Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios, buried here, was the youngest bishop in the history of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
The church is the headquarters of the Parumala Seminary, which trains candidates for the priesthood.
The annual feast, known as the 'Orma Perunnal', is observed on the first and second of November each year.
The circular structure of the current church is designed to symbolize the unity and eternity of the faith.
The church was constructed on land donated to the church in the late 1800s specifically for the seminary.
Pilgrims often participate in 'nercha', a traditional offering of food, during feast days.
Parumala Church, formally known as St. Peter's and St. Paul's Orthodox Syrian Church, is the final resting place of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios, the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The site features a distinctive circular architecture designed to accommodate large crowds during the annual feast. The tomb of the saint serves as the central focal point for pilgrims who travel here for intercessory prayers. It functions as an active seminary and a significant spiritual center in the Kerala Orthodox Church. The complex includes a modern church building constructed alongside the original historic chapel. Situated on the banks of the Pamba River, the site holds deep historical ties to the late 19th-century Orthodox movement in India.
The exterior circular facade as viewed from the entrance courtyard.
Visit during the early morning to experience the chanting and prayers before the peak heat of the day.
Carry a light scarf or shawl as it is often required to cover shoulders or heads inside the sanctuary.
Check the liturgical calendar online, as crowd levels fluctuate significantly during feast days versus regular weekdays.
Avoid visiting during the first two days of November unless you intend to participate in the high-density religious festival, as the area becomes extremely congested.
Extremely crowded during the annual 'Orma Perunnal' festival in early November; regular services occur daily.
Conservative dress is mandatory; remove footwear before entering the church interior and maintain silence near the saint's tomb.
