The church was founded in 835 AD, making it over 1,100 years old.
The famous statue of St. Sebastian housed here is traditionally believed to have been brought from Portugal in the 17th century.
The church serves as a pilgrimage center for the St. Sebastian's Forane Church, a key administrative hub for the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
The annual feast of St. Sebastian in January is among the largest religious gatherings in the Kottayam district.
It is historically connected to the ancient Christian traditions of the St. Thomas Christians, who date their origins to the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD.
St. Mary's Syro-Malabar Church in Athirampuzha is one of the oldest and most historically significant shrines in Kerala, established in 835 AD. It is widely recognized as a major center for St. Sebastian devotion in the region. The architecture blends traditional Kerala styles with colonial influences, reflecting the evolution of the St. Thomas Christian community. The church is famous for its annual feast, known as the 'Athirampuzha Perunnal,' which draws thousands of devotees. It holds an ancient statue of St. Sebastian, believed by the local community to have been brought from Portugal. The site serves as a functioning parish church under the Archeparchy of Kottayam. It remains a primary destination for pilgrims seeking intercession, particularly during the feast month of January.
The church facade from the main courtyard provides the clearest view of the traditional architecture.
Visit during the annual feast in January to experience the scale of local cultural and religious traditions.
Respect the ongoing liturgical services and avoid walking through the main aisle during active prayer.
Photography is generally permitted in the courtyard but always seek permission before photographing the interior or parishioners.
Avoid visiting during mass if you are not participating in the service, as the building can be very crowded.
Extremely crowded during the annual St. Sebastian feast period in January.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Remove footwear before entering the sanctuary. Maintain silence inside.
