.
It is believed that one can recover from sickness, by consuming this rice.
Contact address:
St. George Orthodox Valiapally
Chandanapally, Pathanamthitta, Pin- 689648
Phone: 0468 2251246
|
Kerala 
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